For a fledgling rocket company, every single test of a rocket engine is a crucial step toward developing an operational spacefaring rocket. Indian start-up, Skyroot Aerospace has crossed yet another milestone in developing its maiden rocket Vikram-1, by designing, developing and completing the successful test-firing of its third-stage engine, all within the Indian private sector.

For a fledgling rocket company, every single test of a rocket engine is a crucial step toward developing an operational spacefaring rocket. Indian start-up, Skyroot Aerospace has crossed yet another milestone in developing its maiden rocket Vikram-1, by designing, developing and completing the successful test-firing of its third-stage engine, all within the Indian private sector. Vikram-1 is a four-stage rocket, where the first three stages are powered by solid fuel and the final stage by a liquid-fuel engine. So far, Skyroot has completed the tests of its fourth stage(liquid-fuel) engine and now the third stage engine. According to the company, their third-stage engine was named ‘Kalam-100’, after rocket scientist and former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. In terms of specifications, this stage of Vikram-1 produces a peak vacuum thrust of 100 kN (nearly 10Tons) and has a burn time of 108 sec. The rocket stage is built with a high-strength Carbon fiber structure, solid fuel, EPDM(ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) thermal protection system, and carbon ablative nozzle. It’s a highly reliable stage with no moving parts and a high level of automation in manufacturing. #Indian Space startup @SkyrootA successfully test fired 3rd stage engine(Solid-fuel) of their maiden rocket Vikram-1 Named Kalam-100, the engine produces a peak vacuum thrust of 100kN(10Tons) & has a burn time of 108 sec@PawanKChandana told me Eng 1&2 mfg is on, launch by Dec22 pic.twitter.com/HHQo6CAxKV — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) May 19, 2022 × Queried about the other tests pending for Vikram-1 and their status, Pawan K Chandana, CO-Founder and CEO of Skyroot told WION that their first and second stage engines were being manufactured and are expected to be tested in the coming months. "So far, we have tested one solid engine and one liquid engine. We are most confident about the solid-fuel engine because the second stage and first stage engine are merely larger versions of the third stage engine. Since the initial engines (one and two) are larger and take longer to develop, we chose to develop them last" he explained. The company had hoped to perform a demo launch by 2021-end, however, that did not materialize owing to the COVID-induced disruption. Now, they have revised the maiden launch timeline for the end of 2022, whereas a launch of Customer satellites is planned for early-2023. Pawan also confirmed that the company had signed a few customers for having their satellites launched on Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket. For their advanced and larger rockets, Vikram 2&3, Skyroot is making improvements on their existing cryogenic engine(fuelled by super cooled hydrogen and oxygen) and are hoping to test-fire later this year. If the company are to meet their target and launch in 2023, it could be a significant development in the private aerospace sector, as they would be achieving the feat, barely five years after starting off. They hope to launch their rocket from India's spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, operated by the state-run Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). 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.

Watch: Indian space start-up 'Skyroot' tests rocket engine, targets maiden launch by year end

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) successfully completed the maiden static test fire of its 'HS200' rocket booster at 7:20am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This booster is a modified, human-rated version of the existing "S200" booster that is used on the Indian space agency's heaviest rocket, the GSLV Mk3. Friday's test is in line with the human-rating process, where the agency modifies the GSLV Mk3 rocket and its components for carrying astronauts. Simply put, the GSLV Mk3 rocket is a cargo hauler, meant to take satellites to space. It is now being modified and tested to be safe and suitable for carrying humans to space as part of India's Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Video?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Video</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thread?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thread</a> : That's 200+tons of Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene burning in a Rocket engine! 
Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> successfully completed test of human-rated S200 Solid-fuel Rocket booster 
2xS200 is the 1st stage of GSLVMk3 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rocket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rocket</a> that will take <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronauts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronauts</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://t.co/POJuOtvDc2">pic.twitter.com/POJuOtvDc2</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1525020220632760320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to understand the significance of the test. VSSC is the lead centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and pioneers in rocket research and launch vehicle projects for ISRO.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-plans-to-build-disha-lh-two-satellites-meant-for-studying-upper-atmosphere-477883">&nbsp;ISRO plans to build two satellites, DISHA-L&amp;H, to study upper atmosphere</a>

According to Dr Nair, their teams had been working on making changes to the S200 rocket booster since 2019 and had improvised on small components such as ignitors, digital control electronics, and even went on to develop ISRO's largest electro-mechanical actuators. In this case, the electro-mechanical actuator will be used to steer the S200 booster's thrust and eventually the rocket's travel by adjusting the nozzle's direction. Friday's ground test involved the static firing of one solid booster for a duration of 135 seconds.

"Reducing chamber pressure, ensuring it is proof-leak, robust, and achieve higher margins, etc., are some of the changes we made to the S200 to increase its reliability as part of the human-rating process," Dr Nair said when queried about the difference between the existing S200 and the human-rated version. He also added that nearly 700 parameters (such as chamber pressure, thrust, shock, vibration, etc.) were monitored during the test and that everything turned out perfect. However, he said that the entire set of data would have to be closely examined to determine if another test of the same booster would be required.

Watch |&nbsp;India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-isro-launches-eos-04-satellite-453149/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The GSLV Mk3 is a three-stage rocket, where the first stage (S200) is powered by solid fuel, the second stage (L110) is powered by liquid fuel, and the third (C25 Cryogenic stage) is powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. In a rocket such as this, the stages function like runners in a relay race. The first stage performs its part and then hands over the task to the second, the second performs its part and then hands over the task to the third. Finally, the third stage performs its task and injects the payload (satellite or human-carrying capsule) into the desired orbit.

The HS200 booster test fired on Friday was loaded with 203 tonnes of solid propellant. The booster measures 20 metres in length and 3.2 metres in diameter. It is the world’s 2nd&nbsp;largest operational booster that is fuelled by solid propellant. With the successful completion of this test, ISRO marches one more step closer to the Gaganyaan Programme.

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>

ISRO has been working on the ambitious Gaganyaan mission that involves demonstrating the indigenous capability to undertake human space flight missions to low Earth orbit and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission have been approved by the government of India.

Notably, out of the three propulsion stages of GSLV Mk3, the human-rated versions of the second stage known as L110-G (loaded with liquid propellant) and the third stage C25-G (with cryogenic propellant) are in the final phase of qualification, including tests with static firing.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) successfully completed the maiden static test fire of its 'HS200' rocket booster at 7:20am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) successfully completed the maiden static test fire of its 'HS200' rocket booster at 7:20am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This booster is a modified, human-rated version of the existing "S200" booster that is used on the Indian space agency's heaviest rocket, the GSLV Mk3. Friday's test is in line with the human-rating process, where the agency modifies the GSLV Mk3 rocket and its components for carrying astronauts. Simply put, the GSLV Mk3 rocket is a cargo hauler, meant to take satellites to space. It is now being modified and tested to be safe and suitable for carrying humans to space as part of India's Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme. #Video #Thread : That's 200+tons of Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene burning in a Rocket engine! Today, #isro successfully completed test of human-rated S200 Solid-fuel Rocket booster 2xS200 is the 1st stage of GSLVMk3 #rocket that will take #Indian #astronauts to #space @isro pic.twitter.com/POJuOtvDc2 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) May 13, 2022 × WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to understand the significance of the test. VSSC is the lead centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and pioneers in rocket research and launch vehicle projects for ISRO. Also read | ISRO plans to build two satellites, DISHA-L&H, to study upper atmosphere According to Dr Nair, their teams had been working on making changes to the S200 rocket booster since 2019 and had improvised on small components such as ignitors, digital control electronics, and even went on to develop ISRO's largest electro-mechanical actuators. In this case, the electro-mechanical actuator will be used to steer the S200 booster's thrust and eventually the rocket's travel by adjusting the nozzle's direction. Friday's ground test involved the static firing of one solid booster for a duration of 135 seconds. "Reducing chamber pressure, ensuring it is proof-leak, robust, and achieve higher margins, etc., are some of the changes we made to the S200 to increase its reliability as part of the human-rating process," Dr Nair said when queried about the difference between the existing S200 and the human-rated version. He also added that nearly 700 parameters (such as chamber pressure, thrust, shock, vibration, etc.) were monitored during the test and that everything turned out perfect. However, he said that the entire set of data would have to be closely examined to determine if another test of the same booster would be required. Watch | India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite The GSLV Mk3 is a three-stage rocket, where the first stage (S200) is powered by solid fuel, the second stage (L110) is powered by liquid fuel, and the third (C25 Cryogenic stage) is powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. In a rocket such as this, the stages function like runners in a relay race. The first stage performs its part and then hands over the task to the second, the second performs its part and then hands over the task to the third. Finally, the third stage performs its task and injects the payload (satellite or human-carrying capsule) into the desired orbit. The HS200 booster test fired on Friday was loaded with 203 tonnes of solid propellant. The booster measures 20 metres in length and 3.2 metres in diameter. It is the world’s 2nd largest operational booster that is fuelled by solid propellant. With the successful completion of this test, ISRO marches one more step closer to the Gaganyaan Programme. Also read | 'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission ISRO has been working on the ambitious Gaganyaan mission that involves demonstrating the indigenous capability to undertake human space flight missions to low Earth orbit and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission have been approved by the government of India. Notably, out of the three propulsion stages of GSLV Mk3, the human-rated versions of the second stage known as L110-G (loaded with liquid propellant) and the third stage C25-G (with cryogenic propellant) are in the final phase of qualification, including tests with static firing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch: ISRO tests rocket booster that is among the largest-of-its-kind in the world

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully completed the maiden static test fire of its 'HS200' rocket booster, at 7:20am on Friday at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This booster is a modified, human-rated version of the existing 'S200' booster that is used on the Indian space agency's heaviest rocket, the GSLV Mk3. Friday's test is in line with the human-rating process, where the agency modifies the GSLV Mk3 rocket and its components for carrying astronauts. Simply put, the GSLV Mk3 rocket is a cargo-hauler, meant to take satellites to space. Now, it is being modified and tested to be safe and suitable for carrying humans to space, as part of India's Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme.

WION spoke to Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to understand the significance of the test. VSSC is the lead Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and pioneers in rocket research and launch vehicle projects of ISRO.

According to Dr. Nair, their teams had been working on making changes to the S200 rocket booster since 2019 and had improvised right from small components such as ignitors, digital control electronics and even went on to develop ISRO's largest electro-mechanical actuators. In this case, the electro-mechanical actuator will be used to steer the S200 booster's thrust and eventually the rocket's travel, by adjusting the nozzle's direction. Friday's ground test involved the static firing of one solid booster for a duration of 135 seconds.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Video?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Video</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thread?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thread</a> : That's 200+tons of Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene burning in a Rocket engine! 
Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> successfully completed test of human-rated S200 Solid-fuel Rocket booster 
2xS200 is the 1st stage of GSLVMk3 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rocket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rocket</a> that will take <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronauts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronauts</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://t.co/POJuOtvDc2">pic.twitter.com/POJuOtvDc2</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1525020220632760320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Reducing chamber pressure, ensuring leak-proofness, robustness, higher margins, etc. are some of the changes we had made to the S200, to increase its reliability, as part of human-rating process" Dr. Nair said, when queried about the difference between the existing S200 and the human-rated version. He also added that nearly 700 parameters (such as chamber pressure, thrust, shock, vibration etc.) were monitored during the test and how everything turned out perfect. However, he said that the entire set of data would have to be closely examined to determine if another test of the same booster would be required.

The GSLV Mk3 is a three-stage rocket, where the first stage(S200) is powered by solid-fuel, the second stage(L110) is powered by liquid fuel and the third (C25 Cryogenic stage) is powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. In a rocket such as this, the stages function like runners in a relay race. The first stage performs its part and then hands over the task to the second, the second performs its part and then hands over the task to the third. Finally, the third stage performs its task and injects the payload (satellite or human-carrying capsule) into the desired orbit.

Notably, out of the three propulsion stages of GSLV Mk3, the human rated versions of second stage known as L110-G (loaded with liquid propellant) and the third stage C25-G (with cryogenic propellant) are in the final phase of qualification including tests with static firing.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-deal-temporarily-on-hold-says-elon-musk-478601" hreflang="en">Twitter deal temporarily on hold, says Elon Musk</a>

The HS200 booster test fired on Friday was loaded with 203 tons of solid propellant, the booster measures 20meters in length and 3.2meters in diameter. It is the world’s 2nd&nbsp;largest operational booster that is fuelled by solid propellant. With the successful completion of this test, ISRO marches one more step closer to Gaganyaan Programme.

ISRO has been working on the ambitious Gaganyaan mission that involves demonstrating indigenous capability to undertake human space flight mission to Low Earth Orbit and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission are approved by Government of India.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully completed the maiden static test fire of its 'HS200' rocket booster, at 7:20am on Friday at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully completed the maiden static test fire of its 'HS200' rocket booster, at 7:20am on Friday at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This booster is a modified, human-rated version of the existing 'S200' booster that is used on the Indian space agency's heaviest rocket, the GSLV Mk3. Friday's test is in line with the human-rating process, where the agency modifies the GSLV Mk3 rocket and its components for carrying astronauts. Simply put, the GSLV Mk3 rocket is a cargo-hauler, meant to take satellites to space. Now, it is being modified and tested to be safe and suitable for carrying humans to space, as part of India's Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme. WION spoke to Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to understand the significance of the test. VSSC is the lead Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and pioneers in rocket research and launch vehicle projects of ISRO. According to Dr. Nair, their teams had been working on making changes to the S200 rocket booster since 2019 and had improvised right from small components such as ignitors, digital control electronics and even went on to develop ISRO's largest electro-mechanical actuators. In this case, the electro-mechanical actuator will be used to steer the S200 booster's thrust and eventually the rocket's travel, by adjusting the nozzle's direction. Friday's ground test involved the static firing of one solid booster for a duration of 135 seconds. #Video #Thread : That's 200+tons of Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene burning in a Rocket engine! Today, #isro successfully completed test of human-rated S200 Solid-fuel Rocket booster 2xS200 is the 1st stage of GSLVMk3 #rocket that will take #Indian #astronauts to #space @isro pic.twitter.com/POJuOtvDc2 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) May 13, 2022 × "Reducing chamber pressure, ensuring leak-proofness, robustness, higher margins, etc. are some of the changes we had made to the S200, to increase its reliability, as part of human-rating process" Dr. Nair said, when queried about the difference between the existing S200 and the human-rated version. He also added that nearly 700 parameters (such as chamber pressure, thrust, shock, vibration etc.) were monitored during the test and how everything turned out perfect. However, he said that the entire set of data would have to be closely examined to determine if another test of the same booster would be required. The GSLV Mk3 is a three-stage rocket, where the first stage(S200) is powered by solid-fuel, the second stage(L110) is powered by liquid fuel and the third (C25 Cryogenic stage) is powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. In a rocket such as this, the stages function like runners in a relay race. The first stage performs its part and then hands over the task to the second, the second performs its part and then hands over the task to the third. Finally, the third stage performs its task and injects the payload (satellite or human-carrying capsule) into the desired orbit. Notably, out of the three propulsion stages of GSLV Mk3, the human rated versions of second stage known as L110-G (loaded with liquid propellant) and the third stage C25-G (with cryogenic propellant) are in the final phase of qualification including tests with static firing. Also read | Twitter deal temporarily on hold, says Elon Musk The HS200 booster test fired on Friday was loaded with 203 tons of solid propellant, the booster measures 20meters in length and 3.2meters in diameter. It is the world’s 2nd largest operational booster that is fuelled by solid propellant. With the successful completion of this test, ISRO marches one more step closer to Gaganyaan Programme. ISRO has been working on the ambitious Gaganyaan mission that involves demonstrating indigenous capability to undertake human space flight mission to Low Earth Orbit and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission are approved by Government of India.

Watch: ISRO completes crucial test of Solid Rocket Booster for human spaceflight

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has plans to build a pair of identical satellites dubbed 'Disha' to study the upper atmosphere. While placed in low earth orbit (nearly 500km above the earth's surface), the spacecraft is meant to study the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere, including the distribution of temperature, density, and chemical constituents, and the chemical reactions that occur there. ISRO officials revealed this at a&nbsp;National Meeting on Aeronomy Research, themed&nbsp;"Science of Near-Earth Space and its Applications".&nbsp;

Elaborating on the significance of a mission such as Disha, Dr&nbsp;Shantanu, Scientific Secretary, ISRO, said that the upper atmosphere was the first region of space to feel the wrath of the sun, before it percolates down to lower altitudes. He added that the mission's scientific objective is to perform space weather studies and solar-terrestrial interactions, so as to have advance warning regarding critical space-based weather events. "Once such warnings are available, we can take preventive action to safeguard our space assets." Disha will be a twin satellite aeronomy mission where both satellites carry similar payloads. However, the Disha H satellite will be placed at an 85-degree high inclination from the earth's equator, whereas the Disha L satellite will be placed at a 25-degree low inclination, "he explained.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-isros-gagan-which-can-aid-gps-and-enable-precise-navigation-of-aircraft-474733">What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft?</a>

Speaking at the event, Dr&nbsp;Somanath, Chairman, ISRO, emphasised the need for space-based observations such as Disha. He pointed out that ISRO had sounding rockets (small rockets that carry light payloads to conduct upper atmospheric experiments) that could reach up to 500km in space. However, he indicated that sounding rockets only offered a very short-term observational capability, as opposed to the long-term presence and observation capability of dedicated satellites in orbit. He urged the participating scientists to look at upper atmospheric research and how the benefits and findings from the same can be used for the benefit of India. Making a mention of the information gained from global missions. He urged his scientists to ponder over what ISRO's contribution was towards global knowledge and work towards contributing more.

Watch |&nbsp;India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-isro-launches-eos-04-satellite-453149/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Besides mentioning India's upcoming space science mission Chandrayaan-3 (Lunar landing and data collection), Somanath also spoke about hosting additional instruments and sensors on regular satellites&nbsp;to enhance their potential and derive more value than the satellite's default capability.&nbsp;

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>

Explaining the nomenclature behind 'Disha', Dr Das, an ISRO official, said that&nbsp;Disturbed and Quiet Time Ionosphere-thermosphere System at High Altitudes&nbsp;(DISHA), was a necessary experiment to study the upper atmosphere, which is the first entity that feels the perturbation caused to Earth by solar&nbsp;events and how space weather concerns earthlings.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has plans to build a pair of identical satellites dubbed 'Disha' to study the upper atmosphere. While placed in low earth orbit (nearly 500km above the earth's surface), the spacecraft is meant to study the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere, including the distribution of temperature, density, and chemical constituents, and the chemical reactions that occur there.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has plans to build a pair of identical satellites dubbed 'Disha' to study the upper atmosphere. While placed in low earth orbit (nearly 500km above the earth's surface), the spacecraft is meant to study the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere, including the distribution of temperature, density, and chemical constituents, and the chemical reactions that occur there. ISRO officials revealed this at a National Meeting on Aeronomy Research, themed "Science of Near-Earth Space and its Applications". Elaborating on the significance of a mission such as Disha, Dr Shantanu, Scientific Secretary, ISRO, said that the upper atmosphere was the first region of space to feel the wrath of the sun, before it percolates down to lower altitudes. He added that the mission's scientific objective is to perform space weather studies and solar-terrestrial interactions, so as to have advance warning regarding critical space-based weather events. "Once such warnings are available, we can take preventive action to safeguard our space assets." Disha will be a twin satellite aeronomy mission where both satellites carry similar payloads. However, the Disha H satellite will be placed at an 85-degree high inclination from the earth's equator, whereas the Disha L satellite will be placed at a 25-degree low inclination, "he explained. Also read | What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft? Speaking at the event, Dr Somanath, Chairman, ISRO, emphasised the need for space-based observations such as Disha. He pointed out that ISRO had sounding rockets (small rockets that carry light payloads to conduct upper atmospheric experiments) that could reach up to 500km in space. However, he indicated that sounding rockets only offered a very short-term observational capability, as opposed to the long-term presence and observation capability of dedicated satellites in orbit. He urged the participating scientists to look at upper atmospheric research and how the benefits and findings from the same can be used for the benefit of India. Making a mention of the information gained from global missions. He urged his scientists to ponder over what ISRO's contribution was towards global knowledge and work towards contributing more. Watch | India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite Besides mentioning India's upcoming space science mission Chandrayaan-3 (Lunar landing and data collection), Somanath also spoke about hosting additional instruments and sensors on regular satellites to enhance their potential and derive more value than the satellite's default capability. Also read | 'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission Explaining the nomenclature behind 'Disha', Dr Das, an ISRO official, said that Disturbed and Quiet Time Ionosphere-thermosphere System at High Altitudes (DISHA), was a necessary experiment to study the upper atmosphere, which is the first entity that feels the perturbation caused to Earth by solar events and how space weather concerns earthlings. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

ISRO plans to build two satellites, DISHA-L&H, to study upper atmosphere

GPS (Global Positioning System) signals are not always pin-point accurate and are susceptible to factors and disturbances such as ionospheric interference, the location of the moving vehicle, and even the functioning of the GPS satellite, signal availability, etc. Many advanced countries have their own localised solutions to such problems.

Using a technology known as the Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), they correct the errors in GPS signals and feed the corrected signals to the moving vehicle (GPS user), thus enabling precise navigation.&nbsp;

While the USA, Japan, Russia, China, etc., have had their own systems to perform this corrective action, India just tested its home-grown SBAS to aid the precise operation and landing of a passenger aircraft that uses GPS.

Developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India, this system is known as "GAGAN" (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation).&nbsp;

On Thursday, Indian private airline IndiGo issued a statement saying that they conducted a landing of their ATR 72-600 aircraft at a regional airport (Kishangarh, Rajasthan) using the indigenously-developed "GAGAN" system. This test flight was part of the approval process with the Indian Aviation Regulator (DGCA), which includes training of pilots, validation of approaches, simulator sessions, amongst others.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> : <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiGo6E</a> ATR plane makes maiden landing using 'Gagan' tech devlpd by <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/AAI_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AAI_Official</a> 
 
Using 15 indian ground stns &amp; 3 Gsat(8,10,15)sats, Gagan augments aircraft's position accuracy, by correcting GPS signal 
 
With Gagan, Pilots can land in Tier2/3, non-ILS apts <a href="https://t.co/DfuEf7aUdS">pic.twitter.com/DfuEf7aUdS</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1519717400618606593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former Director of India's UR Rao Satellite Centre (ISRO), told WION that "GAGAN" is a system of satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal corrections, thus improving position accuracy.&nbsp;

He elaborated that GAGAN's ground segment comprised fifteen ground stations and a Master Control Centre that are spread across the Indian landmass, and the space segment comprised three satellites in geostationary orbit.&nbsp;

The fifteen ground stations are precisely chosen, and their respective GPS locations are well-established and taken as reference locations. At the time of operation, these stations equipped with precise GPS receivers are constantly receiving their respective location data from GPS satellites. Then, the station position as shown by the GPS signal and the original reference locations are compared. The difference, if any, between the two (GPS signal and the original reference location) is detected as errors. All fifteen stations will send their respective signals to the Master Control Centre, where the errors are corrected and the corrected signal is sent to the satellites in GEO orbit. In our case, we have three GEO satellites (Gsat-8, Gsat-10, and Gsat-15) that are equipped with GAGAN transponders. They receive the signal from the ground and broadcast it back in a GPS-like format. Transport vehicles and aircraft equipped with the compatible receiver called SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation System) receivers receive this corrected navigation signal with improved accuracy, reliability, and integrity, "he explained.

Simply put, when a stationary object (a ground station) is on the earth's surface, its location in the global reference frame is fixed and does not change. But, when a satellite gives location data about that particular building, it tends to make some minor errors owing to ionospheric disturbances, etc. However, since the pin-point location of the building (ground station) is known, one can identify that the satellite data has an error. This difference/error in satellite data can be calculated by the Master Control Centre and eventually this corrected data can be sent via satellite to the travelling aircraft/vehicle, thus enabling the pilot to know the pin-point location of the craft.

Captain Ashim Mittra, a veteran commercial pilot who serves as Senior VP, Flight Operations at IndiGo, explained to WION that "GAGAN" brings the probability of error in GPS data to a bare minimum. According to him, the location data coming from "Gagan" is augmenting and adding more perfection to the existing GPS location. He adds that the accuracy provided by "GAGAN" is as good as that offered by the Ground-based Instrument Landing System (ILS), which guides pilots to make precise landings at major airports. However, while ILS is only available at the busiest airports, it is also very expensive and difficult to maintain.Therefore, in smaller airports (such as those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities), where ILS is not available at all, the "GAGAN" system can be used for landing guidance.

As long as a pilot is trained and the aircraft is technologically capable, the GAGAN system can be used in both major and Tier 2 and 3 airports. Sometimes, the ILS faces temporary outages at large airports. In such situations, Gagan can come into play and rule out the possibility of flight operations being interrupted, "Captain Mittra said. However, it must be understood that GAGAN only improves GPS location precision and does not replace GPS.

It must be noted that India's Aviation Sector Regulator issued a mandate for all aircraft registered in India after July 1, 2021, to be fitted with GAGAN equipment. Gagan Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) user equipment is interoperable with all international SBAS systems-WAAS (American), EGNOS (European) &amp; MSAS (Japanese). Once fully adopted in India’s civil aviation sector, GAGAN is expected to modernise the airspace, reduce flight delays, save fuel, and improve flight safety, as pilots using Gagan need not take a circuitous, non-precise approach for landing. Instead, they can precisely land directly into Tier 2 and Tier 3 airports using the accurate data provided by Gagan.

GPS (Global Positioning System) signals are not always pin-point accurate and are susceptible to factors and disturbances such as ionospheric interference, the location of the moving vehicle, and even the functioning of the GPS satellite, signal availability, etc.

GPS (Global Positioning System) signals are not always pin-point accurate and are susceptible to factors and disturbances such as ionospheric interference, the location of the moving vehicle, and even the functioning of the GPS satellite, signal availability, etc. Many advanced countries have their own localised solutions to such problems. Using a technology known as the Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), they correct the errors in GPS signals and feed the corrected signals to the moving vehicle (GPS user), thus enabling precise navigation. While the USA, Japan, Russia, China, etc., have had their own systems to perform this corrective action, India just tested its home-grown SBAS to aid the precise operation and landing of a passenger aircraft that uses GPS. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India, this system is known as "GAGAN" (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation). On Thursday, Indian private airline IndiGo issued a statement saying that they conducted a landing of their ATR 72-600 aircraft at a regional airport (Kishangarh, Rajasthan) using the indigenously-developed "GAGAN" system. This test flight was part of the approval process with the Indian Aviation Regulator (DGCA), which includes training of pilots, validation of approaches, simulator sessions, amongst others. #india : @IndiGo6E ATR plane makes maiden landing using 'Gagan' tech devlpd by @isro & @AAI_Official Using 15 indian ground stns & 3 Gsat(8,10,15)sats, Gagan augments aircraft's position accuracy, by correcting GPS signal With Gagan, Pilots can land in Tier2/3, non-ILS apts pic.twitter.com/DfuEf7aUdS — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 28, 2022 × Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former Director of India's UR Rao Satellite Centre (ISRO), told WION that "GAGAN" is a system of satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal corrections, thus improving position accuracy. He elaborated that GAGAN's ground segment comprised fifteen ground stations and a Master Control Centre that are spread across the Indian landmass, and the space segment comprised three satellites in geostationary orbit. The fifteen ground stations are precisely chosen, and their respective GPS locations are well-established and taken as reference locations. At the time of operation, these stations equipped with precise GPS receivers are constantly receiving their respective location data from GPS satellites. Then, the station position as shown by the GPS signal and the original reference locations are compared. The difference, if any, between the two (GPS signal and the original reference location) is detected as errors. All fifteen stations will send their respective signals to the Master Control Centre, where the errors are corrected and the corrected signal is sent to the satellites in GEO orbit. In our case, we have three GEO satellites (Gsat-8, Gsat-10, and Gsat-15) that are equipped with GAGAN transponders. They receive the signal from the ground and broadcast it back in a GPS-like format. Transport vehicles and aircraft equipped with the compatible receiver called SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation System) receivers receive this corrected navigation signal with improved accuracy, reliability, and integrity, "he explained. Simply put, when a stationary object (a ground station) is on the earth's surface, its location in the global reference frame is fixed and does not change. But, when a satellite gives location data about that particular building, it tends to make some minor errors owing to ionospheric disturbances, etc. However, since the pin-point location of the building (ground station) is known, one can identify that the satellite data has an error. This difference/error in satellite data can be calculated by the Master Control Centre and eventually this corrected data can be sent via satellite to the travelling aircraft/vehicle, thus enabling the pilot to know the pin-point location of the craft. Captain Ashim Mittra, a veteran commercial pilot who serves as Senior VP, Flight Operations at IndiGo, explained to WION that "GAGAN" brings the probability of error in GPS data to a bare minimum. According to him, the location data coming from "Gagan" is augmenting and adding more perfection to the existing GPS location. He adds that the accuracy provided by "GAGAN" is as good as that offered by the Ground-based Instrument Landing System (ILS), which guides pilots to make precise landings at major airports. However, while ILS is only available at the busiest airports, it is also very expensive and difficult to maintain.Therefore, in smaller airports (such as those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities), where ILS is not available at all, the "GAGAN" system can be used for landing guidance. As long as a pilot is trained and the aircraft is technologically capable, the GAGAN system can be used in both major and Tier 2 and 3 airports. Sometimes, the ILS faces temporary outages at large airports. In such situations, Gagan can come into play and rule out the possibility of flight operations being interrupted, "Captain Mittra said. However, it must be understood that GAGAN only improves GPS location precision and does not replace GPS. It must be noted that India's Aviation Sector Regulator issued a mandate for all aircraft registered in India after July 1, 2021, to be fitted with GAGAN equipment. Gagan Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) user equipment is interoperable with all international SBAS systems-WAAS (American), EGNOS (European) & MSAS (Japanese). Once fully adopted in India’s civil aviation sector, GAGAN is expected to modernise the airspace, reduce flight delays, save fuel, and improve flight safety, as pilots using Gagan need not take a circuitous, non-precise approach for landing. Instead, they can precisely land directly into Tier 2 and Tier 3 airports using the accurate data provided by Gagan.

What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft?

From building IIT Bombay's maiden student satellite 'Pratham', to working on developing a safer fuel and more efficient engine for satellites, the founders of Indian start-up 'Manastu' have come a long way.

On the occasion of their venture's fifth anniversary, Tushar and Ashtesh, the duo behind Manastu threw light onto their interesting offerings and the company’s future projects. Notably, the Indian start-up hopes to fly their newly-developed system to space by early 2023 and also have their technology commercialised.

After being placed in orbit by rockets, satellites have to rely on their on-board fuel and engines to make maneuvers, in order to avoid colliding with space debris and to remain in their precise orbits, while functioning in the harsh environments of space. While this task has been handled for several decades by engines powered by fuels such as Mono methyl hydrazine, such fuels are toxic, highly volatile and cancer-causing, thus raising several concerns over their safety.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/your-story-isro-chairman-k-sivan-speaks-to-wion-on-chandrayaan-2-entering-lunar-orbit-244475/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Ashtesh, who serves as the CTO at Manastu, they have developed a new propulsion technology for satellites and it will be powered by 'MS-289' which is a proprietary blend of Hydrogen peroxide and additives. In order to initiate the combustion of this novel fuel, the company will be using a chemical catalyst, that performs the similar function of a sparkplug in an automobile. About this technology, the company says "Fuel is as safe as common salt, hence less safety precautions and less infrastructure cost, Agile System due to ability to produce higher thrust compared to Electric Propulsion, 50 per cent&nbsp;Higher Performance due to higher combustion temperature and higher density of our fuel and engine design".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-space-start-up-pixxel-to-have-constellation-of-20-satellites-by-2024-468329">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024</a>

Three variants of this propulsion system have been built- to meet the requirements of satellites of different sizes (weighing over 100kg, small cube satellites etc. In addition to this, as part of their future endeavours they aim to develop satellite refuelling systems that can help extend the life of in orbit satellites.

Similar to an aerial-refuelling tanker that can extend the range of aircraft, this concept hopes to create a mechanism where a tanker(carrying satellite-grade) fuel can dock with a satellite and fill its tank, to extend its life. At the end of the satellite's operational life, similar tankers would also be used to de-orbit the satellite, thus preventing it from becoming space debris and a threat to other orbital assets.

By September this year, five-year-old company is optimistic about conducting a final test that involves putting the satellites through the rigours of space-like conditions(thermovac test), at a test facility. Once this test is complete, the team hopes to launch their satellite to space in early 2023 and prove its practical worthiness and capabilities, following which they can commercialise the technology.

According to team Manastu, India's state-run Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed up to have this technology onboard an Indian strategic satellite, whereas a French company is also in talks to utilise this system in the final stage of their rocket, for orbit correction and maneuvers.

&nbsp;

From building IIT Bombay's maiden student satellite 'Pratham', to working on developing a safer fuel and more efficient engine for satellites, the founders of Indian start-up 'Manastu' have come a long way.

From building IIT Bombay's maiden student satellite 'Pratham', to working on developing a safer fuel and more efficient engine for satellites, the founders of Indian start-up 'Manastu' have come a long way. On the occasion of their venture's fifth anniversary, Tushar and Ashtesh, the duo behind Manastu threw light onto their interesting offerings and the company’s future projects. Notably, the Indian start-up hopes to fly their newly-developed system to space by early 2023 and also have their technology commercialised. After being placed in orbit by rockets, satellites have to rely on their on-board fuel and engines to make maneuvers, in order to avoid colliding with space debris and to remain in their precise orbits, while functioning in the harsh environments of space. While this task has been handled for several decades by engines powered by fuels such as Mono methyl hydrazine, such fuels are toxic, highly volatile and cancer-causing, thus raising several concerns over their safety. According to Ashtesh, who serves as the CTO at Manastu, they have developed a new propulsion technology for satellites and it will be powered by 'MS-289' which is a proprietary blend of Hydrogen peroxide and additives. In order to initiate the combustion of this novel fuel, the company will be using a chemical catalyst, that performs the similar function of a sparkplug in an automobile. About this technology, the company says "Fuel is as safe as common salt, hence less safety precautions and less infrastructure cost, Agile System due to ability to produce higher thrust compared to Electric Propulsion, 50 per cent Higher Performance due to higher combustion temperature and higher density of our fuel and engine design". Also read | Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024 Three variants of this propulsion system have been built- to meet the requirements of satellites of different sizes (weighing over 100kg, small cube satellites etc. In addition to this, as part of their future endeavours they aim to develop satellite refuelling systems that can help extend the life of in orbit satellites. Similar to an aerial-refuelling tanker that can extend the range of aircraft, this concept hopes to create a mechanism where a tanker(carrying satellite-grade) fuel can dock with a satellite and fill its tank, to extend its life. At the end of the satellite's operational life, similar tankers would also be used to de-orbit the satellite, thus preventing it from becoming space debris and a threat to other orbital assets. By September this year, five-year-old company is optimistic about conducting a final test that involves putting the satellites through the rigours of space-like conditions(thermovac test), at a test facility. Once this test is complete, the team hopes to launch their satellite to space in early 2023 and prove its practical worthiness and capabilities, following which they can commercialise the technology. According to team Manastu, India's state-run Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed up to have this technology onboard an Indian strategic satellite, whereas a French company is also in talks to utilise this system in the final stage of their rocket, for orbit correction and maneuvers.

Green fuel-powered satellite engine made by Indian start-up 'Manastu' to reach orbit by early 2023

India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied to ISRO, what is being referred to as the first set of hardware for India's Human Spaceflight mission.

India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied to ISRO, what is being referred to as the first set of hardware for India's Human Spaceflight mission. According to HAL, this hardware is the Satellite bus or external structure of the satellite that is meant to provide communication support for the Gaganyaan mission. While the Satellite bus can be thought of as a skeleton, it attains its final form only after electronics, hardware, solar panels and other components are fitted on it. The newly handed over satellite bus also happens to be the 150th such unit being rolled out of HAL. ALSO READ | Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024 Specifically, this structure that was handed over is meant for the IDRSS Satellite. Two of these Indian Data Relay System Satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator (where they would remain in sync with the earth’s rotation or at a constant position when seen from earth) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets. It must be noted that a constellation of 3 satellites positioned in a 36,000km orbit can offer real-time, 24/7 monitoring of almost the entire earth. Each IDRSS satellite weighs 2275kg and is meant to be launched by the GSLV Mk2 rocket. #UPDATE #ISRO : The first set of #gaganyaan hardware that @HALHQBLR handed to @isro is the shell of Indian Data Relay Satellite system(comms), 2 of which are meant to help #Indian astronauts stay in 24/7 touch with ground stations... IDRSS sats weigh 2275kg, launch by GSLV Mk2 pic.twitter.com/zbTJlXsrs5 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 5, 2022 × Earlier, Dr. K.Sivan, Chairman, ISRO had told WION that ISRO intends to launch two such IDRSS satellites prior to the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight. While the Gaganyaan spacecraft would be placed in a low earth orbit, 400kms above the earth, these two IDRSS satellites would help Indian astronauts communicate with the ground stations. For context, when Gaganyaan is orbiting the earth, but not visible to the ground stations, Gaganyaan can send its signals and communicate with the IDRSS satellites up above, which in turn would relay it down to the ground stations and vice versa. This would ensure constant communication between the astronauts and their mission control on earth. ALSO READ | Jupiter-like planet in space? Scientists observe stunning formation of planet that is 'in the womb' R.Madhavan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL recalled the organization's four-decade-long association with ISRO and how it is poised to play a bigger role in the integration of ISRO's rockets. "We will continue to be a reliable partner of ISRO with dedication, devotion and zeal" he added. HAL also inaugurated a new facility that is meant to integrate the PS2 and GS2 stages of India's PSLV and GSLV rockets, respectively. The PS2 and GS2 stages serve as the second stages of India's launch vehicles PSLV and GSLV respectively and are powered by a Vikas engine, which uses liquid fuels. HAL hands over the first set of Gaganyaan hardware to ISRO, also PS2/GS2 stage integration facility inaugurated in Bengaluru. @isro @SpokespersonMoD @drajaykumar_ias @DefProdnIndia @gopalsutar pic.twitter.com/uqDLLZ1ETo — HAL (@HALHQBLR) April 4, 2022 × The most ambitious programme of ISRO, Gaganyaan or the Human Spaceflight programme has been delayed to the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant impact on industries and restrictions. ISRO is expected to have the first unmanned flight of Gaganyaan by end of 2022 or early 2023. This will be followed up by one or two additional unmanned flights and the manned attempt.

India's HAL hands over satellite structure that is meant to support ISRO's Gaganyaan mission

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has revealed that leakage in a crucial valve connected to the fuel tank&nbsp;eventually led to the failure of the GISAT-1 mission.

On August 12,&nbsp;2021, the launch of GISAT-1, an earth observations satellite onboard India's GSLV Mk 2 rocket had failed&nbsp;barely 350 seconds after its launch from India's spaceport.

According to ISRO's&nbsp;initial analysis on launch day, it was caused due to "a technical anomaly in the cryogenic stage". However, the Indian space agency has now made public their Failure Analysis Committee(FAC) report and pinpointed the reason for the failure.

The cryogenic stage refers to the final and third stage of the GSLV rocket&nbsp;and it is responsible for injecting the satellite into the desired orbit.

As the name suggests, the cryogenic stage is powered by a cryogenic engine that burns Liquid Hydrogen(LH2) as fuel and Liquid Oxygen (Lox) as oxidizer.

The combined burning of the two liquified(super-cooled) gases is among the most efficient methods of propelling a rocket engine. A multi-stage rocket essentially functions like a relay race, where each runner performs their task and hands over the task to the next runner, and eventually the final runner takes the baton to the finish.

In this GSLV mission, while the first and second stage of the rocket performed their part and imparted necessary velocity to the launch vehicle, the third stage(Cryogenic) couldn't carry forth the work and impart the final velocity required, owing to the anomaly. Simply put, it can be seen as a third runner having failed in the three-member relay race.

"The FAC concluded that the lower LH2 tank pressure at the time of CUS(cryogenic upper stage) engine ignition, caused by the leakage of Vent &amp; Relief Valve (VRV) resulted in the malfunctioning of the Fuel Booster Turbo Pump (FBTP) leading to mission abort command &amp; subsequent failure of the mission. The most probable reason for the leakage of VRV valve is attributed to the damage in the soft seal that could have occurred during the valve operations or due to contamination and valve mounting stresses induced under cryogenic temperature conditions" read the statement from ISRO.

In order to interpret the failure analysis statement, WION spoke to Dr. K Sivan, Former Chairman, ISRO. He explained that the cryogenic stage of the GSLV rocket had two main tanks - one for storing Liquid Hydrogen(fuel) and another for Liquid Oxygen(oxidizer). In this mission, the leak from a component(Vent and relief Valve) connected to the hydrogen tank had eventually led to the failure.

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has revealed that leakage in a crucial valve connected to the fuel tank eventually led to the failure of the GISAT-1 mission.

The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has revealed that leakage in a crucial valve connected to the fuel tank eventually led to the failure of the GISAT-1 mission. On August 12, 2021, the launch of GISAT-1, an earth observations satellite onboard India's GSLV Mk 2 rocket had failed barely 350 seconds after its launch from India's spaceport. According to ISRO's initial analysis on launch day, it was caused due to "a technical anomaly in the cryogenic stage". However, the Indian space agency has now made public their Failure Analysis Committee(FAC) report and pinpointed the reason for the failure. The cryogenic stage refers to the final and third stage of the GSLV rocket and it is responsible for injecting the satellite into the desired orbit. As the name suggests, the cryogenic stage is powered by a cryogenic engine that burns Liquid Hydrogen(LH2) as fuel and Liquid Oxygen (Lox) as oxidizer. The combined burning of the two liquified(super-cooled) gases is among the most efficient methods of propelling a rocket engine. A multi-stage rocket essentially functions like a relay race, where each runner performs their task and hands over the task to the next runner, and eventually the final runner takes the baton to the finish. In this GSLV mission, while the first and second stage of the rocket performed their part and imparted necessary velocity to the launch vehicle, the third stage(Cryogenic) couldn't carry forth the work and impart the final velocity required, owing to the anomaly. Simply put, it can be seen as a third runner having failed in the three-member relay race. "The FAC concluded that the lower LH2 tank pressure at the time of CUS(cryogenic upper stage) engine ignition, caused by the leakage of Vent & Relief Valve (VRV) resulted in the malfunctioning of the Fuel Booster Turbo Pump (FBTP) leading to mission abort command & subsequent failure of the mission. The most probable reason for the leakage of VRV valve is attributed to the damage in the soft seal that could have occurred during the valve operations or due to contamination and valve mounting stresses induced under cryogenic temperature conditions" read the statement from ISRO. In order to interpret the failure analysis statement, WION spoke to Dr. K Sivan, Former Chairman, ISRO. He explained that the cryogenic stage of the GSLV rocket had two main tanks - one for storing Liquid Hydrogen(fuel) and another for Liquid Oxygen(oxidizer). In this mission, the leak from a component(Vent and relief Valve) connected to the hydrogen tank had eventually led to the failure.

Explained: What led to failure of ISRO's GISAT-1 launch onboard GSLV Mk 2 in 2021

Dr K Sivan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has revealed that 1,200 acres of land in southern Tamil Nadu state have been acquired and handed over to the Indian space agency for the construction of the country's second spaceport.

Sivan said the second spaceport has been a project that both the Indian government and the Tamil Nadu government have keenly been working on.

The project to build a second spaceport is meant to launch smaller rockets, such as India's upcoming rocket the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle), in an efficient and effective manner from Kulasekarapattinam in the Tuticorin district.

&nbsp;Addressing the media in Coimbatore, where he had presided over a college convocation, Sivan said that the second spaceport project required 2,233 acres of land and that the work was underway to acquire the remaining portion.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Update</a> on India's second spaceport coming up at Kulasekarapattinam, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> : 
"Total land area 2233 acres. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNGovt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNGovt</a> acquired &amp;handed over 1200acr to <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> .Rest could be done in next 2 months, then construction will begin" says Dr.K.Sivan, fmr Chairman, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> <a href="https://t.co/J9km6kyLeq">pic.twitter.com/J9km6kyLeq</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1506592992651616256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The former chairman expressed hope that the remaining acquisition could be completed in about two months, following which the construction work would commence.

Explaining the benefits of having a second spaceport, which is further down south from the existing one at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, Sivan mentioned a complex manoeuvre that rockets would have to undertake when launched from Sriharikota.

Simply put, when rockets are launched into polar orbit (to circle the earth along the poles) from Sriharikota, the rockets will have to fly towards the South Pole. However, this would also mean overflying Sri Lankan landmass, thus giving rise to the danger of rocket debris falling on the island.

However, this step (diverting the rocket towards the southeast to avoid overflying Sri Lanka) expends a considerable amount of fuel, thus affecting the efficiency of the launch.

While this loss in efficiency is negligible in large rockets like the 320-ton PSLV, it would significantly impact the 110-ton SSLV, thus reducing the payload it can carry.

From the new launch port, small rockets need not take a diversion, they can fly straight southwards and perform the mission at best efficiency.

In addition to this, Sivan also said that the new spaceport would generate jobs and economic activity in the region and for the local population.

According to ISRO, the newly developed solid booster stage&nbsp;(SS1) was tested recently for the new launch vehicle SSLV. This successful test has given the Indian space agency sufficient confidence to proceed with the first developmental flight of SSLV (SSLV-D1) which is scheduled in May 2022.

The remaining stages of SSLV, namely SS2 &amp; SS3, have successfully undergone necessary ground tests and are ready for integration, ISRO said.

However, until the new spaceport for small rockets is fully ready, ISRO would have to expend extra fuel, compromise on rocket performance, efficiency and launch of the SSLV from Sriharikota.

Dr K Sivan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has revealed that 1,200 acres of land in southern Tamil Nadu state have been acquired and handed over to the Indian space agency for the construction of the country's second spaceport.

Dr K Sivan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has revealed that 1,200 acres of land in southern Tamil Nadu state have been acquired and handed over to the Indian space agency for the construction of the country's second spaceport. Sivan said the second spaceport has been a project that both the Indian government and the Tamil Nadu government have keenly been working on. The project to build a second spaceport is meant to launch smaller rockets, such as India's upcoming rocket the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle), in an efficient and effective manner from Kulasekarapattinam in the Tuticorin district. Addressing the media in Coimbatore, where he had presided over a college convocation, Sivan said that the second spaceport project required 2,233 acres of land and that the work was underway to acquire the remaining portion. #Update on India's second spaceport coming up at Kulasekarapattinam, #TamilNadu : "Total land area 2233 acres. #TNGovt acquired &handed over 1200acr to @isro .Rest could be done in next 2 months, then construction will begin" says Dr.K.Sivan, fmr Chairman, #ISRO #space #Indian pic.twitter.com/J9km6kyLeq — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 23, 2022 × The former chairman expressed hope that the remaining acquisition could be completed in about two months, following which the construction work would commence. Explaining the benefits of having a second spaceport, which is further down south from the existing one at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, Sivan mentioned a complex manoeuvre that rockets would have to undertake when launched from Sriharikota. Simply put, when rockets are launched into polar orbit (to circle the earth along the poles) from Sriharikota, the rockets will have to fly towards the South Pole. However, this would also mean overflying Sri Lankan landmass, thus giving rise to the danger of rocket debris falling on the island. However, this step (diverting the rocket towards the southeast to avoid overflying Sri Lanka) expends a considerable amount of fuel, thus affecting the efficiency of the launch. While this loss in efficiency is negligible in large rockets like the 320-ton PSLV, it would significantly impact the 110-ton SSLV, thus reducing the payload it can carry. From the new launch port, small rockets need not take a diversion, they can fly straight southwards and perform the mission at best efficiency. In addition to this, Sivan also said that the new spaceport would generate jobs and economic activity in the region and for the local population. According to ISRO, the newly developed solid booster stage (SS1) was tested recently for the new launch vehicle SSLV. This successful test has given the Indian space agency sufficient confidence to proceed with the first developmental flight of SSLV (SSLV-D1) which is scheduled in May 2022. The remaining stages of SSLV, namely SS2 & SS3, have successfully undergone necessary ground tests and are ready for integration, ISRO said. However, until the new spaceport for small rockets is fully ready, ISRO would have to expend extra fuel, compromise on rocket performance, efficiency and launch of the SSLV from Sriharikota.

50% land for India's new spaceport in Tamil Nadu handed over to ISRO, says ex-chairman Sivan

In a first, India's Space Research Organisation(ISRO) on Monday launched a satellite jointly developed by team of international researchers including from Taiwan.

INSPIRESat-1 satellite has been developed by scientists from universities of US, Taiwan, India and Singapore.

The universities include: University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Taiwan's National Central University (NCU) and Singapore' Nanyang Technological University.&nbsp;INSPIRESat-1 stands&nbsp;for International Research and Teaching Satellite Project satellite one.&nbsp;

ISRO in a statement said Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52 "placed two small satellites a student satellite (INSPIREsat-1) from Indian Institute of Space Science &amp; Technology (IIST) in association with Laboratory of Atmospheric &amp; Space Physics at University of Colorado, Boulder and a technology demonstrator satellite (INS-2TD) from ISRO, which is a precursor to India-Bhutan Joint Satellite (INS-2B). Co-passenger satellites were successfully separated from the PSLV in a predetermined sequence."

The satellite will provide information on Sun's corona and its impact on Earth's ionosphere.&nbsp;

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle&nbsp;(PSLV) C52 mission launched an Earth observation satellite and two&nbsp;other satellites.&nbsp;PSLV lifted off at 05:59 hours IST from the first launch pad at&nbsp;Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota and injected Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04 which will provide high-quality images under all weather conditions for applications such as Agriculture, Forestry &amp; Plantations, Soil Moisture &amp; Hydrology and Flood mapping.

India has emerged as a major global centre for low-cost launch of satellites. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated t the team on the development.&nbsp;In a tweet, he said, "Congratulations&nbsp;to our space scientists on the successful launch of PSLV C52 mission. EOS-04 satellite will provide high resolution images under all weather conditions"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to our space scientists on the successful launch of PSLV C52 mission. EOS-04 satellite will provide high resolution images under all weather conditions for agriculture, forestry and plantations, soil moisture and hydrology as well as flood mapping.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1493086003073929219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The development comes on a day when it emerged that India has banned several Chinese apps. The app ban has been part of growing scrutiny on China-backed technology over fears of they being used to snoop in.

In the aftermath of 2020 Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers due to aggressive Chinese actions, India had announced similar app ban.

In a first, India's Space Research Organisation(ISRO) on Monday launched a satellite jointly developed by team of international researchers including from Taiwan.

In a first, India's Space Research Organisation(ISRO) on Monday launched a satellite jointly developed by team of international researchers including from Taiwan. INSPIRESat-1 satellite has been developed by scientists from universities of US, Taiwan, India and Singapore. The universities include: University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Taiwan's National Central University (NCU) and Singapore' Nanyang Technological University. INSPIRESat-1 stands for International Research and Teaching Satellite Project satellite one. ISRO in a statement said Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52 "placed two small satellites a student satellite (INSPIREsat-1) from Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST) in association with Laboratory of Atmospheric & Space Physics at University of Colorado, Boulder and a technology demonstrator satellite (INS-2TD) from ISRO, which is a precursor to India-Bhutan Joint Satellite (INS-2B). Co-passenger satellites were successfully separated from the PSLV in a predetermined sequence." The satellite will provide information on Sun's corona and its impact on Earth's ionosphere. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C52 mission launched an Earth observation satellite and two other satellites. PSLV lifted off at 05:59 hours IST from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota and injected Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04 which will provide high-quality images under all weather conditions for applications such as Agriculture, Forestry & Plantations, Soil Moisture & Hydrology and Flood mapping. India has emerged as a major global centre for low-cost launch of satellites. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated t the team on the development. In a tweet, he said, "Congratulations to our space scientists on the successful launch of PSLV C52 mission. EOS-04 satellite will provide high resolution images under all weather conditions" Congratulations to our space scientists on the successful launch of PSLV C52 mission. EOS-04 satellite will provide high resolution images under all weather conditions for agriculture, forestry and plantations, soil moisture and hydrology as well as flood mapping. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2022 × The development comes on a day when it emerged that India has banned several Chinese apps. The app ban has been part of growing scrutiny on China-backed technology over fears of they being used to snoop in. In the aftermath of 2020 Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers due to aggressive Chinese actions, India had announced similar app ban.

In a first, Taiwan researchers joined in developing satellite launched by ISRO

In a "marvellous accomplishment", Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has put earth observation satellite EOS-04 and two small satellites into&nbsp;orbit successfully. &nbsp;

After blasting off at 5.59 am on Monday, the first launch mission of 2022 was carried out by the PSLV-C52 rocket. &nbsp;

The agency's launch vehicle, PSLV, injected the satellites into its intended orbit after a flight of around 19 minutes. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-training-or-a-scary-movie-nasa-prepares-for-moonwalk-on-pitch-dark-south-pole-shares-images-452900" hreflang="en">A training or a scary movie? NASA prepares for moonwalk on pitch-dark south pole, shares images</a>

The feat triggered instant cheers and applause from the scientists, who were monitoring the year's maiden mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Launch of PSLV-C52/EOS-04 <a href="https://t.co/naTQFgbm7b">https://t.co/naTQFgbm7b</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1493011164246077440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In a tweet, ISRO said that EOS-04 was placed into an intended sun synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 6.17 am. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52 injected Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, into an intended sun synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 06:17 hours IST on February 14, 2022 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. <a href="https://t.co/BisacQP8Qf">https://t.co/BisacQP8Qf</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1493025667448852481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After injecting the EOS-04, the two small satellites, INSPIREsat-1 (17.5 kg) and INS-2TD (8.1 kg), were also placed in their orbits, respectively. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> captured from mumbai nagpur flight many congratulations <a href="https://t.co/9FJ7jJ7CVX">pic.twitter.com/9FJ7jJ7CVX</a>
— Rishikesh Awasthi (@Rishi_Aw) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rishi_Aw/status/1493028981674758151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After the successful launch, ISRO Chairman S Somanath said, "The mission of PSLV-C52/EOS-04 has been successfully accomplished. The primary satellite EOS-04 has been put into a very precise orbit by PSLV-C52, and along with that, co-passenger satellites INSPIREsat-1 and INS-2TD also have been placed into right orbit." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-the-dinosaurs-suffer-from-respiratory-issues-researchers-make-breathtaking-discovery-452405" hreflang="en">Did the dinosaurs suffer from respiratory issues? Researchers make breathtaking discovery &nbsp;</a>

Thanking experts, who made the mission possible, Somanath added, "This spacecraft is going to be one of the biggest assets for us to serve the country." &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PSLV C52 over chennai airspace .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/p5p3iEpUTp">pic.twitter.com/p5p3iEpUTp</a>
— Sai Prasanna (@Prasanna60Sai) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prasanna60Sai/status/1493025063741706242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mission Director SR Biju said, "What we have accomplished today is really marvellous." &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO: Yet another feather in the much decorated hat of Team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a>. 
Kudos ISRO for the successful launch of PSLV-C52 rocket carrying Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high quality images under all weather conditions. <a href="https://t.co/ZnPwOKz1HS">pic.twitter.com/ZnPwOKz1HS</a>
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1493033283835219969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

EOS-04 weighs 1,710 kg and has a mission life of 10 years. It is a Radar Imaging Satellite, which will provide high quality images under all weather conditions. It can be useful for forestry and plantations, agriculture,&nbsp;soil moisture and hydrology and flood mapping. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a "marvellous accomplishment", Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has put earth observation satellite EOS-04 and two small satellites into orbit successfully.

In a "marvellous accomplishment", Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has put earth observation satellite EOS-04 and two small satellites into orbit successfully. After blasting off at 5.59 am on Monday, the first launch mission of 2022 was carried out by the PSLV-C52 rocket. The agency's launch vehicle, PSLV, injected the satellites into its intended orbit after a flight of around 19 minutes. Also Read: A training or a scary movie? NASA prepares for moonwalk on pitch-dark south pole, shares images The feat triggered instant cheers and applause from the scientists, who were monitoring the year's maiden mission. Launch of PSLV-C52/EOS-04 https://t.co/naTQFgbm7b — ISRO (@isro) February 13, 2022 × In a tweet, ISRO said that EOS-04 was placed into an intended sun synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 6.17 am. India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52 injected Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, into an intended sun synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 06:17 hours IST on February 14, 2022 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. https://t.co/BisacQP8Qf — ISRO (@isro) February 14, 2022 × After injecting the EOS-04, the two small satellites, INSPIREsat-1 (17.5 kg) and INS-2TD (8.1 kg), were also placed in their orbits, respectively. @isro captured from mumbai nagpur flight many congratulations pic.twitter.com/9FJ7jJ7CVX — Rishikesh Awasthi (@Rishi_Aw) February 14, 2022 × After the successful launch, ISRO Chairman S Somanath said, "The mission of PSLV-C52/EOS-04 has been successfully accomplished. The primary satellite EOS-04 has been put into a very precise orbit by PSLV-C52, and along with that, co-passenger satellites INSPIREsat-1 and INS-2TD also have been placed into right orbit." Also Read: Did the dinosaurs suffer from respiratory issues? Researchers make breathtaking discovery Thanking experts, who made the mission possible, Somanath added, "This spacecraft is going to be one of the biggest assets for us to serve the country." PSLV C52 over chennai airspace .#ISRO pic.twitter.com/p5p3iEpUTp — Sai Prasanna (@Prasanna60Sai) February 14, 2022 × Mission Director SR Biju said, "What we have accomplished today is really marvellous." VIDEO: Yet another feather in the much decorated hat of Team #ISRO. Kudos ISRO for the successful launch of PSLV-C52 rocket carrying Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high quality images under all weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/ZnPwOKz1HS — Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) February 14, 2022 × EOS-04 weighs 1,710 kg and has a mission life of 10 years. It is a Radar Imaging Satellite, which will provide high quality images under all weather conditions. It can be useful for forestry and plantations, agriculture, soil moisture and hydrology and flood mapping. (With inputs from agencies)

Marvellous accomplishment: In 2022's maiden mission, ISRO puts three satellites into orbit successfully

In what marks the resumption of rocket launch activity after a hiatus of six months, the Indian Space Research Organization has announced its first launch of the year 2022 - a PSLV Rocket.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, regarded as ISRO's most reliable and proven rocket is scheduled to launch three satellites at 5:59 am on Monday, February 14th. However, it must be noted that this exact launch time is subject to weather conditions.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-isro-signs-deal-with-chinese-phone-maker-oppo-436951/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This mission PSLV-C52 will be launching an earth observation satellite (EOS-04), weighing 1710 kg into a sun-synchronous polar orbit of 529 km. EOS-04 is a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high-quality images under all weather conditions for applications such as Agriculture, Forestry &amp; Plantations, Soil Moisture and&nbsp;Hydrology, and Flood mapping.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesDay</a> it is... 
 
That's quite an auspicious start for the launch calendar year 2022 <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> ✨❤️ 
 
Its special given how it's happng after a 6-month break... 
 
Not sure if media would be permitted to Sriharikota , it's been 2yr+ hiatus.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pslv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pslv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rocket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rocket</a> <a href="https://t.co/7lVEcyVFVF">pic.twitter.com/7lVEcyVFVF</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1491010019273633795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to ISRO, the rocket will also carry two small satellites as co-passengers. They include one student satellite (INSPIREsat-1) from Indian Institute of Space Science &amp; Technology (IIST) in association with the Laboratory of Atmospheric &amp; Space Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a technology demonstrator satellite (INS-2TD) from ISRO, which is a precursor to India-Bhutan Joint Satellite (INS-2B).

The countdown process of 25 hours and 30 minutes leading to the launch would commence at 04:29 hours on February 13, 2022, after authorization by the Launch Authorization Board, ISRO said.

It is important to note that 2022 is a busy year for ISRO, with upto 19 missions being planned in this calendar year. This will comprise eight Launch vehicle(rocket) missions, seven Spacecraft(satellite) missions, and four technology demonstration missions. Later this year, ISRO will also be launching India's third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. According to the Minister who handles the Space domain, this launch is scheduled for August.

ISRO's launch activity had been disrupted since early 2020 after the pandemic began to spread in India. Many of ISRO's ambitious missions were delayed during 2021 and 2022, owing to the pandemic, its related restrictions, and challenges.

&nbsp;

In what marks the resumption of rocket launch activity after a hiatus of six months, the Indian Space Research Organization has announced its first launch of the year 2022 - a PSLV Rocket.

In what marks the resumption of rocket launch activity after a hiatus of six months, the Indian Space Research Organization has announced its first launch of the year 2022 - a PSLV Rocket. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, regarded as ISRO's most reliable and proven rocket is scheduled to launch three satellites at 5:59 am on Monday, February 14th. However, it must be noted that this exact launch time is subject to weather conditions. This mission PSLV-C52 will be launching an earth observation satellite (EOS-04), weighing 1710 kg into a sun-synchronous polar orbit of 529 km. EOS-04 is a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high-quality images under all weather conditions for applications such as Agriculture, Forestry & Plantations, Soil Moisture and Hydrology, and Flood mapping. So #ValentinesDay it is... That's quite an auspicious start for the launch calendar year 2022 @isro ✨❤️ Its special given how it's happng after a 6-month break... Not sure if media would be permitted to Sriharikota , it's been 2yr+ hiatus.. #India #isro #pslv #Rocket pic.twitter.com/7lVEcyVFVF — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 8, 2022 × According to ISRO, the rocket will also carry two small satellites as co-passengers. They include one student satellite (INSPIREsat-1) from Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST) in association with the Laboratory of Atmospheric & Space Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a technology demonstrator satellite (INS-2TD) from ISRO, which is a precursor to India-Bhutan Joint Satellite (INS-2B). The countdown process of 25 hours and 30 minutes leading to the launch would commence at 04:29 hours on February 13, 2022, after authorization by the Launch Authorization Board, ISRO said. It is important to note that 2022 is a busy year for ISRO, with upto 19 missions being planned in this calendar year. This will comprise eight Launch vehicle(rocket) missions, seven Spacecraft(satellite) missions, and four technology demonstration missions. Later this year, ISRO will also be launching India's third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. According to the Minister who handles the Space domain, this launch is scheduled for August. ISRO's launch activity had been disrupted since early 2020 after the pandemic began to spread in India. Many of ISRO's ambitious missions were delayed during 2021 and 2022, owing to the pandemic, its related restrictions, and challenges.

ISRO to launch all-weather radar imaging satellite, two small satellites on Feb 14

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022. India's Minister of State for Science and Technology told this to the Indian Parliament in a written reply. He was responding to a question about the status of the mission.

He said that realisation of Chandrayaan-3 is in progress based on analysis of learnings from Chandrayaan-2 mission.

"Many related hardware and their special tests are successfully completed, the Launch is scheduled for August 2022" he added. 
&nbsp; 
Following a lull in launch activity during two years of the pandemic, India has now planned for 19 missions in calendar year of 2022. The minister said that these would include eight launch vehicle missions, seven spacecraft (satellite) missions and four technology demonstration missions.

Notably, in a recent webinar, DR AS Kiran Kumar, former chairman of ISRO had explained that Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and is meant to demonstrate lunar landing and roving capability. He said that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would consist of a lander and rover carried on a propulsion module. He also added that the factors that led to unsuccessful Lunar landing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander were being taken care of in the latest mission.

About scientific payloads that are being carried on-board the lander and rover, he said, "The payloads on lander are Langmuir probe, Chandra's Surface Thermo Physical Experiment (ChaSTE) and Instrument for Lunar seismic activity (ILSA). The rover payloads are Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscope (LIBS)."

The former Chairman also elaborated that the Chandrayaan-3 lander is planned to perform an in-situ ChaSTE experiment of surface and sub-surface measurements of temperature.

It is meant to help understand the thermal exchange and physical properties of the uppermost Lunar soil. A thermal probe of 10cm length would be deployed on the Lunar surface to perform the experiment. On the uniqueness of the mission, he said that it was the only instrument in contact with Lunar surface/ subsurface and that is was the first-ever in-situ thermal measurement of the Lunar High Altitude region.

India's Lunar exploration journey began with a maiden mission Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and a second mission in 2019. While the 2008 mission was a success, the 2019 mission Chandrayaan-2 failed to land successfully on the Lunar surface. As of today, only an orbiter from this mission continues to circle the moon and is expected to perform remote sensing and mapping operations and relay the data back to earth for the next few years. However, the lander and the rover it contained perished on impact with the lunar surface, after the crash landing.

Around 2024-25, India and Japan are expected to launch a joint Lunar mission dubbed as 'LUPEX' or Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This probe is meant to land at the Lunar South pole with a rover that weighs upto 350kg.&nbsp;

This rover is expected to carry science experiments made by Indian and Japanese teams and conduct in-situ sample analysis. This mission is expected to have a life of upto 6 months. The details regarding this mission that is in the planning stage were revealed by Dr Kiran Kumar, in the webinar.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022. India's Minister of State for Science and Technology told this to the Indian Parliament in a written reply. He was responding to a question about the status of the mission. He said that realisation of Chandrayaan-3 is in progress based on analysis of learnings from Chandrayaan-2 mission. "Many related hardware and their special tests are successfully completed, the Launch is scheduled for August 2022" he added. Following a lull in launch activity during two years of the pandemic, India has now planned for 19 missions in calendar year of 2022. The minister said that these would include eight launch vehicle missions, seven spacecraft (satellite) missions and four technology demonstration missions. Notably, in a recent webinar, DR AS Kiran Kumar, former chairman of ISRO had explained that Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and is meant to demonstrate lunar landing and roving capability. He said that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would consist of a lander and rover carried on a propulsion module. He also added that the factors that led to unsuccessful Lunar landing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander were being taken care of in the latest mission. About scientific payloads that are being carried on-board the lander and rover, he said, "The payloads on lander are Langmuir probe, Chandra's Surface Thermo Physical Experiment (ChaSTE) and Instrument for Lunar seismic activity (ILSA). The rover payloads are Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscope (LIBS)." The former Chairman also elaborated that the Chandrayaan-3 lander is planned to perform an in-situ ChaSTE experiment of surface and sub-surface measurements of temperature. It is meant to help understand the thermal exchange and physical properties of the uppermost Lunar soil. A thermal probe of 10cm length would be deployed on the Lunar surface to perform the experiment. On the uniqueness of the mission, he said that it was the only instrument in contact with Lunar surface/ subsurface and that is was the first-ever in-situ thermal measurement of the Lunar High Altitude region. India's Lunar exploration journey began with a maiden mission Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and a second mission in 2019. While the 2008 mission was a success, the 2019 mission Chandrayaan-2 failed to land successfully on the Lunar surface. As of today, only an orbiter from this mission continues to circle the moon and is expected to perform remote sensing and mapping operations and relay the data back to earth for the next few years. However, the lander and the rover it contained perished on impact with the lunar surface, after the crash landing. Around 2024-25, India and Japan are expected to launch a joint Lunar mission dubbed as 'LUPEX' or Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This probe is meant to land at the Lunar South pole with a rover that weighs upto 350kg. This rover is expected to carry science experiments made by Indian and Japanese teams and conduct in-situ sample analysis. This mission is expected to have a life of upto 6 months. The details regarding this mission that is in the planning stage were revealed by Dr Kiran Kumar, in the webinar.

India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 slated for August 2022 launch

Opening up of India’s predominantly state-run space sector to private firms, stakeholders and enabling it in true spirit are the top priories of Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Dr S. Somanath. In an exclusive conversation with WION/Zee Media, the Chairman shared his vision for the ongoing tenure, his thoughts on Indian re-usable rocket projects, his expectations from Indian start-ups and conglomerates, the ambitious Gaganyaan Programme and its related International collaborations and much more.

According to Dr Somanath, the process of facilitating the opening up of India’s space sector is a long-drawn one. This comprises putting in place specific legislations, policies for the new entrants, offering them opportunities, while also minimising their hurdles in their journey of entrepreneurship and innovation.&nbsp;

“My role will be to set in motion the process now, so as to see results in a few years of time. These are - new industries coming up and launching rockets from India, satellites being built by private companies, applications being used to meet the global demand etc."

Queried about the Indian share of the USD440bn global space economy being less than 2 per cent and ISRO’s measures to improve it, he said, the important part was to address the needs of users in India in an economical manner.&nbsp;

These users include the government of India, strategic agencies and commercial users. Mentioning that rockets and satellites were only a small part of the global space economy, he emphasised on earning revenue by providing space-based services and delivery of applications to users.&nbsp;

While he did not wish to get into numbers, he affirmed that India’s target would be to expand its share.

On the engineering goals of ISRO, in building advanced rockets, engines and more efficient satellites, he said that ISRO had to decide on future engines based on the future rockets that are being envisioned.&nbsp;

“We are now trying to figure out the cost-effectiveness and design complexities of future engines of different classes and will be working on them in future. With current engines, there is a limit to which we can grow in launch vehicle(lift) capacity."

Regarding satellites, he said that India had infrastructure (bus structures) for satellites weighing as less as 20-30kg to 5tons.

However, he admitted the need to innovate and make satellites more compact, inculcate advanced electronics and add more functionality in the given space.&nbsp;

“Winged re-usable rocket still has some merit and provides certain operational flexibility, we continue to work on winged reusable rockets and we have an ongoing programme to work on an orbital re-usable vehicle. We have not started working towards making current expendable rockets into re-usable rockets, we have to initiate that programme and it will be linked with engines we need to develop,” he replied when asked to elaborate on India’s efforts towards re-usable rockets and new-age methods of launching from jumbo jets etc.&nbsp;

Dr Somanath feels that Indian private companies (start-ups and established giants) need to play a larger role by involving themselves in space applications, building and launching of spacecrafts and rockets etc. The veteran rocket scientist also sees great promise in 10 Indian space start-ups, that are operating in different domains.&nbsp;

“It is very high, they are enthused and active in working on it… It is not easy.. a lot of knowledge is required… Share of knowledge from ISRO is necessary for them to succeed.. I am looking forward to seeing them succeed, with their initiative and with support of skilled people created by the space programme” he said, when asked about the prospects of Indian space start-ups launching their rockets in the next two years.&nbsp;

Regarding ISRO’s initiatives to remain competitive in a global market where launch cost (per kg to orbit) was drastically falling, he said, it was about making the systems simpler, using more commercial items to make manufacturing processes easy, conceiving re-usability to use rockets like planes etc.&nbsp;

“In ISRO we are already working on the winged rocket, vertical take-off and landing is the next step, for which, we need a (throttling) capable engine.. In the absence of that engine, we will start a tech demonstration programme and actual rocket development,” he explained about the future.

He also agreed that ISRO’s upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) was a step in the direction of bringing down launch costs and increasing accessibility to space.&nbsp;

“We wanted a simple rocket that can be built and operated by industry, without much complexity. Hence, SSLV is significantly simpler than the current rocket fleet (PSLV, GSLV) and it can be manufactured by smaller industries, as it uses simpler systems and commercially available materials.&nbsp;

So, it can be transferred 100 per cent to industry and it will be cost-efficient” he added.&nbsp;

Asked to elaborate on the human rating of GSLV Mk3 rocket for India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, the former director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center explained that the GSLV Mk3 rocket was already capable of being human-rated, whereas the same cannot be done for every rocket.&nbsp;

Simply put, the human rating is the process of transforming a rocket meant for carrying cargo into one that can reliably carry astronauts. “Minimising acceleration, sound level, shock, these are already into the rocket. Further, we need to ruggedise marginalities, possibilities of failure anywhere in design are corrected, the entire rocket manufacturing process is being made more quality sensitive, we do a large number of tests to prove if any higher level of confidence is to be built,” he said.

On the failsafe measures being engineered, he added that there were in-built measures and intelligence to detect anomalies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-s-somanath-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-newly-appointed-isro-chairman-444197">Also read |&nbsp;Who is S Somanath? Here’s all you need to know about newly appointed ISRO Chairman&nbsp;</a>

“If one system fails, the next should take over, and if the second fails, the third must take over… and still continue the mission or abort. In the human-rated rocket, most critical systems are going to be quadruple redundant.. there are going to be four systems, so that, in no way will there be a possibility of a major catastrophe,” he explained.&nbsp;

As India’s most ambitious spacefaring mission, Gaganyaan is a leading example of India’s collaboration with agencies from all major spacefaring nations. Sharing his views on the same, Dr Somanath said that it involved procurement, technology transfer and working together with different nations.&nbsp;

“In rocket design, we are seeking the support of various countries. I am directly dealing with various facilities across the globe for wind tunnel testing, which we need to characterise the vehicle and crew module. Human spaceflight requires much more sharing of knowledge, there are experts across nations who can help us. We will continue to seek support from US, Russians, Japanese, Europeans etc. We also need global support for tracking, rescue, communications, and even emergencies,” he stated.&nbsp;

While all foreign space agencies are ready and happy to help in various aspects, there are also critical systems, technologies that will not be shared or offered for purchase.&nbsp;

These include environmental control and life support systems, crew module, landing parachute systems, propulsion etc.&nbsp;

However, space suits and seats can be procured from international agencies. Indian astronauts are also undergoing training in established foreign facilities.&nbsp;

As Chairman, he also extolled ISRO as an organisation for the strong team and centre-level leadership that is in place. He sees this tenure as an opportunity to inspire his team and make their vision a reality, by creating a support system. He expressed confidence that team ISRO would come up with greater ideas, whereas, he as Chairman would figure out the national and futuristic importance of the ideas and seek government support to implement them. With the support of the people of India and all stakeholders of the space programme, he firmly believes it will become a reality.&nbsp;

“My work is centred around rockets, but I’m interested in everything in space - from rockets to satellites to space science and mechanical engineering… I am passionate and I will learn as much as I have learnt so far and even more…" Dr S. Somanath signs off with a confident smile, as we wish him and ISRO all success - on Earth, in orbit and beyond!

Opening up of India’s predominantly state-run space sector to private firms, stakeholders and enabling it in true spirit are the top priories of Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Dr S.

Opening up of India’s predominantly state-run space sector to private firms, stakeholders and enabling it in true spirit are the top priories of Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Dr S. Somanath. In an exclusive conversation with WION/Zee Media, the Chairman shared his vision for the ongoing tenure, his thoughts on Indian re-usable rocket projects, his expectations from Indian start-ups and conglomerates, the ambitious Gaganyaan Programme and its related International collaborations and much more. According to Dr Somanath, the process of facilitating the opening up of India’s space sector is a long-drawn one. This comprises putting in place specific legislations, policies for the new entrants, offering them opportunities, while also minimising their hurdles in their journey of entrepreneurship and innovation. “My role will be to set in motion the process now, so as to see results in a few years of time. These are - new industries coming up and launching rockets from India, satellites being built by private companies, applications being used to meet the global demand etc." Queried about the Indian share of the USD440bn global space economy being less than 2 per cent and ISRO’s measures to improve it, he said, the important part was to address the needs of users in India in an economical manner. These users include the government of India, strategic agencies and commercial users. Mentioning that rockets and satellites were only a small part of the global space economy, he emphasised on earning revenue by providing space-based services and delivery of applications to users. While he did not wish to get into numbers, he affirmed that India’s target would be to expand its share. On the engineering goals of ISRO, in building advanced rockets, engines and more efficient satellites, he said that ISRO had to decide on future engines based on the future rockets that are being envisioned. “We are now trying to figure out the cost-effectiveness and design complexities of future engines of different classes and will be working on them in future. With current engines, there is a limit to which we can grow in launch vehicle(lift) capacity." Regarding satellites, he said that India had infrastructure (bus structures) for satellites weighing as less as 20-30kg to 5tons. However, he admitted the need to innovate and make satellites more compact, inculcate advanced electronics and add more functionality in the given space. “Winged re-usable rocket still has some merit and provides certain operational flexibility, we continue to work on winged reusable rockets and we have an ongoing programme to work on an orbital re-usable vehicle. We have not started working towards making current expendable rockets into re-usable rockets, we have to initiate that programme and it will be linked with engines we need to develop,” he replied when asked to elaborate on India’s efforts towards re-usable rockets and new-age methods of launching from jumbo jets etc. Dr Somanath feels that Indian private companies (start-ups and established giants) need to play a larger role by involving themselves in space applications, building and launching of spacecrafts and rockets etc. The veteran rocket scientist also sees great promise in 10 Indian space start-ups, that are operating in different domains. “It is very high, they are enthused and active in working on it… It is not easy.. a lot of knowledge is required… Share of knowledge from ISRO is necessary for them to succeed.. I am looking forward to seeing them succeed, with their initiative and with support of skilled people created by the space programme” he said, when asked about the prospects of Indian space start-ups launching their rockets in the next two years. Regarding ISRO’s initiatives to remain competitive in a global market where launch cost (per kg to orbit) was drastically falling, he said, it was about making the systems simpler, using more commercial items to make manufacturing processes easy, conceiving re-usability to use rockets like planes etc. “In ISRO we are already working on the winged rocket, vertical take-off and landing is the next step, for which, we need a (throttling) capable engine.. In the absence of that engine, we will start a tech demonstration programme and actual rocket development,” he explained about the future. He also agreed that ISRO’s upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) was a step in the direction of bringing down launch costs and increasing accessibility to space. “We wanted a simple rocket that can be built and operated by industry, without much complexity. Hence, SSLV is significantly simpler than the current rocket fleet (PSLV, GSLV) and it can be manufactured by smaller industries, as it uses simpler systems and commercially available materials. So, it can be transferred 100 per cent to industry and it will be cost-efficient” he added. Asked to elaborate on the human rating of GSLV Mk3 rocket for India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, the former director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center explained that the GSLV Mk3 rocket was already capable of being human-rated, whereas the same cannot be done for every rocket. Simply put, the human rating is the process of transforming a rocket meant for carrying cargo into one that can reliably carry astronauts. “Minimising acceleration, sound level, shock, these are already into the rocket. Further, we need to ruggedise marginalities, possibilities of failure anywhere in design are corrected, the entire rocket manufacturing process is being made more quality sensitive, we do a large number of tests to prove if any higher level of confidence is to be built,” he said. On the failsafe measures being engineered, he added that there were in-built measures and intelligence to detect anomalies. Also read | Who is S Somanath? Here’s all you need to know about newly appointed ISRO Chairman “If one system fails, the next should take over, and if the second fails, the third must take over… and still continue the mission or abort. In the human-rated rocket, most critical systems are going to be quadruple redundant.. there are going to be four systems, so that, in no way will there be a possibility of a major catastrophe,” he explained. As India’s most ambitious spacefaring mission, Gaganyaan is a leading example of India’s collaboration with agencies from all major spacefaring nations. Sharing his views on the same, Dr Somanath said that it involved procurement, technology transfer and working together with different nations. “In rocket design, we are seeking the support of various countries. I am directly dealing with various facilities across the globe for wind tunnel testing, which we need to characterise the vehicle and crew module. Human spaceflight requires much more sharing of knowledge, there are experts across nations who can help us. We will continue to seek support from US, Russians, Japanese, Europeans etc. We also need global support for tracking, rescue, communications, and even emergencies,” he stated. While all foreign space agencies are ready and happy to help in various aspects, there are also critical systems, technologies that will not be shared or offered for purchase. These include environmental control and life support systems, crew module, landing parachute systems, propulsion etc. However, space suits and seats can be procured from international agencies. Indian astronauts are also undergoing training in established foreign facilities. As Chairman, he also extolled ISRO as an organisation for the strong team and centre-level leadership that is in place. He sees this tenure as an opportunity to inspire his team and make their vision a reality, by creating a support system. He expressed confidence that team ISRO would come up with greater ideas, whereas, he as Chairman would figure out the national and futuristic importance of the ideas and seek government support to implement them. With the support of the people of India and all stakeholders of the space programme, he firmly believes it will become a reality. “My work is centred around rockets, but I’m interested in everything in space - from rockets to satellites to space science and mechanical engineering… I am passionate and I will learn as much as I have learnt so far and even more…" Dr S. Somanath signs off with a confident smile, as we wish him and ISRO all success - on Earth, in orbit and beyond!

ISRO Chairman Exclusive: “With support of all stakeholders - India & ISRO will have greater times ahead”

In 1994, a young engineer at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) joined two of his seniors to fix a problem with a live Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket that stood ready for launch.

Towards the final leg of the countdown, an issue was detected in the rocket and the highly anticipated launch was put on hold. Setting it right was the most dangerous task that anyone could undertake, as the rocket was loaded with nearly 200 tonnes of hazardous fuels and chemical cocktails.

Following the typical procedures would have meant de-arming the rocket and draining off its fuel, thus delaying the launch. However, within minutes, the problem was resolved and the rocket performed exceedingly well—it was a textbook launch and the first-ever successful flight of the PSLV, which is regarded as India’s workhorse rocket).

That young scientist who undertook that unenviable task is the newly-appointed Chairman of the ISRO and the secretary of the Department of Space —Dr S Somanath. &nbsp;

Hailing from Alappuzha (Alleppey) in India’s southern Kerala state, Somanath had been a science enthusiast right from the time he pursued his schooling, in Malayalam medium.

Despite being a Hindi teacher, Somanath’s father encouraged his son’s passion and aptitude for science by feeding him with science books in both English and Malayalam medium languages.

Even though engineering is considered a tough subject, Somanath pursued&nbsp;B Tech in Mechanical Engineering, during which he developed a deep&nbsp;interest in space.

As a college student, Somanath had specially requested his professor to teach him a course on propulsion —a specific subject in rocketry that is not taught as part of engineering. Interestingly, the faculty, too, readily agreed to teach him.

The TKM College of Engineering in Kollam, Kerala—which had hitherto never taught the course— readily took up the challenge and started teaching propulsion to 10 students who had shown interest at that time.&nbsp;

It was during his final years in college that Somanath applied for a job at the ISRO, when it was recruiting young engineers to join the fledgling PSLV programme.

Thanks to his high scores in the previous semesters, Somanath was recruited. Thus began a journey of realising his childhood dream of aiming to study the planets.&nbsp;

He joined ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre as the lead facility for developing rockets in 1985 and was a team leader for the integration of the PSLV rocket during its early phases.

Rising up the ranks, he joined GSLV MkIII Project in 2003 and was the deputy project director responsible for the overall design and integration of India’s heaviest and most powerful rocket.

He was the project director of GSLV Mk-III from June 2010 to 2014. An expert in the area of system engineering of launch vehicles, he made immense contribution in the development of PSLV and GSLV MkIII programmes in their overall architecture, propulsion stages design, structural and structural dynamics designs, separation systems, vehicle integration etc.

Later, he also led the team of LPSC (ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre) to complete the development and qualification of the CE20 cryogenic engine and the C25 stage, which was successfully flown in GSLV MkIII-D1 flight.

He also played a key role in three successful missions of GSLV with indigenous cryogenic stages and eleven successful missions of PSLV with the liquid stages realised by LPSC.

Under his watch, 15 successful satellite missions were accomplished with the propulsion systems supplied from LPSC.

He is also credited with driving the developmental activities of the high-thrust semi-cryogenic engine, throttleable engines for Chandrayaan-2 moon lander, the successful flight of electric propulsion system in GSAT-9, among others.

Dr Somanath secured Gold Medal in Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

He will serve as Chairman ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space for a tenure of three years.&nbsp;

Rocket science is among the most challenging and unforgiving fields of work. But what keeps this man going? This is what he tells his juniors, “We work on rockets, not just because they put satellites up there… Rockets are the only means by which humans can travel from the shores of earth to another planet… There is just no other way!”

An ardent fan of cinema, Somanath was once a member of the Film Society and similar groups in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital. However, owing to his rigorous schedule, cinema was something that had to be put on the backburner. A dynamic public speaker, he’s been an active Keynote speaker at various national and International events and has also delivered TEDx talks.

Dr Somanath is married to Valsala, who works with the Goods and Services Tax department. The couple has two children, both of whom have completed their&nbsp;​Master's in Engineering.&nbsp;

Note: The anecdote of Dr S Somanath having joined his seniors in setting right a live PSLV rocket is excerpted from ‘Ready to Fire’ the Autobiography of ISRO Veteran Padma Bhushan S Nambi Narayanan. As the then Cryogenic Project Director and Project Director for 2nd and 4th stages of PSLV, Nambi Narayanan had selected and led engineers S Somanath and S Ramakrishnan to join him to perform the daredevilry of working to set right a live rocket, on October 15th 1994. Eventually, Ramakrishnan rose up to the post of Director, LPSC, while Dr Somanath rose up to Director, VSSC and now Chairman, ISRO.&nbsp;

In 1994, a young engineer at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) joined two of his seniors to fix a problem with a live Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket that stood ready for launch.

In 1994, a young engineer at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) joined two of his seniors to fix a problem with a live Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket that stood ready for launch. Towards the final leg of the countdown, an issue was detected in the rocket and the highly anticipated launch was put on hold. Setting it right was the most dangerous task that anyone could undertake, as the rocket was loaded with nearly 200 tonnes of hazardous fuels and chemical cocktails. Following the typical procedures would have meant de-arming the rocket and draining off its fuel, thus delaying the launch. However, within minutes, the problem was resolved and the rocket performed exceedingly well—it was a textbook launch and the first-ever successful flight of the PSLV, which is regarded as India’s workhorse rocket). That young scientist who undertook that unenviable task is the newly-appointed Chairman of the ISRO and the secretary of the Department of Space —Dr S Somanath. Hailing from Alappuzha (Alleppey) in India’s southern Kerala state, Somanath had been a science enthusiast right from the time he pursued his schooling, in Malayalam medium. Despite being a Hindi teacher, Somanath’s father encouraged his son’s passion and aptitude for science by feeding him with science books in both English and Malayalam medium languages. Even though engineering is considered a tough subject, Somanath pursued B Tech in Mechanical Engineering, during which he developed a deep interest in space. As a college student, Somanath had specially requested his professor to teach him a course on propulsion —a specific subject in rocketry that is not taught as part of engineering. Interestingly, the faculty, too, readily agreed to teach him. The TKM College of Engineering in Kollam, Kerala—which had hitherto never taught the course— readily took up the challenge and started teaching propulsion to 10 students who had shown interest at that time. It was during his final years in college that Somanath applied for a job at the ISRO, when it was recruiting young engineers to join the fledgling PSLV programme. Thanks to his high scores in the previous semesters, Somanath was recruited. Thus began a journey of realising his childhood dream of aiming to study the planets. He joined ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre as the lead facility for developing rockets in 1985 and was a team leader for the integration of the PSLV rocket during its early phases. Rising up the ranks, he joined GSLV MkIII Project in 2003 and was the deputy project director responsible for the overall design and integration of India’s heaviest and most powerful rocket. He was the project director of GSLV Mk-III from June 2010 to 2014. An expert in the area of system engineering of launch vehicles, he made immense contribution in the development of PSLV and GSLV MkIII programmes in their overall architecture, propulsion stages design, structural and structural dynamics designs, separation systems, vehicle integration etc. Later, he also led the team of LPSC (ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre) to complete the development and qualification of the CE20 cryogenic engine and the C25 stage, which was successfully flown in GSLV MkIII-D1 flight. He also played a key role in three successful missions of GSLV with indigenous cryogenic stages and eleven successful missions of PSLV with the liquid stages realised by LPSC. Under his watch, 15 successful satellite missions were accomplished with the propulsion systems supplied from LPSC. He is also credited with driving the developmental activities of the high-thrust semi-cryogenic engine, throttleable engines for Chandrayaan-2 moon lander, the successful flight of electric propulsion system in GSAT-9, among others. Dr Somanath secured Gold Medal in Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He will serve as Chairman ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space for a tenure of three years. Rocket science is among the most challenging and unforgiving fields of work. But what keeps this man going? This is what he tells his juniors, “We work on rockets, not just because they put satellites up there… Rockets are the only means by which humans can travel from the shores of earth to another planet… There is just no other way!” An ardent fan of cinema, Somanath was once a member of the Film Society and similar groups in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital. However, owing to his rigorous schedule, cinema was something that had to be put on the backburner. A dynamic public speaker, he’s been an active Keynote speaker at various national and International events and has also delivered TEDx talks. Dr Somanath is married to Valsala, who works with the Goods and Services Tax department. The couple has two children, both of whom have completed their Master's in Engineering. Note: The anecdote of Dr S Somanath having joined his seniors in setting right a live PSLV rocket is excerpted from ‘Ready to Fire’ the Autobiography of ISRO Veteran Padma Bhushan S Nambi Narayanan. As the then Cryogenic Project Director and Project Director for 2nd and 4th stages of PSLV, Nambi Narayanan had selected and led engineers S Somanath and S Ramakrishnan to join him to perform the daredevilry of working to set right a live rocket, on October 15th 1994. Eventually, Ramakrishnan rose up to the post of Director, LPSC, while Dr Somanath rose up to Director, VSSC and now Chairman, ISRO.

Who is S Somanath? Here’s all you need to know about newly appointed ISRO Chairman 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working on nearly 50 futuristic, innovative technologies that will cater to the country’s technological needs&nbsp;in the coming decades.

Some of the technologies include quantum communications, space debris mitigation technologies, robotic arms, interplanetary rovers etc. Top officials of the space agency enlisted these technologies at the Inaugural session of the ISRO’s Directorate of Technology Development and Innovation (DTDI) conclave.&nbsp;

Speaking at the event, Dr K. Sivan, chairman, ISRO, said that DTDI was formed as a dedicated Directorate at ISRO headquarters to sow the seeds of futuristic and disruptive technology for the space sector.

He added that the technologies were being developed based on the global trends and &nbsp;SWOT analysis of their possible applications. ISRO, the Indian industry and academia would be collaborating and investing their resources to realise these technologies, said Dr&nbsp;Sivan&nbsp;who also serves as secretary, department of space.

“Over the last three&nbsp;years, ISRO initiated 46 technological endeavours such as quantum communication, space-debris mitigation technologies like self-eating rockets, self-vanishing satellites and robotic arms to catch space debris,”&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;Sivan said. He elaborated that quantum communication and satellite-based quantum communication, quantum cryptography could provide unconditional data security in secure communications.&nbsp;

With space debris from destroyed satellites, overpopulation of space by defunct satellites and active ones, spent rocket stages being a major concern, there is a growing need for mitigating this challenge.

A global effort is underway to maximise the operations of re-usable rockets, enable in-space refuelling, servicing of satellites, minimising, collecting and removing space debris and&nbsp;develop materials that don’t pose a long threat to other space assets&nbsp;It is in that context that ISRO’s plan for self-eating rockets and self-vanishing satellites, robotic arms needs to be seen.&nbsp;

Quantum mechanics is a theory in physics that describes the physical properties of nature at the level of atoms and sub-atomic particles. This is different from classical physics that describes many aspects of nature at an ordinary (macroscopic) scale.&nbsp;

Conventionally, sensitive data is sent via cable or other means along with the digital keys needed to decode the information. This is sent via a stream of electrical or optical pulses that are representing 0s and 1s(bits). However, this is prone to hacking&nbsp;without the knowledge of the sender and receiver.&nbsp;

In quantum communication, particles (photons of light) are transmitted in qubits(quantum bits), which have both 0 and 1 value at the same time. So, if a hacker were to try and eavesdrop on it, they must measure these qubits, which leaves a detectable trace and alerts the sender and receiver. This is based on the principle that a quantum state cannot be measured without disturbing it. If qubits are disturbed, then both parties know it and can abandon the exchange.&nbsp;

On disruptive technologies that ISRO was working on, R. Umamaheswaran, scientific secretary, ISRO, mentioned quantum radars, low-temperature lithium-ion cells that can power sub-systems in sub-zero temperatures and space-based solar power.&nbsp;

He added that ISRO had created a ‘Vision 2030’, based on ideas received from its scientists and engineers.

It&nbsp;included “General purpose Humanoid robots, in-situ propellant production for interplanetary exploration, planetary rock sampling, intelligent space vehicle, robotic arm in space, spider rover,&nbsp; AI-enabled spacecraft and&nbsp;Lattice composite structure.”

On the status of these technologies, he said that few of them were in the feasibility study stages, whereas the development of some others had been initiated at the lab level.&nbsp;

ISRO will also be harnessing artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analysis to make better use of data from satellites, in order to cater to the understanding of earth’s resources.

“We are looking at ensuring preparedness for handling celestial and anthropogenic challenges, developing AI-based models for on-board anomaly detection in spacecraft, Spatio-temporal&nbsp;weather prediction, groundwater level prediction, generation of land cover maps, AI-driven quality inspection and&nbsp;AI-driven agriculture,” Dr&nbsp;Umamaheshwaran added.&nbsp;

Via initiatives such as DTDI connect and DTDI extend, ISRO aims to unite technology developers from across the country with potential users to enable customized products that are ready-to-induct.

The spin-offs from such technological products are services are also expected to be of great utility to the country and its rapidly-growing advanced requirements.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working on nearly 50 futuristic, innovative technologies that will cater to the country’s technological needs in the coming decades.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working on nearly 50 futuristic, innovative technologies that will cater to the country’s technological needs in the coming decades. Some of the technologies include quantum communications, space debris mitigation technologies, robotic arms, interplanetary rovers etc. Top officials of the space agency enlisted these technologies at the Inaugural session of the ISRO’s Directorate of Technology Development and Innovation (DTDI) conclave. Speaking at the event, Dr K. Sivan, chairman, ISRO, said that DTDI was formed as a dedicated Directorate at ISRO headquarters to sow the seeds of futuristic and disruptive technology for the space sector. He added that the technologies were being developed based on the global trends and SWOT analysis of their possible applications. ISRO, the Indian industry and academia would be collaborating and investing their resources to realise these technologies, said Dr Sivan who also serves as secretary, department of space. “Over the last three years, ISRO initiated 46 technological endeavours such as quantum communication, space-debris mitigation technologies like self-eating rockets, self-vanishing satellites and robotic arms to catch space debris,” Dr Sivan said. He elaborated that quantum communication and satellite-based quantum communication, quantum cryptography could provide unconditional data security in secure communications. With space debris from destroyed satellites, overpopulation of space by defunct satellites and active ones, spent rocket stages being a major concern, there is a growing need for mitigating this challenge. A global effort is underway to maximise the operations of re-usable rockets, enable in-space refuelling, servicing of satellites, minimising, collecting and removing space debris and develop materials that don’t pose a long threat to other space assets It is in that context that ISRO’s plan for self-eating rockets and self-vanishing satellites, robotic arms needs to be seen. Quantum mechanics is a theory in physics that describes the physical properties of nature at the level of atoms and sub-atomic particles. This is different from classical physics that describes many aspects of nature at an ordinary (macroscopic) scale. Conventionally, sensitive data is sent via cable or other means along with the digital keys needed to decode the information. This is sent via a stream of electrical or optical pulses that are representing 0s and 1s(bits). However, this is prone to hacking without the knowledge of the sender and receiver. In quantum communication, particles (photons of light) are transmitted in qubits(quantum bits), which have both 0 and 1 value at the same time. So, if a hacker were to try and eavesdrop on it, they must measure these qubits, which leaves a detectable trace and alerts the sender and receiver. This is based on the principle that a quantum state cannot be measured without disturbing it. If qubits are disturbed, then both parties know it and can abandon the exchange. On disruptive technologies that ISRO was working on, R. Umamaheswaran, scientific secretary, ISRO, mentioned quantum radars, low-temperature lithium-ion cells that can power sub-systems in sub-zero temperatures and space-based solar power. He added that ISRO had created a ‘Vision 2030’, based on ideas received from its scientists and engineers. It included “General purpose Humanoid robots, in-situ propellant production for interplanetary exploration, planetary rock sampling, intelligent space vehicle, robotic arm in space, spider rover, AI-enabled spacecraft and Lattice composite structure.” On the status of these technologies, he said that few of them were in the feasibility study stages, whereas the development of some others had been initiated at the lab level. ISRO will also be harnessing artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analysis to make better use of data from satellites, in order to cater to the understanding of earth’s resources. “We are looking at ensuring preparedness for handling celestial and anthropogenic challenges, developing AI-based models for on-board anomaly detection in spacecraft, Spatio-temporal weather prediction, groundwater level prediction, generation of land cover maps, AI-driven quality inspection and AI-driven agriculture,” Dr Umamaheshwaran added. Via initiatives such as DTDI connect and DTDI extend, ISRO aims to unite technology developers from across the country with potential users to enable customized products that are ready-to-induct. The spin-offs from such technological products are services are also expected to be of great utility to the country and its rapidly-growing advanced requirements.

ISRO working on hack-proof communication, robots, self-healing materials, debris-free rockets & satellites

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has demonstrated the method of identifying the best suited locations for installing upcoming solar power generation farms, across the globe. India's state-run space agency has done so using data obtained from it's own earth observation satellites that are continuously monitoring the planet, from Geostationary orbit (36,000 kms above the earth's equator). WION spoke to Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, ISRO for more on this project.

Earlier this week, addressing his counterparts at the COP26 Global Climate Summit at Glasgow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that ISRO would offer the world a 'Solar Power Calculator'. He said that it would help&nbsp;decide the location of solar energy projects across the globe. He added that it would strengthen the 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' initiative.

When requested to elaborate on the project, Dr. K. Sivan said, it was a technology demonstration proposal that was made using data from Earth Observation satellites. "It is about using satellite data and identifying potential areas where maximum solar energy is available per year, across the globe. We will be collecting this data, analysing, mapping it and sharing it online and via a mobile application. Mapping this data and sharing it would help countries decide their upcoming solar power projects" he told WION.

Talking about if ISRO was also developing some hardware for this purpose, he replied that ISRO was only using data, mapping and analysing it and not working on any hardware aspect, for this project.

According to ISRO's description of the solar calculator mobile application, computation of solar energy potential is essential to select the locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants. "An android app for the computation of solar energy potential has been developed by Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad at the behest of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India. It is a very useful tool for installation of PV solar panels for tapping solar energy," it reads.

ISRO's website says&nbsp;the mobile app allows users to obtain the 'solar energy potential' data in (kWh/m2), when the location is keyed or is designated according to GPS. It gives monthly and yearly solar potential processed using Indian Geostationary Satellite data (Kalpana-1, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR). It also offers monthly minimum and maximum temperature to calculate realistic solar potential.&nbsp;

Additionally, the app also offers monthly and yearly solar potential (in kWh/m2) and minimum-maximum temperature at any location. It also displays the location on the satellite image and provides azimuth / elevation angles as well as day length over different time periods in a year. ISRO adds, Wind, solar and wave energy resources can be assessed with the help of Earth Observation data, sourced from satellites that are in the geostationary orbit (roughly 36,000kms) above earth's equator.&nbsp;

Asked about when this particular 'Solar calculator' would be made fully available across the globe, Dr. Sivan said that the technology behind it had been demonstrated and that further work was required. Regarding the much anticipated rocket launch schedule of ISRO in November and December 2021and the possible launch of India's Small Satellite launch Vehicle (SSLV rocket), he said, it was being worked out.&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has demonstrated the method of identifying the best suited locations for installing upcoming solar power generation farms, across the globe.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has demonstrated the method of identifying the best suited locations for installing upcoming solar power generation farms, across the globe. India's state-run space agency has done so using data obtained from it's own earth observation satellites that are continuously monitoring the planet, from Geostationary orbit (36,000 kms above the earth's equator). WION spoke to Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, ISRO for more on this project. Earlier this week, addressing his counterparts at the COP26 Global Climate Summit at Glasgow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that ISRO would offer the world a 'Solar Power Calculator'. He said that it would help decide the location of solar energy projects across the globe. He added that it would strengthen the 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' initiative. When requested to elaborate on the project, Dr. K. Sivan said, it was a technology demonstration proposal that was made using data from Earth Observation satellites. "It is about using satellite data and identifying potential areas where maximum solar energy is available per year, across the globe. We will be collecting this data, analysing, mapping it and sharing it online and via a mobile application. Mapping this data and sharing it would help countries decide their upcoming solar power projects" he told WION. Talking about if ISRO was also developing some hardware for this purpose, he replied that ISRO was only using data, mapping and analysing it and not working on any hardware aspect, for this project. According to ISRO's description of the solar calculator mobile application, computation of solar energy potential is essential to select the locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants. "An android app for the computation of solar energy potential has been developed by Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad at the behest of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India. It is a very useful tool for installation of PV solar panels for tapping solar energy," it reads. ISRO's website says the mobile app allows users to obtain the 'solar energy potential' data in (kWh/m2), when the location is keyed or is designated according to GPS. It gives monthly and yearly solar potential processed using Indian Geostationary Satellite data (Kalpana-1, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR). It also offers monthly minimum and maximum temperature to calculate realistic solar potential. Additionally, the app also offers monthly and yearly solar potential (in kWh/m2) and minimum-maximum temperature at any location. It also displays the location on the satellite image and provides azimuth / elevation angles as well as day length over different time periods in a year. ISRO adds, Wind, solar and wave energy resources can be assessed with the help of Earth Observation data, sourced from satellites that are in the geostationary orbit (roughly 36,000kms) above earth's equator. Asked about when this particular 'Solar calculator' would be made fully available across the globe, Dr. Sivan said that the technology behind it had been demonstrated and that further work was required. Regarding the much anticipated rocket launch schedule of ISRO in November and December 2021and the possible launch of India's Small Satellite launch Vehicle (SSLV rocket), he said, it was being worked out.

Exclusive: What is ISRO's 'Solar Power Calculator' that is to be offered to the world?

India's sleepy town of Thumba in Kerala had caught the attention of Dr Vikram Sarabai who was the father of India's space programme. Sarabai felt the fishing village of Thumba was perfect for India's inaugural rocket launch.

A church was located at the site of the Earth's magnetic equator and if India wanted a glitch-free blast off&nbsp;it needed to secure the perfect launch site. The church's reverend decided to help as he invited the scientists for a Sunday mass and told the villagers about India's space dreams.

After the villagers gave their nod, the reverend handed over the church to the scientists. There were also no labs in Thumba, so cattle sheds were turned into laboratories and storage units. There were also no canteens for the scientists who had to ride to the nearest railway station for their meals.

There was also just one jeep. The payloads and rocket parts were transported on bicycles. India launched its first rocket in 1963 amid several hardships as&nbsp;the country began its space journey.

Within four years India built its own rocket from the experience it gathered in Thumba. The RH-75 was India's first indigenous rocket which was launched in 1967 and by 1975, India had built its own satellite named Aryabhata after the Indian astronomer and launched it from Russia.

In Bangalore, a toilet was converted as the satellite's data receiving centre. Indians came together to celebrate Aryabhata. The satellite's photo was printed on Indian currencies between 1976 and 1997 as Aryabhata&nbsp;made ISRO a household name.

ISRO started in 1962 and was named the Indian national committee for space research, however, in 1969 it was renamed Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO).

India's love affair with astronomy dated further back in history to the year 499 when Aryabhata began writing on space. There was no paper then, so it was written on a palm leaf. Aryabhata noted that the Earth was round and rotated on its axis.

In 598, Brahmagupt was trying to calculate the circumference of the planet. In 1981 when India was trying to launch its first communication satellite called Apple, scientists needed a metal-free mode of transport to ferry the payload and conduct an antenna test in an open field.

The payload was ready but the challenge was to find a metal-free vehicle. India's legendary jugaad once again came to the rescue as the payload was carried on a bullock cart.

India's space journey has many memorable milestones. In 1984, Indian Air Force pilot Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to fly to space. He was onboard the former Soviet Union's Soyuz T-11 that went to space.&nbsp;

Rakesh Sharma and the other crew members held a press conference from the skies when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister. Their exchange is etched in the memory of every Indian.

In 2014, India was once again filled with pride after it became only the fourth country in the world to reach Mars. Mangalyaan also became the world's most cost-efficient Mars mission.

The Mangalyan cost India $74 million which is less than what Hollywood spent in the making of the movie "Gravity" which had a budget of $100 million.

Now, India launches foreign satellites from its soil. India has so far launched 342 foreign satellites belonging to 34 countries. The country has also conducted 112 space missions, 82 launch missions and two re-entry missions.

India has also sent 12 student satellites to space.

Thumba is now home to the Vikram Sarabhai space centre. ISRO now has as many as 45 centres around the country with every launch, it brings space exploration closer to the heart of Indians.

Indians stayed up all night tracking Chandrayaan-2. However, the mission did not manage to safely touch down on the Moon. The teary-eyed ISRO chief made Indians more resolute than ever to let nothing come between India and its space dreams.

Dr. K Sivan, Kalpana Chawla and Rakesh Sharma are among India's tallest idols and space now dominates India's popular culture.&nbsp;Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was ISRO's top scientist who became India's president. &nbsp;

India is now privatising space exploration and supporting innovation while creating newer groups to further India's space journey and looking to build its own space stations as the country looks to create its very own fort in the space age.

India's sleepy town of Thumba in Kerala had caught the attention of Dr Vikram Sarabai who was the father of India's space programme. Sarabai felt the fishing village of Thumba was perfect for India's inaugural rocket launch.

India's sleepy town of Thumba in Kerala had caught the attention of Dr Vikram Sarabai who was the father of India's space programme. Sarabai felt the fishing village of Thumba was perfect for India's inaugural rocket launch. A church was located at the site of the Earth's magnetic equator and if India wanted a glitch-free blast off it needed to secure the perfect launch site. The church's reverend decided to help as he invited the scientists for a Sunday mass and told the villagers about India's space dreams. After the villagers gave their nod, the reverend handed over the church to the scientists. There were also no labs in Thumba, so cattle sheds were turned into laboratories and storage units. There were also no canteens for the scientists who had to ride to the nearest railway station for their meals. There was also just one jeep. The payloads and rocket parts were transported on bicycles. India launched its first rocket in 1963 amid several hardships as the country began its space journey. Within four years India built its own rocket from the experience it gathered in Thumba. The RH-75 was India's first indigenous rocket which was launched in 1967 and by 1975, India had built its own satellite named Aryabhata after the Indian astronomer and launched it from Russia. In Bangalore, a toilet was converted as the satellite's data receiving centre. Indians came together to celebrate Aryabhata. The satellite's photo was printed on Indian currencies between 1976 and 1997 as Aryabhata made ISRO a household name. ISRO started in 1962 and was named the Indian national committee for space research, however, in 1969 it was renamed Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO). India's love affair with astronomy dated further back in history to the year 499 when Aryabhata began writing on space. There was no paper then, so it was written on a palm leaf. Aryabhata noted that the Earth was round and rotated on its axis. In 598, Brahmagupt was trying to calculate the circumference of the planet. In 1981 when India was trying to launch its first communication satellite called Apple, scientists needed a metal-free mode of transport to ferry the payload and conduct an antenna test in an open field. The payload was ready but the challenge was to find a metal-free vehicle. India's legendary jugaad once again came to the rescue as the payload was carried on a bullock cart. India's space journey has many memorable milestones. In 1984, Indian Air Force pilot Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to fly to space. He was onboard the former Soviet Union's Soyuz T-11 that went to space. Rakesh Sharma and the other crew members held a press conference from the skies when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister. Their exchange is etched in the memory of every Indian. In 2014, India was once again filled with pride after it became only the fourth country in the world to reach Mars. Mangalyaan also became the world's most cost-efficient Mars mission. The Mangalyan cost India $74 million which is less than what Hollywood spent in the making of the movie "Gravity" which had a budget of $100 million. Now, India launches foreign satellites from its soil. India has so far launched 342 foreign satellites belonging to 34 countries. The country has also conducted 112 space missions, 82 launch missions and two re-entry missions. India has also sent 12 student satellites to space. Thumba is now home to the Vikram Sarabhai space centre. ISRO now has as many as 45 centres around the country with every launch, it brings space exploration closer to the heart of Indians. Indians stayed up all night tracking Chandrayaan-2. However, the mission did not manage to safely touch down on the Moon. The teary-eyed ISRO chief made Indians more resolute than ever to let nothing come between India and its space dreams. Dr. K Sivan, Kalpana Chawla and Rakesh Sharma are among India's tallest idols and space now dominates India's popular culture. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was ISRO's top scientist who became India's president. India is now privatising space exploration and supporting innovation while creating newer groups to further India's space journey and looking to build its own space stations as the country looks to create its very own fort in the space age.

How India's space journey transformed the country

Over the last four decades, the state-run Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has fostered an ecosystem and space industry via public-private partnerships, but this needs to be scaled up and more inclusive, say experts. They are of the opinion that ISRO and its private partners from the industry must involve academia and research institutions at a greater level in order to ensure better coordination for the coming times, amid global competition.&nbsp;

Speaking at a virtual event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), veterans of ISRO and Indian space-sector entrepreneurs touched upon how India could evolve its space ecosystem for balanced growth as a manufacturing hub. On the emerging global trends, Arunachalam, an official of the government-run New Space India Limited (NSIL), said that the highly competitive segments would be affordable launches, increased launch choice, increased resolution of commercial space-based imaging, etc.&nbsp;

He said that ISRO had been working with over 500 industry partners for their overall operations and activities so far, but he pointed out how India’s space economy is barely $7bn, which is less than 2% of the global market. He said ISRO and Indian industries must go beyond the vendor-supplier relationship and work on developing space-based services to bolster the Indian Space economy.&nbsp;

Surendra M Vaidya, a senior official from Godrej Aerospace, said that the private industry and ISRO partnership dates back to the 1980s, but he emphasised why it had to be extended to academia, research institutions. Taking the example of Godrej and MTAR- two competing firms, he touched upon how they were working together on fabricating rocket engines for ISRO, while also being competitors in many other streams. He expressed that private industry could simultaneously collaborate and compete in different domains, as necessary.&nbsp;

Highlighting the need for an overall aerospace ecosystem, he said that a manufacturing hub doesn’t mean just a single unit for a single technological system, but it meant offering a wide-range of products for civil and military purposes. "We must encourage the support infrastructure, such as machine tools, facilities, and consumables, most of which are not readily available today. What we require is an ecosystem that is based on industry requirements,"he said.&nbsp;

Srinath Ravichandran, CEO of rocket company Agnikul Cosmos, said that there must be enough demand and enough solutions providers to meet both sides of the economic equation. Referring to the problems faced by small companies in placing orders for components, he said that small firms required only few units of a certain component, whereas ore sector companies required thousands of them. "Small companies can’t place large orders as the needs are infrequent, but when companies across the sector come together and place a large order, it will benefit everyone, provided we use the same component," he said.&nbsp;

Referring to the global semiconductor supply shortage, he said it would be easier for a company to purchase a large volume of 10,000 units, whereas a small company needing 50 units would have to wait longer. He urged Indian industry and industry-bodies to find methods to overcome this, where the small players can also get their small-quantity orders on time via collaboration with larger companies.

Sanjay Nekkanti of Dhruvaspace said that there was a huge market where Indian firms could focus on and offer products and services to cater towards foreign demand. He pointed out statistics which mentioned the possibility of 30,000 satellites being launched over the next decade and how Indian firms could collaborate to meet these requirements of foreign customers.

Over the last four decades, the state-run Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has fostered an ecosystem and space industry via public-private partnerships, but this needs to be scaled up and more inclusive, say experts.

Over the last four decades, the state-run Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has fostered an ecosystem and space industry via public-private partnerships, but this needs to be scaled up and more inclusive, say experts. They are of the opinion that ISRO and its private partners from the industry must involve academia and research institutions at a greater level in order to ensure better coordination for the coming times, amid global competition. Speaking at a virtual event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), veterans of ISRO and Indian space-sector entrepreneurs touched upon how India could evolve its space ecosystem for balanced growth as a manufacturing hub. On the emerging global trends, Arunachalam, an official of the government-run New Space India Limited (NSIL), said that the highly competitive segments would be affordable launches, increased launch choice, increased resolution of commercial space-based imaging, etc. He said that ISRO had been working with over 500 industry partners for their overall operations and activities so far, but he pointed out how India’s space economy is barely $7bn, which is less than 2% of the global market. He said ISRO and Indian industries must go beyond the vendor-supplier relationship and work on developing space-based services to bolster the Indian Space economy. Surendra M Vaidya, a senior official from Godrej Aerospace, said that the private industry and ISRO partnership dates back to the 1980s, but he emphasised why it had to be extended to academia, research institutions. Taking the example of Godrej and MTAR- two competing firms, he touched upon how they were working together on fabricating rocket engines for ISRO, while also being competitors in many other streams. He expressed that private industry could simultaneously collaborate and compete in different domains, as necessary. Highlighting the need for an overall aerospace ecosystem, he said that a manufacturing hub doesn’t mean just a single unit for a single technological system, but it meant offering a wide-range of products for civil and military purposes. "We must encourage the support infrastructure, such as machine tools, facilities, and consumables, most of which are not readily available today. What we require is an ecosystem that is based on industry requirements,"he said. Srinath Ravichandran, CEO of rocket company Agnikul Cosmos, said that there must be enough demand and enough solutions providers to meet both sides of the economic equation. Referring to the problems faced by small companies in placing orders for components, he said that small firms required only few units of a certain component, whereas ore sector companies required thousands of them. "Small companies can’t place large orders as the needs are infrequent, but when companies across the sector come together and place a large order, it will benefit everyone, provided we use the same component," he said. Referring to the global semiconductor supply shortage, he said it would be easier for a company to purchase a large volume of 10,000 units, whereas a small company needing 50 units would have to wait longer. He urged Indian industry and industry-bodies to find methods to overcome this, where the small players can also get their small-quantity orders on time via collaboration with larger companies. Sanjay Nekkanti of Dhruvaspace said that there was a huge market where Indian firms could focus on and offer products and services to cater towards foreign demand. He pointed out statistics which mentioned the possibility of 30,000 satellites being launched over the next decade and how Indian firms could collaborate to meet these requirements of foreign customers.

Greater collaboration within India’s space industry can lead to balanced growth, say experts

India's Mars Orbiter spacecraft has completed seven years in its orbit, well beyond its designed mission life of six months.

"Indeed, a satisfying feeling," K Radhakrishnan who as the then Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) led the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) team told PTI on the milestone.

MOM is the maiden interplanetary mission of ISRO. Launched on November 5, 2013, the probe was successfully inserted into Martian orbit on September 24, 2014 in its first attempt.

MOM is primarily a technology demonstration venture and all the mission objectives were successfully met, according to officials of Bengaluru-headquartered India's national space agency.

The main lessons learnt were in the field of design and realisation of systems and subsystems, launch for interplanetary mission, insertion into other planet's orbit, operation of the spacecraft and scientific instruments around Mars orbit, they said.

The lessons learnt have raised the confidence of ISRO scientists for taking up future interplanetary missions.

ISRO has been continuously monitoring the spacecraft and its five scientific instruments, and officials said scientific analysis of the data being received from MOM spacecraft is in progress.

On the health of the spacecraft, M Annadurai, who was the Programme Director of MOM, said the spacecraft's "moving elements are facing some issues and some of the redundancies we have to switch over."

"The spacecraft's health is reasonably good considering that we are in the seventh year," Annadurai told PTI.

He expects the spacecraft to have a mission life of probably another one year.

On the reasons for the long mission life, Annadurai said ISRO had done corrections after learning lessons from the Chandrayaan-1 venture, in terms of reconfiguring the spacecraft and optimisation of fuel management, among others.

Noting that Earth remote-sensing satellites typically have a mission life of seven to nine years, he said it was a very satisfying moment that India could establish that around Mars also, a spacecraft can be in operation for such a long period.

On some criticism in some quarters that scientific output of the MOM was "low", Annadurai said it was more of a technology-demonstration mission.

He pointed out that the spacecraft was launched by PSLV as GSLV was not in operational condition then. ISRO could apportion only about 15 kg for scientific instruments, and the time available for scientists to develop them was only 18-19 months.

"I don't think we could have done better than what we have done," Annadurai said.

ISRO officials said the spacecraft has already covered three Martian years (one Martian year is about two earth years).

"We have seen how changes happen on the Mars from one season to another, one Martian year to another Martian year," they said.

Annadurai said: "We have good inputs on seasonal affects on Mars atmosphere...Surface. The mission has provided meaningful data also".&nbsp;

India's Mars Orbiter spacecraft has completed seven years in its orbit, well beyond its designed mission life of six months. "Indeed, a satisfying feeling," K Radhakrishnan who as the then Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) led the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) team told PTI on the milestone.

India's Mars Orbiter spacecraft has completed seven years in its orbit, well beyond its designed mission life of six months. "Indeed, a satisfying feeling," K Radhakrishnan who as the then Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) led the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) team told PTI on the milestone. MOM is the maiden interplanetary mission of ISRO. Launched on November 5, 2013, the probe was successfully inserted into Martian orbit on September 24, 2014 in its first attempt. MOM is primarily a technology demonstration venture and all the mission objectives were successfully met, according to officials of Bengaluru-headquartered India's national space agency. The main lessons learnt were in the field of design and realisation of systems and subsystems, launch for interplanetary mission, insertion into other planet's orbit, operation of the spacecraft and scientific instruments around Mars orbit, they said. The lessons learnt have raised the confidence of ISRO scientists for taking up future interplanetary missions. ISRO has been continuously monitoring the spacecraft and its five scientific instruments, and officials said scientific analysis of the data being received from MOM spacecraft is in progress. On the health of the spacecraft, M Annadurai, who was the Programme Director of MOM, said the spacecraft's "moving elements are facing some issues and some of the redundancies we have to switch over." "The spacecraft's health is reasonably good considering that we are in the seventh year," Annadurai told PTI. He expects the spacecraft to have a mission life of probably another one year. On the reasons for the long mission life, Annadurai said ISRO had done corrections after learning lessons from the Chandrayaan-1 venture, in terms of reconfiguring the spacecraft and optimisation of fuel management, among others. Noting that Earth remote-sensing satellites typically have a mission life of seven to nine years, he said it was a very satisfying moment that India could establish that around Mars also, a spacecraft can be in operation for such a long period. On some criticism in some quarters that scientific output of the MOM was "low", Annadurai said it was more of a technology-demonstration mission. He pointed out that the spacecraft was launched by PSLV as GSLV was not in operational condition then. ISRO could apportion only about 15 kg for scientific instruments, and the time available for scientists to develop them was only 18-19 months. "I don't think we could have done better than what we have done," Annadurai said. ISRO officials said the spacecraft has already covered three Martian years (one Martian year is about two earth years). "We have seen how changes happen on the Mars from one season to another, one Martian year to another Martian year," they said. Annadurai said: "We have good inputs on seasonal affects on Mars atmosphere...Surface. The mission has provided meaningful data also".

Made for mission life of 6 months, India's Mars probe completes 7 years in orbit

Top Australian Government officials, representatives of the Australian Space Agency and entrepreneurs expressed interest in active bilateral cooperation with India in the Space sector.&nbsp;

This gains significance given how Australia is planning on tripling its Space Economy by 2030 and India’s recent reforms to permit end-to-end private participation in space activities, besides the ongoing plan to permit Foreign Direct Investment in the Space sector.&nbsp;

In a discussion facilitated by the Confederation of Indian Industry, top officials from the Indian and Australian Space agencies and industry representatives discussed the ‘Commercial Opportunities across the Aus-India Space Ecosystem’.&nbsp;

Speaking at the event, Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell AO, said he wanted to see Australian and Indian firms partner and grow together. He welcomed India’s planned revisions to FDI norms in the space sector, saying “this could be a real game changer for bilateral commercial space collaboration”.&nbsp;

On Australia’s advantages, he said “our geographical position in the southern hemisphere, wide-open spaces and relatively low light pollution, make us a natural partner for India. We also have expertise to offer in satellite tech, earth observation, leapfrog R&amp;D, comms, robotics and remote asset management”. He also recalled the Ind-Aus cooperation in space, which dates back to 1987.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-in-usa-quad-unga-joe-biden-415080">UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead</a>

Sreerekha, Assistant Scientific Secretary, ISRO, said that ISRO was in the process of bringing out Industry-friendly policies and also assured that the Draft policy would be made available for public consultation. Regarding the FDI Policy for space, she added that it would soon be made available, thus enabling foreign firms to invest in all areas of space.&nbsp;

According to Karl Rodrigues, an official of the Australian Space Agency, it was projected that the Australian Space Economy would see a three-fold growth to $12bn by 2030 and employ as many as 20,000 people. He also said that Australia would be returning to space by performing commercial rocket launches and also via collaborative missions to put Australian satellites in lunar orbit or probes on the lunar surface.

Though Australia has been involved in space activities for a long time, it is notable that the Australian Space Agency was established barely three years ago and they don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme. So far, they have been collaborating with and supporting other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions.&nbsp;

However, Peter Williams, of Southern Launch said that the Australian government recently approved the first commercial rocket launch from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, of their company. “This is an important outcome in establishing Australia’s commercial launch capability and demonstrating what our country can offer international rocket manufacturers and their payload customers” he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/differently-abled-people-with-restricted-mobility-to-get-covid-vaccine-jabs-at-homes-indian-govt-415275">Differently-abled, people with restricted mobility to get Covid vaccine jabs at homes: Indian Govt</a>

Indian entrepreneur Awais Ahmed, CEO, Pixxel mentioned the prospects of their constellation of Hyperspectral imaging satellites that could collect vast amounts of data, which can be used for studying agriculture, pest infestation, emissions, impact on forests etc. “Pixxel was looking at Australia to further expand its global network, and explore partnerships with Australian data application providers to help develop a user-friendly interface for end-users in the agricultural and mining sectors” he added.

When asked about the reasons why Indian firms had to invest in Australia, given the low costs at home and high-costs in Australia, an Australian representative acknowledged the cost advantage in India and also pointed out their country's capability in terms of processes, systems engineering, components, robotics, optical technologies, laser, AI etc. "There are a lot of complementary skills and talent, Aus-India can work together for developing low-cost and high-performance systems and even joint missions" it was added.

Entrepreneurs from India and Australia agreed that, given the high investment in developing space capabilities, the respective Governments had to provide access to capital, which would enable more innovation and foster an ecosystem for Space technology.&nbsp;

Top Australian Government officials, representatives of the Australian Space Agency and entrepreneurs expressed interest in active bilateral cooperation with India in the Space sector.

Top Australian Government officials, representatives of the Australian Space Agency and entrepreneurs expressed interest in active bilateral cooperation with India in the Space sector. This gains significance given how Australia is planning on tripling its Space Economy by 2030 and India’s recent reforms to permit end-to-end private participation in space activities, besides the ongoing plan to permit Foreign Direct Investment in the Space sector. In a discussion facilitated by the Confederation of Indian Industry, top officials from the Indian and Australian Space agencies and industry representatives discussed the ‘Commercial Opportunities across the Aus-India Space Ecosystem’. Speaking at the event, Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell AO, said he wanted to see Australian and Indian firms partner and grow together. He welcomed India’s planned revisions to FDI norms in the space sector, saying “this could be a real game changer for bilateral commercial space collaboration”. On Australia’s advantages, he said “our geographical position in the southern hemisphere, wide-open spaces and relatively low light pollution, make us a natural partner for India. We also have expertise to offer in satellite tech, earth observation, leapfrog R&D, comms, robotics and remote asset management”. He also recalled the Ind-Aus cooperation in space, which dates back to 1987. IN PICS | UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead Sreerekha, Assistant Scientific Secretary, ISRO, said that ISRO was in the process of bringing out Industry-friendly policies and also assured that the Draft policy would be made available for public consultation. Regarding the FDI Policy for space, she added that it would soon be made available, thus enabling foreign firms to invest in all areas of space. According to Karl Rodrigues, an official of the Australian Space Agency, it was projected that the Australian Space Economy would see a three-fold growth to $12bn by 2030 and employ as many as 20,000 people. He also said that Australia would be returning to space by performing commercial rocket launches and also via collaborative missions to put Australian satellites in lunar orbit or probes on the lunar surface. Though Australia has been involved in space activities for a long time, it is notable that the Australian Space Agency was established barely three years ago and they don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme. So far, they have been collaborating with and supporting other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. However, Peter Williams, of Southern Launch said that the Australian government recently approved the first commercial rocket launch from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, of their company. “This is an important outcome in establishing Australia’s commercial launch capability and demonstrating what our country can offer international rocket manufacturers and their payload customers” he added. ALSO READ | Differently-abled, people with restricted mobility to get Covid vaccine jabs at homes: Indian Govt Indian entrepreneur Awais Ahmed, CEO, Pixxel mentioned the prospects of their constellation of Hyperspectral imaging satellites that could collect vast amounts of data, which can be used for studying agriculture, pest infestation, emissions, impact on forests etc. “Pixxel was looking at Australia to further expand its global network, and explore partnerships with Australian data application providers to help develop a user-friendly interface for end-users in the agricultural and mining sectors” he added. When asked about the reasons why Indian firms had to invest in Australia, given the low costs at home and high-costs in Australia, an Australian representative acknowledged the cost advantage in India and also pointed out their country's capability in terms of processes, systems engineering, components, robotics, optical technologies, laser, AI etc. "There are a lot of complementary skills and talent, Aus-India can work together for developing low-cost and high-performance systems and even joint missions" it was added. Entrepreneurs from India and Australia agreed that, given the high investment in developing space capabilities, the respective Governments had to provide access to capital, which would enable more innovation and foster an ecosystem for Space technology.

Australia looking forward to active bilateral cooperation with India in space sector, say officials

Now American President and then (1992) Senator from Delaware, Joseph R Biden played a crucial role in denying India the Cryogenic engine technology that powers India's GSLV series of heavy-lift rockets. The GSLV series of rockets are meant to launch payloads between 2 and 4 tons to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit(GTO), it is the heaviest rocket of this class, which will also launch India's Human Spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. "This is no minor sale; this is dangerous" he described the then Indo-Russian deal for the Russian 'KVD-1' Cryogenic engines, which are among the best in the world. Back then, America tried every dirty trick to scuttle India's rapidly progressing space programme. It is widely regarded that the Americans did succeed in eventually delaying India’s march into Space. Joseph R Biden was among the overt contributors in this act, which India (to its own peril) refused to resist effectively or immediately overcome.&nbsp;

Barely 35 years after having established the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in a ramshackle church-turned-laboratory in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, on India’s Southern Coast, the country was able to launch its PSLV rocket in 1994. This was a significant feat for a country that had been launching experiments ‘sounding rockets’ akin to fireworks until the late 1960s, when America landed Man on the Moon.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-referred-to-pakistans-role-in-terrorism-during-meeting-with-pm-modi-shringla-415387">VP Kamala Harris referred to Pak's role in terrorism during meeting with PM Modi</a>

A large part of the PSLV rocket’s success and reliability is owed to its Vikas Engine, that was co-developed by ISRO and French SEP Engineers. It was Princeton-postgraduate ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan(now regarded as the Father of Liquid Propulsion engine technology in India) who led an ISRO team in co-developing the engine (which the French call Viking-3 and India calls Vikas). Notably, this engine powers the PSLV and GSLV rockets, even today.

Buoyed by the success in co-developing the Vikas Engine, India struck a deal, in 1991, with its all-weather ally Russia to procure a handful of KVD-1 engines and the technological know-why, hands-on training for producing the engines within India. Such a deal was India’s best and fastest shot at entering the global league of heavy-lift rockets. Valued at Rs.235crore, this Russian deal was barely 1/4th the price that the American company General Dynamics had quoted for selling India inferior American Cryogenic engines. However, the American intelligence apparatus caught wind of the Russian deal and tried every trick in the bag to scuttle it and eventually delay the Indian Space programme.&nbsp;

Among the methods used by the Americans included sanctions on the Indian and Russian Space Agencies, besides invoking an irrelevant ‘Missile Technology Control Regime’(MTCR) pact, that prevented the proliferation of long-range missiles. Ironically, Americans themselves had offered India the same Cryogenic technology for a higher price(which was then not objected under the MTCR). Also, it was well known to all military-powers that Cryogenic Engines found no use in missiles(which are powered by solid and not super-cooled fuels). When the sanctions did not impact the Indian or Russian space agencies, both of which did not do business in the US, the Americans started trying even harder to trash the deal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-another-911-style-attack-on-us-very-real-former-nsa-john-bolton-to-wion-415498">Risk of another 9/11-style attack on US very real, says ex-NSA Bolton to WION</a>

The disintegration of the erstwhile Soviet Union had made matters easy for America to arm-twist and threaten Russia, by denying financial aid to the crumbling superpower. “I am confident that the Russian leaders will recognize the wisdom of stopping this sale once they see the risk of losing their economic aid. This is no minor sale; this is dangerous.” LA Times quotes Biden from 1992. The then Senate committee(of which Senator Joseph Biden was a member) threatened to block $24billion in aid to Russia, if Russians went ahead with the rocket deal with India. Despite all these threats, Russia and India went ahead with their deal and devised workarounds to circumnavigate American dirty tricks.&nbsp;

However, all of these efforts by India and Russia came crashing when compromised personnel of the Kerala Police and senior officials the Indian Intelligence Bureau, fabricated the famed ‘ISRO Spy Case’. The main victims of the case were those linked with India’s cryogenic engine project, specifically - Nambi Narayanan, Cryogenic Project Director at ISRO, who had also played a crucial role in developing India’s Vikas Engine. While Nambi Narayanan languished in jail and was tortured brutally by the IB and Kerala Police, the political fallout of this case in Kerala helped one faction of the then Kerala Congress to topple their own incumbent Chief Minister and install a new one.

After India’s Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) took over the case, it was established that the ‘ISRO Spy Case’ was a conspiracy fabricated by officials of IB and Kerala Police. However, given India’s excruciatingly slow Judicial system and labyrinthine processes, those who conspired against the National Space Programme are still scot-free(Court proceedings and probe ongoing).&nbsp;

The involvement of criminal elements in IB and Kerala Police might give rise to the question of how Joseph Biden or America are connected to this conspiracy. The answer is simple - the Americans were successful in delaying India’s Cryogenic engine project, to the advantage of their own Space Industry and global launch market dominance.&nbsp;

If all went as planned, had India developed its Cryogenic engine and deployed it on a GSLV rocket by the end of the millennium, India would possibly have had a significant share of the pie, in the US-dominated (then $330billion) global space economy. This would have enabled India to progress throughout the decades of the 21st century and grow into a significant space player. While India eventually did develop its Cryogenic engine, it is noteworthy that - as of 2021, India’s share of the $447bn global space economy is less than 2%.&nbsp;

In the last three decades, the India-US bilateral relationship has improved so much so that, ISRO and NASA will be launching a joint mission NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) in 2022. These days, the US Government dubs India as a “strategic partner”. What remains to be seen is, if the US will mean this in earnest and compensate the Indian Space Research Organization for the precious years lost and the significant damage done. Would the US, under Biden-Harris be open to involving India in high-end projects pertaining to the International Space Station, Space Force or advanced exploration missions, technological collaborations that could enable a quantum leap for India. Or will these projects remain open only to allies?&nbsp;

Whichever way it heads, it wont be an excuse to forget the bygone chapters of American evils perpetrated on India and also India’s own pathetically lackadaisical and sluggish responses to these historical injustices.&nbsp;

Now American President and then (1992) Senator from Delaware, Joseph R Biden played a crucial role in denying India the Cryogenic engine technology that powers India's GSLV series of heavy-lift rockets.

Now American President and then (1992) Senator from Delaware, Joseph R Biden played a crucial role in denying India the Cryogenic engine technology that powers India's GSLV series of heavy-lift rockets. The GSLV series of rockets are meant to launch payloads between 2 and 4 tons to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit(GTO), it is the heaviest rocket of this class, which will also launch India's Human Spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. "This is no minor sale; this is dangerous" he described the then Indo-Russian deal for the Russian 'KVD-1' Cryogenic engines, which are among the best in the world. Back then, America tried every dirty trick to scuttle India's rapidly progressing space programme. It is widely regarded that the Americans did succeed in eventually delaying India’s march into Space. Joseph R Biden was among the overt contributors in this act, which India (to its own peril) refused to resist effectively or immediately overcome. Barely 35 years after having established the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in a ramshackle church-turned-laboratory in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, on India’s Southern Coast, the country was able to launch its PSLV rocket in 1994. This was a significant feat for a country that had been launching experiments ‘sounding rockets’ akin to fireworks until the late 1960s, when America landed Man on the Moon. ALSO READ | VP Kamala Harris referred to Pak's role in terrorism during meeting with PM Modi A large part of the PSLV rocket’s success and reliability is owed to its Vikas Engine, that was co-developed by ISRO and French SEP Engineers. It was Princeton-postgraduate ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan(now regarded as the Father of Liquid Propulsion engine technology in India) who led an ISRO team in co-developing the engine (which the French call Viking-3 and India calls Vikas). Notably, this engine powers the PSLV and GSLV rockets, even today. Buoyed by the success in co-developing the Vikas Engine, India struck a deal, in 1991, with its all-weather ally Russia to procure a handful of KVD-1 engines and the technological know-why, hands-on training for producing the engines within India. Such a deal was India’s best and fastest shot at entering the global league of heavy-lift rockets. Valued at Rs.235crore, this Russian deal was barely 1/4th the price that the American company General Dynamics had quoted for selling India inferior American Cryogenic engines. However, the American intelligence apparatus caught wind of the Russian deal and tried every trick in the bag to scuttle it and eventually delay the Indian Space programme. Among the methods used by the Americans included sanctions on the Indian and Russian Space Agencies, besides invoking an irrelevant ‘Missile Technology Control Regime’(MTCR) pact, that prevented the proliferation of long-range missiles. Ironically, Americans themselves had offered India the same Cryogenic technology for a higher price(which was then not objected under the MTCR). Also, it was well known to all military-powers that Cryogenic Engines found no use in missiles(which are powered by solid and not super-cooled fuels). When the sanctions did not impact the Indian or Russian space agencies, both of which did not do business in the US, the Americans started trying even harder to trash the deal. ALSO READ | Risk of another 9/11-style attack on US very real, says ex-NSA Bolton to WION The disintegration of the erstwhile Soviet Union had made matters easy for America to arm-twist and threaten Russia, by denying financial aid to the crumbling superpower. “I am confident that the Russian leaders will recognize the wisdom of stopping this sale once they see the risk of losing their economic aid. This is no minor sale; this is dangerous.” LA Times quotes Biden from 1992. The then Senate committee(of which Senator Joseph Biden was a member) threatened to block $24billion in aid to Russia, if Russians went ahead with the rocket deal with India. Despite all these threats, Russia and India went ahead with their deal and devised workarounds to circumnavigate American dirty tricks. However, all of these efforts by India and Russia came crashing when compromised personnel of the Kerala Police and senior officials the Indian Intelligence Bureau, fabricated the famed ‘ISRO Spy Case’. The main victims of the case were those linked with India’s cryogenic engine project, specifically - Nambi Narayanan, Cryogenic Project Director at ISRO, who had also played a crucial role in developing India’s Vikas Engine. While Nambi Narayanan languished in jail and was tortured brutally by the IB and Kerala Police, the political fallout of this case in Kerala helped one faction of the then Kerala Congress to topple their own incumbent Chief Minister and install a new one. After India’s Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) took over the case, it was established that the ‘ISRO Spy Case’ was a conspiracy fabricated by officials of IB and Kerala Police. However, given India’s excruciatingly slow Judicial system and labyrinthine processes, those who conspired against the National Space Programme are still scot-free(Court proceedings and probe ongoing). The involvement of criminal elements in IB and Kerala Police might give rise to the question of how Joseph Biden or America are connected to this conspiracy. The answer is simple - the Americans were successful in delaying India’s Cryogenic engine project, to the advantage of their own Space Industry and global launch market dominance. If all went as planned, had India developed its Cryogenic engine and deployed it on a GSLV rocket by the end of the millennium, India would possibly have had a significant share of the pie, in the US-dominated (then $330billion) global space economy. This would have enabled India to progress throughout the decades of the 21st century and grow into a significant space player. While India eventually did develop its Cryogenic engine, it is noteworthy that - as of 2021, India’s share of the $447bn global space economy is less than 2%. In the last three decades, the India-US bilateral relationship has improved so much so that, ISRO and NASA will be launching a joint mission NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) in 2022. These days, the US Government dubs India as a “strategic partner”. What remains to be seen is, if the US will mean this in earnest and compensate the Indian Space Research Organization for the precious years lost and the significant damage done. Would the US, under Biden-Harris be open to involving India in high-end projects pertaining to the International Space Station, Space Force or advanced exploration missions, technological collaborations that could enable a quantum leap for India. Or will these projects remain open only to allies? Whichever way it heads, it wont be an excuse to forget the bygone chapters of American evils perpetrated on India and also India’s own pathetically lackadaisical and sluggish responses to these historical injustices.

When Joe Biden denied India space tech, called it 'dangerous', US delayed India's space programme

In recent weeks, India's Department of Space, under which the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) operates, signed Memoranda of Understanding with India’s Private Rocket Startups. This move sets into motion India’s space sector reforms that were announced in 2020 by Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Sivan.

Simply put, the reforms would enable private industry and startups to perform space activities such as - rocket-building, satellite-building, owning, operating spacecraft, and providing space and ground-based services.

Given that activities in the space domain are capital intensive and technologically not-so-easy to access, ISRO would be enabling startups to use their own facilities to perform various processes and functions, besides offering mentoring support, that would help the fledgling firms get closer to their orbital launch aspirations.&nbsp;

WION spoke to the heads of Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos, the two space startups that are to be supported by ISRO in their respective activities, based on the MoUs.

According to Pawan K Chandana, CEO of the Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, the latest MoU was the second step towards working closely with ISRO, the first one being a Non-Disclosure Agreement with the state-run space agency. "This MoU is focused on the legal and working framework, based on which all testing activity of rocket components and subsystems will take place henceforth. This is a green light to move our hardware to ISRO facilities for testing, "he said.&nbsp;

Explaining the rationale behind testing at ISRO facilities, he says that some engines require sophisticated, one-of-its-kind testing facilities, which only ISRO can offer in India. Even though the testing and other procedures would be done on a commercial basis, the startups manage to save up on costs as ISRO facilities are provided at a nominal fee. However, testing could take a little longer. Depending on the types of tests required, some specific agreements would also have to be signed with the respective ISRO facilities that are located across the country.

"The specific arrangements would deal with which engine is being tested, what parameters need to be tested and the people involved in testing etc. But once this process is complete, we are looking at testing in a couple of months, " Pawan added.&nbsp;

For Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos, their MoU with ISRO involved the testing of all avionics packages and engine systems, besides working on various aspects and sub-domains of rocketry. The CEO, Srinath Ravichandran, expressed hope that testing would commence anytime soon and that the major work involved interface-matching (taking their hardware to ISRO facilities and getting it ready). Queried on the benefits of testing at ISRO, he said, "the experience and expertise gained from testing at ISRO is very crucial. It helps us prepare for launch and we also get to explain our design and technology to ISRO and gain a better understanding". "

In an encouraging sign, both rocket companies have resumed their in-person activities at their respective facilities, after months of disruption and working from home amid the pandemic. While the rocket companies did perform design and other remote functions during their WFH phase, now they are gearing up for rocket testing, as industries have also resumed functions in a full-fledged manner and are supplying components. While Skyroot is hoping for their maiden launch by the third quarter of 2022, Agnikul is targeting their maiden launch by the end of 2022. This would mean that the companies have to perform multiple tests of their rocket stages, propulsion systems, structures, subsystems, etc., and qualify them, before the actual orbital launch.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, India's Department of Space, under which the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) operates, signed Memoranda of Understanding with India’s Private Rocket Startups.

In recent weeks, India's Department of Space, under which the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) operates, signed Memoranda of Understanding with India’s Private Rocket Startups. This move sets into motion India’s space sector reforms that were announced in 2020 by Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Sivan. Simply put, the reforms would enable private industry and startups to perform space activities such as - rocket-building, satellite-building, owning, operating spacecraft, and providing space and ground-based services. Given that activities in the space domain are capital intensive and technologically not-so-easy to access, ISRO would be enabling startups to use their own facilities to perform various processes and functions, besides offering mentoring support, that would help the fledgling firms get closer to their orbital launch aspirations. WION spoke to the heads of Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos, the two space startups that are to be supported by ISRO in their respective activities, based on the MoUs. According to Pawan K Chandana, CEO of the Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, the latest MoU was the second step towards working closely with ISRO, the first one being a Non-Disclosure Agreement with the state-run space agency. "This MoU is focused on the legal and working framework, based on which all testing activity of rocket components and subsystems will take place henceforth. This is a green light to move our hardware to ISRO facilities for testing, "he said. Explaining the rationale behind testing at ISRO facilities, he says that some engines require sophisticated, one-of-its-kind testing facilities, which only ISRO can offer in India. Even though the testing and other procedures would be done on a commercial basis, the startups manage to save up on costs as ISRO facilities are provided at a nominal fee. However, testing could take a little longer. Depending on the types of tests required, some specific agreements would also have to be signed with the respective ISRO facilities that are located across the country. "The specific arrangements would deal with which engine is being tested, what parameters need to be tested and the people involved in testing etc. But once this process is complete, we are looking at testing in a couple of months, " Pawan added. For Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos, their MoU with ISRO involved the testing of all avionics packages and engine systems, besides working on various aspects and sub-domains of rocketry. The CEO, Srinath Ravichandran, expressed hope that testing would commence anytime soon and that the major work involved interface-matching (taking their hardware to ISRO facilities and getting it ready). Queried on the benefits of testing at ISRO, he said, "the experience and expertise gained from testing at ISRO is very crucial. It helps us prepare for launch and we also get to explain our design and technology to ISRO and gain a better understanding". " In an encouraging sign, both rocket companies have resumed their in-person activities at their respective facilities, after months of disruption and working from home amid the pandemic. While the rocket companies did perform design and other remote functions during their WFH phase, now they are gearing up for rocket testing, as industries have also resumed functions in a full-fledged manner and are supplying components. While Skyroot is hoping for their maiden launch by the third quarter of 2022, Agnikul is targeting their maiden launch by the end of 2022. This would mean that the companies have to perform multiple tests of their rocket stages, propulsion systems, structures, subsystems, etc., and qualify them, before the actual orbital launch.

Explained: What ISRO’s latest MoUs with startups mean for India’s private space industry 

To attain total self-reliance in the launch of heavy satellites (weighing above 4 tonnes) and to meet future demands, the Indian Space Research Organization is working on a fleet of five new rockets. According to a senior official, the five Heavy-lift Launch Vehicles (HLV) are in their project report stage.&nbsp;

In terms of design and appearance, this new fleet of rockets would be quite similar to the existing SSLV, PSLV and GSLV and GSLV Mk3 rockets, but they would be powered by even more capable, powerful and technologically advanced engines. Presently, India pays and utilises the services of Ariane-5, a foreign rocket, to launch satellites that weigh over 4 tonnes.

Speaking at a virtual event organised by ISRO and CII, N Sudheer Kumar, Director, Capacity Building Programme Office, ISRO, revealed that variants of this new fleet of heavy-lift rockets would be able to place a payload weighing anywhere between 4.9 tonnes and over 16 tonnes in the tonne synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This is an enormous improvement over the current maximum lift capability of 4 tons that the GSLV Mk3 rocket has performed to GTO.&nbsp;

GTO is an intermediary orbit (180km at its closest point to the Earth and 36,000km at its farthest point from the Earth) into which heavy satellites are launched by rockets. After being placed in GTO, the satellites use their onboard propulsion to reach a circular orbit 36,000 km above the earth (it is at the same distance from the earth at any given point of time). Being in the 36,000km circular orbit (also known as Geostationary or GSO orbit) allows for communication and monitoring of a large portion of the Earth. three satellites in GSO orbit are capable of covering nearly the entire globe.

According to Kumar, the work to upgrade the lift capability of GSLV Mk3 to 7.5 tonnes to GTO, is on the verge of being concluded. This major upgrade to India’s rocket is being made possible owing to the development of two kinds of rocket engines: a semi-cryogenic engine that burns a special variant of kerosene (dubbed ISROsene) and liquid oxygen; and a cryogenic engine that burns a mixture of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The said semi-cryogenic engine stage is dubbed as the SC120, and the upgraded cryogenic engine stage is dubbed as the C32. As per ISRO’s naming convention for rocket stages, the letter (s) refers to the type of engine fuel-Solid (S), Liquid (L), Semi-cryogenic (SC) and Cryogenic (C) and the accompanying number refers to the mass (in tonnes) of propellant carried. Simply put, a rocket is a combination of multiple engines (stages) that are vertically stacked.&nbsp;

"Soon the stage will be inducted into the rocket, then we will not depend on foreign sources for the launch of heavy communication satellites (weighing over 4 or 5 tonnes)," Kumar said. Regarding ISRO’s ongoing projects, he outlined that work was underway on the full-scale model of the Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), besides work to scale up the proto-model of the air-breathing engine. For ISRO, these are crucial technologies to master to develop a fully reusable space vehicle dubbed the "TSTO," or Two Stage to Orbit.&nbsp;

The Director of ISRO’s CBPO also shared the configuration of the fleet of five heavy-lift rockets that were in their project report stage. The configurations refer to new and more powerful rocket stages-SC400 semi-cryogenic stage, the C27 cryogenic stage, and S250 solid rocket booster. Simply put, depending on the type of mission, payload to be lifted and rocket required, different variants of engines would be stacked vertically to run a relay race to space. Each stage would detach from the rocket after propelling the rocket to a certain altitude and speed, then the next engine would take over. This process goes on until the satellite (payload) reaches its final orbital destination.

In terms of materials, ISRO is said to be working on developing carbon-carbon composites, ceramic matrix composite for reusable vehicles, metal-foams for crash landing interplanetary probes, besides crucial components such as solar panels, fibre optics Atomic clocks, deployable antennas, lithium-ion batteries, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) Devices.

To attain total self-reliance in the launch of heavy satellites (weighing above 4 tonnes) and to meet future demands, the Indian Space Research Organization is working on a fleet of five new rockets.

To attain total self-reliance in the launch of heavy satellites (weighing above 4 tonnes) and to meet future demands, the Indian Space Research Organization is working on a fleet of five new rockets. According to a senior official, the five Heavy-lift Launch Vehicles (HLV) are in their project report stage. In terms of design and appearance, this new fleet of rockets would be quite similar to the existing SSLV, PSLV and GSLV and GSLV Mk3 rockets, but they would be powered by even more capable, powerful and technologically advanced engines. Presently, India pays and utilises the services of Ariane-5, a foreign rocket, to launch satellites that weigh over 4 tonnes. Speaking at a virtual event organised by ISRO and CII, N Sudheer Kumar, Director, Capacity Building Programme Office, ISRO, revealed that variants of this new fleet of heavy-lift rockets would be able to place a payload weighing anywhere between 4.9 tonnes and over 16 tonnes in the tonne synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This is an enormous improvement over the current maximum lift capability of 4 tons that the GSLV Mk3 rocket has performed to GTO. GTO is an intermediary orbit (180km at its closest point to the Earth and 36,000km at its farthest point from the Earth) into which heavy satellites are launched by rockets. After being placed in GTO, the satellites use their onboard propulsion to reach a circular orbit 36,000 km above the earth (it is at the same distance from the earth at any given point of time). Being in the 36,000km circular orbit (also known as Geostationary or GSO orbit) allows for communication and monitoring of a large portion of the Earth. three satellites in GSO orbit are capable of covering nearly the entire globe. According to Kumar, the work to upgrade the lift capability of GSLV Mk3 to 7.5 tonnes to GTO, is on the verge of being concluded. This major upgrade to India’s rocket is being made possible owing to the development of two kinds of rocket engines: a semi-cryogenic engine that burns a special variant of kerosene (dubbed ISROsene) and liquid oxygen; and a cryogenic engine that burns a mixture of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The said semi-cryogenic engine stage is dubbed as the SC120, and the upgraded cryogenic engine stage is dubbed as the C32. As per ISRO’s naming convention for rocket stages, the letter (s) refers to the type of engine fuel-Solid (S), Liquid (L), Semi-cryogenic (SC) and Cryogenic (C) and the accompanying number refers to the mass (in tonnes) of propellant carried. Simply put, a rocket is a combination of multiple engines (stages) that are vertically stacked. "Soon the stage will be inducted into the rocket, then we will not depend on foreign sources for the launch of heavy communication satellites (weighing over 4 or 5 tonnes)," Kumar said. Regarding ISRO’s ongoing projects, he outlined that work was underway on the full-scale model of the Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), besides work to scale up the proto-model of the air-breathing engine. For ISRO, these are crucial technologies to master to develop a fully reusable space vehicle dubbed the "TSTO," or Two Stage to Orbit. The Director of ISRO’s CBPO also shared the configuration of the fleet of five heavy-lift rockets that were in their project report stage. The configurations refer to new and more powerful rocket stages-SC400 semi-cryogenic stage, the C27 cryogenic stage, and S250 solid rocket booster. Simply put, depending on the type of mission, payload to be lifted and rocket required, different variants of engines would be stacked vertically to run a relay race to space. Each stage would detach from the rocket after propelling the rocket to a certain altitude and speed, then the next engine would take over. This process goes on until the satellite (payload) reaches its final orbital destination. In terms of materials, ISRO is said to be working on developing carbon-carbon composites, ceramic matrix composite for reusable vehicles, metal-foams for crash landing interplanetary probes, besides crucial components such as solar panels, fibre optics Atomic clocks, deployable antennas, lithium-ion batteries, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) Devices.

ISRO’s new series of heavy-lift rockets to carry between 5-16 tonnes to GTO

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-private-sector-ready-to-support-country-in-achieving-space-goals-isro-chief-dr-k-sivan-412807">Indian Space Research Organization</a> (ISRO).&nbsp;

While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions.&nbsp;

The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference.

According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same.&nbsp;

“The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&amp;2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett.&nbsp;

ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites).

The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets.

In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth.

Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship.

“Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the&nbsp;official added.&nbsp;

The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO.

Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago.

“Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level&nbsp;so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said.

Putten also&nbsp;shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference&nbsp;in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference. According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same. “The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett. ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites). The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets. In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth. Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship. “Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the official added. The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO. Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago. “Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said. Putten also shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Australia, Netherlands keen to collaborate with ISRO

Top officials of India’s space agency and those from the space sector have said that ISRO’s PSLV rocket will soon be made in an end-to-end manner by Indian industry and that other Indian rockets will also follow the same path.

However, a stark revelation was how India’s share of the $447bn space economy is only around 2 per cent. With India having brought in reforms in the space sector in 2020, the contribution and participation of the private sector are expected to increase.&nbsp;

Speaking at the inaugural session of the ‘Building NewSpace in India’ International Space Conference and Exhibition, Dr D Radhakrishnan, CMD, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), pointed out how the government-owned NSIL would take up space missions on a demand model, as opposed to the earlier supply model. He also added that the commercial viability of every mission would be established beforehand. In a major boost for the Indian private sector, he said that India’s workhorse rocket, the PSLV, would be realised (fabricated) end-to-end by Indian industry and that other rockets were also to be fabricated fully by industry.&nbsp;

R Umamaheshwaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO and In-charge (IN-Space Activities), said that despite the pandemic, 2020 was a landmark year for the Indian space sector owing to the reforms. "Our Satcom (satellite communication) and remote-sensing policy are in their final stages, the draft policy for space transportation is also in the works" he added.&nbsp;

Hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry with the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) and their affiliates, the three-day virtual Conference will have 8 sessions with over 65 speakers from ISRO, industry and Global Space Agencies focused on specific themes – addressing opportunities for industries, Trends in Satcom, Business models, start-up growth drivers etc. The Conference also has a session dedicated to Startups.

Expressing optimism on the scope for private industry in India’s space activities, Mr Rakesh Sasibhushan, Chairman, CII National Committee on Space; and CMD, Antrix Corporation pointed out that, despite the pandemic disruption, the global space sector grew by over 4% to reach $447bn in the year 2020. He added that despite India’s wide-ranging capabilities and activities in space, the country had only captured less than 2% of this huge market. However, he expressed hope regarding the coming times when the private sector could participate in toto in space activities and help the country reap the benefits.

Top officials of India’s space agency and those from the space sector have said that ISRO’s PSLV rocket will soon be made in an end-to-end manner by Indian industry and that other Indian rockets will also follow the same path.

Top officials of India’s space agency and those from the space sector have said that ISRO’s PSLV rocket will soon be made in an end-to-end manner by Indian industry and that other Indian rockets will also follow the same path. However, a stark revelation was how India’s share of the $447bn space economy is only around 2 per cent. With India having brought in reforms in the space sector in 2020, the contribution and participation of the private sector are expected to increase. Speaking at the inaugural session of the ‘Building NewSpace in India’ International Space Conference and Exhibition, Dr D Radhakrishnan, CMD, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), pointed out how the government-owned NSIL would take up space missions on a demand model, as opposed to the earlier supply model. He also added that the commercial viability of every mission would be established beforehand. In a major boost for the Indian private sector, he said that India’s workhorse rocket, the PSLV, would be realised (fabricated) end-to-end by Indian industry and that other rockets were also to be fabricated fully by industry. R Umamaheshwaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO and In-charge (IN-Space Activities), said that despite the pandemic, 2020 was a landmark year for the Indian space sector owing to the reforms. "Our Satcom (satellite communication) and remote-sensing policy are in their final stages, the draft policy for space transportation is also in the works" he added. Hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry with the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) and their affiliates, the three-day virtual Conference will have 8 sessions with over 65 speakers from ISRO, industry and Global Space Agencies focused on specific themes – addressing opportunities for industries, Trends in Satcom, Business models, start-up growth drivers etc. The Conference also has a session dedicated to Startups. Expressing optimism on the scope for private industry in India’s space activities, Mr Rakesh Sasibhushan, Chairman, CII National Committee on Space; and CMD, Antrix Corporation pointed out that, despite the pandemic disruption, the global space sector grew by over 4% to reach $447bn in the year 2020. He added that despite India’s wide-ranging capabilities and activities in space, the country had only captured less than 2% of this huge market. However, he expressed hope regarding the coming times when the private sector could participate in toto in space activities and help the country reap the benefits.

Global Space economy $447 billion, India’s share less than 2%, Pvt sector can drive growth, say Officials

According to top officials, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will be making only minor tweaks to its heavy-lifter rocket GSLV Mk3, as the agency gears up for Human Spaceflight missions. These changes to its most-advanced rocket are meant to improve its reliability for undertaking the daunting task of lifting a human-carrying spacecraft into orbit. Additional emphasis would also be paid to the manufacturing process of the rocket and its components.&nbsp;

ISRO is working towards performing two unmanned flights of Gaganyaan, in order to test and certify its systems, before the actual Human Spaceflight. Mandatory testing and qualifications apart, ISRO will also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications support for its human-carrying spacecraft. Known as IDRSS (Indian Data Relay System Satellites), they would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator (where they would remain in sync with the earth’s rotation or at a constant position when seen from earth) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets. It must be noted that a constellation of 3 satellites positioned in a 36,000km orbit can offer real-time, 24/7 monitoring of almost the entire earth.

ISRO intends to launch two such IDRSS satellites prior to the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight. Dr. K.Sivan, Chairman, ISRO, told WION that the Gaganyaan spacecraft would be placed in a low earth orbit, 400kms above the earth. He added that ISRO was looking at launching the IDRSS satellites in 2022. For context, when Gaganyaan is orbiting the earth, but not visible to the ground stations, Gaganyaan can send its signals and communicate with the IDRSS satellites up above, which in turn would relay it down to the ground stations and vice versa. This would ensure constant communication between the astronauts and their mission control on earth.

Referring to the orbital placement of Gaganyaan, he said, "The rocket will put the 7.5ton Gaganyaan module into a 170x400kms orbit (170kms from earth and 400kms from earth at its nearest and farthest points in orbit respectively). Thereafter, the on-board propulsion will raise the Gaganyaan module to a uniform 400km (Low earth orbit). He also added that, the same propulsion system would be used to lower the orbit and bring the spacecraft closer to the earth to aid re-entry.

When queried about the astronauts' mission duration in space and the splash-landing site (Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea), he said that it would be decided in due course.&nbsp;

On the testing of rocket engines, Dr. S. Somanath, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, told Zee Media that minor tweaks would be made to the GSLV Mk3 rocket, in terms of materials being used. However, he added that these would be very minor changes that are aimed at improving reliability and not fundamental, technological ones. Also, the space agency will be laying additional emphasis on the manufacturing process of the rocket and its components. It is pertinent to recall that the GSLV Mk3, which is to be used for Gaganyaan, has had complete success in all its four flights thus far.&nbsp;

Regarding the engines being used to propel the Gaganyaan spacecraft, he said that it was a cluster of five engines. Here too, the engines being used are the tried and tested 440N thrust engines that are in use in the GSAT series of satellites. A system demonstration model comprising a cluster of five engines was recently test fired successfully by ISRO, for a duration of 450 seconds. In the coming months, ISRO will be performing a long duration test-fire of its engines, in order to accumulate more data for human-rating of the entire rocket. It essentially means that a rocket which is used for hauling cargo (satellites) to space is being modified and certified for carrying humans, while ensuring higher safety and reliability.&nbsp;

According to top officials, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will be making only minor tweaks to its heavy-lifter rocket GSLV Mk3, as the agency gears up for Human Spaceflight missions.

According to top officials, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will be making only minor tweaks to its heavy-lifter rocket GSLV Mk3, as the agency gears up for Human Spaceflight missions. These changes to its most-advanced rocket are meant to improve its reliability for undertaking the daunting task of lifting a human-carrying spacecraft into orbit. Additional emphasis would also be paid to the manufacturing process of the rocket and its components. ISRO is working towards performing two unmanned flights of Gaganyaan, in order to test and certify its systems, before the actual Human Spaceflight. Mandatory testing and qualifications apart, ISRO will also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications support for its human-carrying spacecraft. Known as IDRSS (Indian Data Relay System Satellites), they would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator (where they would remain in sync with the earth’s rotation or at a constant position when seen from earth) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets. It must be noted that a constellation of 3 satellites positioned in a 36,000km orbit can offer real-time, 24/7 monitoring of almost the entire earth. ISRO intends to launch two such IDRSS satellites prior to the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight. Dr. K.Sivan, Chairman, ISRO, told WION that the Gaganyaan spacecraft would be placed in a low earth orbit, 400kms above the earth. He added that ISRO was looking at launching the IDRSS satellites in 2022. For context, when Gaganyaan is orbiting the earth, but not visible to the ground stations, Gaganyaan can send its signals and communicate with the IDRSS satellites up above, which in turn would relay it down to the ground stations and vice versa. This would ensure constant communication between the astronauts and their mission control on earth. Referring to the orbital placement of Gaganyaan, he said, "The rocket will put the 7.5ton Gaganyaan module into a 170x400kms orbit (170kms from earth and 400kms from earth at its nearest and farthest points in orbit respectively). Thereafter, the on-board propulsion will raise the Gaganyaan module to a uniform 400km (Low earth orbit). He also added that, the same propulsion system would be used to lower the orbit and bring the spacecraft closer to the earth to aid re-entry. When queried about the astronauts' mission duration in space and the splash-landing site (Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea), he said that it would be decided in due course. On the testing of rocket engines, Dr. S. Somanath, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, told Zee Media that minor tweaks would be made to the GSLV Mk3 rocket, in terms of materials being used. However, he added that these would be very minor changes that are aimed at improving reliability and not fundamental, technological ones. Also, the space agency will be laying additional emphasis on the manufacturing process of the rocket and its components. It is pertinent to recall that the GSLV Mk3, which is to be used for Gaganyaan, has had complete success in all its four flights thus far. Regarding the engines being used to propel the Gaganyaan spacecraft, he said that it was a cluster of five engines. Here too, the engines being used are the tried and tested 440N thrust engines that are in use in the GSAT series of satellites. A system demonstration model comprising a cluster of five engines was recently test fired successfully by ISRO, for a duration of 450 seconds. In the coming months, ISRO will be performing a long duration test-fire of its engines, in order to accumulate more data for human-rating of the entire rocket. It essentially means that a rocket which is used for hauling cargo (satellites) to space is being modified and certified for carrying humans, while ensuring higher safety and reliability.

ISRO making minor tweaks to GSLV for Gaganyaan, more emphasis on manufacturing process

Launching rockets and placing satellites in orbit has been a routine business for the Indian Space Research Organization. Meanwhile, Gaganyaan (Sanskrit for SkyCraft), a hugely complex mission to send Indian astronauts to space, is a work in progress.

Recently, ISRO announced the successful completion of a crucial test of the Gaganyaan spacecraft’s propulsion system. This cluster of engines would help Indian astronauts remain in orbit and also aid their safe return.

WION spoke to Chairman ISRO, Dr&nbsp;K Sivan, and Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, Dr&nbsp;S Somanath, to throw light on the latest test and the mission plan.&nbsp;

The launch of satellites and human-carrying spacecraft are quite similar, but the latter is exponentially more sophisticated in terms of the technology and reliability that has to be developed. In both cases, the payload sits on the top-most portion of the rocket. 
 
The expendable rocket’s task ends about 16-20 minutes after lift-off and it falls back into the sea (in a phased manner), after ejecting the satellite. 
 
Once placed into orbit, the satellite/spacecraft is an independent entity in space that needs to navigate and propel itself, without the powerful propulsion of the rocket that got it up there.&nbsp;

The payload (satellite or the module carrying astronauts) must stay in orbit for a designated mission time, while enduring the harsh conditions of zero-gravity, severe temperature variations, and orbital movement at very high speeds. 
 
For context, the International Space Station, which continues to orbit the earth, moves at a whopping 7km/second or 27,850km/hour.

While satellites stay in orbit for many years, India’s Gaganyaan mission is meant to remain in orbit for upto a week. 
&nbsp;

This process of staying in a designated orbit requires the use of the spacecraft’s own engines. It was this system, Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System – System Demonstration Model (SDM), that was tested a few days ago.&nbsp;

The GSLV Mk3, India’s heaviest rocket, is meant to carry the Gaganyaan to space. "The launch vehicle will put the 7.5ton Gaganyaan module into 170x400km orbit (170kms from earth and 400kms from earth at its nearest and farthest points in orbit respectively). Thereafter, the system which we have now tested will raise the Gaganyaan module to a uniform 400kms orbit (Low earth orbit), "Dr. K. Sivan explained to Zee Media. He also added that, the same propulsion system would be used to lower the orbit and bring the spacecraft closer to the earth to aid re-entry.

<a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/update/28-aug-2021/successful-hot-test-of-gaganyaan-service-module-propulsion-system-%E2%80%93-system">On its website, ISRO</a> mentions that the first hot test of the System Demonstration Model (SDM) of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System was done for a duration of 450seconds at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The system performance met the test objectives and there was a close match with the pre-test predictions. Further, a series of hot tests are planned to simulate various mission conditions as well as off-nominal conditions, it added.&nbsp;

Then Dr&nbsp;S Somanath, Director, VSSC, ISRO, said that the Gaganyaan integrated module consists of two parts - Crew Module and Service Module. While the crew module will house astronauts, the service module will provide the propulsion to raise the orbit and later lower the orbit. "To slow down the spacecraft (which is traveling at nearly 7.5kms per second) and facilitate re-entry, we will fire the five engines (as used in the GISAT Satellites) on the service module. Once the re-entry is facilitated, the service module will detach and the crew module alone will make a controlled descent, with its parachutes and crew module propulsion systems, "he explained to Zee Media.

While the latest test is a boost for India's ambitious Human Spaceflight programme, it must be kept in mind that each propulsion system that goes into the GSLV Mk3 rocket and the spacecraft will be further tested for longer durations and various parameters. Such tests are part of the 'Human-rating' of the launch vehicle and its systems. It essentially means that a rocket that is used for hauling cargo (satellites) to space is being modified and certified for carrying humans, while ensuring higher safety and reliability.

Launching rockets and placing satellites in orbit has been a routine business for the Indian Space Research Organization. Meanwhile, Gaganyaan (Sanskrit for SkyCraft), a hugely complex mission to send Indian astronauts to space, is a work in progress.

Launching rockets and placing satellites in orbit has been a routine business for the Indian Space Research Organization. Meanwhile, Gaganyaan (Sanskrit for SkyCraft), a hugely complex mission to send Indian astronauts to space, is a work in progress. Recently, ISRO announced the successful completion of a crucial test of the Gaganyaan spacecraft’s propulsion system. This cluster of engines would help Indian astronauts remain in orbit and also aid their safe return. WION spoke to Chairman ISRO, Dr K Sivan, and Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, Dr S Somanath, to throw light on the latest test and the mission plan. The launch of satellites and human-carrying spacecraft are quite similar, but the latter is exponentially more sophisticated in terms of the technology and reliability that has to be developed. In both cases, the payload sits on the top-most portion of the rocket. The expendable rocket’s task ends about 16-20 minutes after lift-off and it falls back into the sea (in a phased manner), after ejecting the satellite. Once placed into orbit, the satellite/spacecraft is an independent entity in space that needs to navigate and propel itself, without the powerful propulsion of the rocket that got it up there. The payload (satellite or the module carrying astronauts) must stay in orbit for a designated mission time, while enduring the harsh conditions of zero-gravity, severe temperature variations, and orbital movement at very high speeds. For context, the International Space Station, which continues to orbit the earth, moves at a whopping 7km/second or 27,850km/hour. While satellites stay in orbit for many years, India’s Gaganyaan mission is meant to remain in orbit for upto a week. This process of staying in a designated orbit requires the use of the spacecraft’s own engines. It was this system, Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System – System Demonstration Model (SDM), that was tested a few days ago. The GSLV Mk3, India’s heaviest rocket, is meant to carry the Gaganyaan to space. "The launch vehicle will put the 7.5ton Gaganyaan module into 170x400km orbit (170kms from earth and 400kms from earth at its nearest and farthest points in orbit respectively). Thereafter, the system which we have now tested will raise the Gaganyaan module to a uniform 400kms orbit (Low earth orbit), "Dr. K. Sivan explained to Zee Media. He also added that, the same propulsion system would be used to lower the orbit and bring the spacecraft closer to the earth to aid re-entry. On its website, ISRO mentions that the first hot test of the System Demonstration Model (SDM) of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System was done for a duration of 450seconds at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The system performance met the test objectives and there was a close match with the pre-test predictions. Further, a series of hot tests are planned to simulate various mission conditions as well as off-nominal conditions, it added. Then Dr S Somanath, Director, VSSC, ISRO, said that the Gaganyaan integrated module consists of two parts - Crew Module and Service Module. While the crew module will house astronauts, the service module will provide the propulsion to raise the orbit and later lower the orbit. "To slow down the spacecraft (which is traveling at nearly 7.5kms per second) and facilitate re-entry, we will fire the five engines (as used in the GISAT Satellites) on the service module. Once the re-entry is facilitated, the service module will detach and the crew module alone will make a controlled descent, with its parachutes and crew module propulsion systems, "he explained to Zee Media. While the latest test is a boost for India's ambitious Human Spaceflight programme, it must be kept in mind that each propulsion system that goes into the GSLV Mk3 rocket and the spacecraft will be further tested for longer durations and various parameters. Such tests are part of the 'Human-rating' of the launch vehicle and its systems. It essentially means that a rocket that is used for hauling cargo (satellites) to space is being modified and certified for carrying humans, while ensuring higher safety and reliability.

ISRO successfully tests a system that will propel India’s human-carrying spacecraft

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) signed an agreement for cooperation in remote sensing satellite data sharing, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The pact enables building a virtual constellation of specified remote sensing satellites of BRICS space agencies and their respective ground stations will receive the data, ISRO said.

"This will contribute in strengthening multilateral cooperation among BRICS space agencies in meeting the challenges faced by mankind, such as global climate change, major disasters and environmental protection," the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency said in a statement.

The agreement was signed under India's BRICS Chairship, it was stated. Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa &amp; Overseas Indian Affairs) &amp; India's BRICS Sherpa, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Sanjay Bhattacharyya, was present.

"#BRICS reached major landmark today with signing of Agr on BRICS Satellite Constellation by Heads of Space Agencies It will promote cooperation &amp; use space data &amp; applications for development &amp; social objectives outlined in SDGs, providing benefit to citizens #BRICSIndia2021", Bhattacharyya tweeted.

Chairman of ISRO and Secretary in Department of Space, K Sivan, Administrator of China National Space Administration, Zhang Kejian, Chief Executive Officer of South African National Space Agency, Valanathan Munsami, President of Brazilian Space Agency, Carlos Augusto Teixeira de Moura, and Director General of Russia's State Space Corporation Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, signed the agreement.

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) signed an agreement for cooperation in remote sensing satellite data sharing, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) signed an agreement for cooperation in remote sensing satellite data sharing, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The pact enables building a virtual constellation of specified remote sensing satellites of BRICS space agencies and their respective ground stations will receive the data, ISRO said. "This will contribute in strengthening multilateral cooperation among BRICS space agencies in meeting the challenges faced by mankind, such as global climate change, major disasters and environmental protection," the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency said in a statement. The agreement was signed under India's BRICS Chairship, it was stated. Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs) & India's BRICS Sherpa, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Sanjay Bhattacharyya, was present. "#BRICS reached major landmark today with signing of Agr on BRICS Satellite Constellation by Heads of Space Agencies It will promote cooperation & use space data & applications for development & social objectives outlined in SDGs, providing benefit to citizens #BRICSIndia2021", Bhattacharyya tweeted. Chairman of ISRO and Secretary in Department of Space, K Sivan, Administrator of China National Space Administration, Zhang Kejian, Chief Executive Officer of South African National Space Agency, Valanathan Munsami, President of Brazilian Space Agency, Carlos Augusto Teixeira de Moura, and Director General of Russia's State Space Corporation Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, signed the agreement.

BRICS signs deal on cooperation in remote sensing satellite data sharing

As India completes 75&nbsp;years of its independence, it is time to introspect the country’s space programme that has grown and evolved significantly in the last decades.

The programme originally focused on developing space assets that provided direct developmental benefits, for example, telecommunications and remote sensing satellites that helped both in improving communication facilities and giving direct assistance to India’s farmers.

But over time, India has shifted a part of its focus towards space exploration and other high-profile missions. This includes, for example, India’s Mars and Moon exploratory missions.

Overall, India has been fairly successful in these efforts and its space&nbsp;programme&nbsp;has become a comprehensive one that includes not only a robust launch capacity and very large remote sensing satellite systems, but also a very well-rounded scientific and deep space exploratory programme.

Genesis

The space research activities were initiated in India during the early 1960s, when applications using satellites were in experimental stages even in the United States. With the live transmission of Tokyo Olympic Games across the Pacific by the American Satellite ‘Syncom-3’ demonstrating the power of communication satellites, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of Indian space programme, quickly recognised the benefits of space technologies for India.

As a first step, the Department of Atomic Energy formed the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the leadership of Dr Sarabhai and Dr Ramanathan in 1962. Later, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed on August 15, 1969. The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national needs.&nbsp;

It is one of the six largest space agencies in the world today. The Department of Space (DOS) and the Space Commission were set up in 1972 and ISRO was brought under DOS on June 1, 1972.

In 1984, air force pilot Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go into space, riding in a Soviet spacecraft.&nbsp;

Since its inception, the Indian space programme has been orchestrated well and had three distinct elements: satellites for communication and remote sensing, space transportation system and application programmes. Two major operational systems have been established – the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for telecommunication, television broadcasting, and meteorological services and the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) for monitoring and management of natural resources and Disaster Management Support.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that India will allow the involvement of private companies in its space exploration and satellite launch programmes.

Both industries are currently predominantly operated by ISRO.

Planning manned space flights and a space station

India wants to launch its first manned space mission in 2022, to mark the 75th anniversary of the nation’s independence. Codenamed Gaganyaan,&nbsp;a space vehicle in Sanskrit,&nbsp;the project has a budget of almost $1.5 billion.

Gaganyaan will have a crew of two or three people and spend around seven days in low Earth orbit. ISRO says the mission is the first step towards building India’s own space station, which it plans to do in five to seven years.

Months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election in 2014, India became the first Asian nation to reach Mars when its first mission to the red planet entered orbit, at a cost of $74 million, or less than the budget of the Hollywood space blockbuster “Gravity”.

The country is planning to launch another space probe to Mars along with its first manned space mission by 2022. It has also approved a project to study the sun late next year, and ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan has reportedly said that he wants to reach Venus in 2023.

India is planning these ambitious missions on the back of its development of a range of increasingly large launch rockets, culminating in the GSLV Mk III, which is as powerful as the Saturn V, the rocket that launched the Apollo moon missions”.

National security&nbsp;

India’s already robust space programme has also acquired national security implications&nbsp;over the last decade. This is partly driven by India’s growing technological capacity. But an important reason for this change is the evolving security threats that India faced, especially in relation with Pakistan and China. The perceived need to keep pace with the expansion of Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities has become stronger over the years, making India much more willing to consider the utility of such weapon systems. In addition, China’s first successful anti-satellite (ASAT) test in January 2007 suddenly made India’s space-based assets vulnerable. India thus had to consider developing its own ASAT capability, at least as a deterrent to anybody else using ASATs against Indian assets in space.

China’s achievements in space led not only to India’s own ASAT programme, but also to other elements that enhanced the security component of India’s space programme.

As the military characteristics of its space programme are becoming more evident, India is also moving away from its traditional position of non-weaponisation of space to a more nuanced approach to its national space policy. While the official policy itself has not changed, India is beginning to have a much more determined approach to how it wants to protect its assets in outer space as well as its ground infrastructure and the services linked to space.&nbsp;

One of the biggest shifts evident in the last decade is the development of India’s military space capabilities and the establishment of the institutional architecture that supports the new functions and roles for space in India’s national security calculations.&nbsp;

In particular, India established a Defence Space Agency (DSA) in April 2019, which is expected to be the forerunner for a full-fledged aerospace command. It is also establishing a Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO), which is meant to undertake research and development on the capability mix that is required as per the strategy and policy developed by the DSA.

In a first, India conducted a space security table-top war game called “IndSpaceEx” in late July 2019, which involved all the different stakeholders such as the military and the scientific establishment.&nbsp;

This is another reflection of the growing synergistic approach between space and the military. The Indian space programme, thus, is being carried along not only because of its developmental needs, but also because of larger international political factors, such as the heightening international tension, great power competition and the lack of sufficient safeguards, international norms and institutions to protect the non-weaponisation of outer space.

A leader in satellite launches for other nations

There are more than 2,000 working satellites orbiting the earth. Almost half of them belong to US-based organisations, 300 originate from China and roughly half that number is from Russia.

The market for commercial space launches is crowded and competitive, with Russia’s Soyuz and Vega launchers competing with those of the European Space Agency and the reusable rockets flown by US entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX corporation.

Commercial satellites now heavily outnumber those used by the military.&nbsp;

Clearly, India is a leader in this segment. For the nation,&nbsp; as far as space is concerned, sky is not the limit.

As India completes 75 years of its independence, it is time to introspect the country’s space programme that has grown and evolved significantly in the last decades.

As India completes 75 years of its independence, it is time to introspect the country’s space programme that has grown and evolved significantly in the last decades. The programme originally focused on developing space assets that provided direct developmental benefits, for example, telecommunications and remote sensing satellites that helped both in improving communication facilities and giving direct assistance to India’s farmers. But over time, India has shifted a part of its focus towards space exploration and other high-profile missions. This includes, for example, India’s Mars and Moon exploratory missions. Overall, India has been fairly successful in these efforts and its space programme has become a comprehensive one that includes not only a robust launch capacity and very large remote sensing satellite systems, but also a very well-rounded scientific and deep space exploratory programme. Genesis The space research activities were initiated in India during the early 1960s, when applications using satellites were in experimental stages even in the United States. With the live transmission of Tokyo Olympic Games across the Pacific by the American Satellite ‘Syncom-3’ demonstrating the power of communication satellites, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of Indian space programme, quickly recognised the benefits of space technologies for India. As a first step, the Department of Atomic Energy formed the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the leadership of Dr Sarabhai and Dr Ramanathan in 1962. Later, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed on August 15, 1969. The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national needs. It is one of the six largest space agencies in the world today. The Department of Space (DOS) and the Space Commission were set up in 1972 and ISRO was brought under DOS on June 1, 1972. In 1984, air force pilot Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go into space, riding in a Soviet spacecraft. Since its inception, the Indian space programme has been orchestrated well and had three distinct elements: satellites for communication and remote sensing, space transportation system and application programmes. Two major operational systems have been established – the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for telecommunication, television broadcasting, and meteorological services and the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) for monitoring and management of natural resources and Disaster Management Support. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that India will allow the involvement of private companies in its space exploration and satellite launch programmes. Both industries are currently predominantly operated by ISRO. Planning manned space flights and a space station India wants to launch its first manned space mission in 2022, to mark the 75th anniversary of the nation’s independence. Codenamed Gaganyaan, a space vehicle in Sanskrit, the project has a budget of almost $1.5 billion. Gaganyaan will have a crew of two or three people and spend around seven days in low Earth orbit. ISRO says the mission is the first step towards building India’s own space station, which it plans to do in five to seven years. Months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election in 2014, India became the first Asian nation to reach Mars when its first mission to the red planet entered orbit, at a cost of $74 million, or less than the budget of the Hollywood space blockbuster “Gravity”. The country is planning to launch another space probe to Mars along with its first manned space mission by 2022. It has also approved a project to study the sun late next year, and ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan has reportedly said that he wants to reach Venus in 2023. India is planning these ambitious missions on the back of its development of a range of increasingly large launch rockets, culminating in the GSLV Mk III, which is as powerful as the Saturn V, the rocket that launched the Apollo moon missions”. National security India’s already robust space programme has also acquired national security implications over the last decade. This is partly driven by India’s growing technological capacity. But an important reason for this change is the evolving security threats that India faced, especially in relation with Pakistan and China. The perceived need to keep pace with the expansion of Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities has become stronger over the years, making India much more willing to consider the utility of such weapon systems. In addition, China’s first successful anti-satellite (ASAT) test in January 2007 suddenly made India’s space-based assets vulnerable. India thus had to consider developing its own ASAT capability, at least as a deterrent to anybody else using ASATs against Indian assets in space. China’s achievements in space led not only to India’s own ASAT programme, but also to other elements that enhanced the security component of India’s space programme. As the military characteristics of its space programme are becoming more evident, India is also moving away from its traditional position of non-weaponisation of space to a more nuanced approach to its national space policy. While the official policy itself has not changed, India is beginning to have a much more determined approach to how it wants to protect its assets in outer space as well as its ground infrastructure and the services linked to space. One of the biggest shifts evident in the last decade is the development of India’s military space capabilities and the establishment of the institutional architecture that supports the new functions and roles for space in India’s national security calculations. In particular, India established a Defence Space Agency (DSA) in April 2019, which is expected to be the forerunner for a full-fledged aerospace command. It is also establishing a Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO), which is meant to undertake research and development on the capability mix that is required as per the strategy and policy developed by the DSA. In a first, India conducted a space security table-top war game called “IndSpaceEx” in late July 2019, which involved all the different stakeholders such as the military and the scientific establishment. This is another reflection of the growing synergistic approach between space and the military. The Indian space programme, thus, is being carried along not only because of its developmental needs, but also because of larger international political factors, such as the heightening international tension, great power competition and the lack of sufficient safeguards, international norms and institutions to protect the non-weaponisation of outer space. A leader in satellite launches for other nations There are more than 2,000 working satellites orbiting the earth. Almost half of them belong to US-based organisations, 300 originate from China and roughly half that number is from Russia. The market for commercial space launches is crowded and competitive, with Russia’s Soyuz and Vega launchers competing with those of the European Space Agency and the reusable rockets flown by US entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX corporation. Commercial satellites now heavily outnumber those used by the military. Clearly, India is a leader in this segment. For the nation, as far as space is concerned, sky is not the limit.

India Independence: The rise of a space power

In a relay race, all runners contribute equally, but the last runner has to be the best and the most reliable. Rocketry is also quite similar. A rocket consists of multiple stages(sets of engines) that are stacked vertically.&nbsp;

Each engine has a different level of performance and contributes to getting the payload to space. Once the respective engine completes its task, it detaches itself from the rocket and lets the next one continue the journey.&nbsp;

Towards the end, the final engine takes the satellite to its determined orbit and accomplishes the mission. The latest failure of India’s GSLV rocket’s Cryogenic engine(third and final stage) brings the crucial Cryogenic engine reliability issue to light.&nbsp;

The development of a cryogenic engine has unique design challenges, as it is fueled by liquid Hydrogen stored at&nbsp;

-253 deg C and liquid Oxygen stored at -195 deg C in its tanks. To store these cryogenic fluids, special multi-layer insulation is provided for the tanks and other structures.

Looking at the history of the GSLV rocket(without considering the 4-ton lifter GSLV Mk3), this is a launch vehicle that has had a considerable failure rate, when compared to ISRO’s excellent track record. This variant (GSLV or GSLV Mk2) has had 4 failures in 14 flights. While this number might seem minuscule when compared to International standards and the track record of foreign agencies, it slightly upsets ISRO’s stellar success rate.&nbsp;

In comparison, ISRO most reliable workhorse rocket, the PSLV(which doesn’t have a Cryogenic engine) has had only 2 failures in its history of 53 flights. Of course, Cryogenics has always been a tough technology to master and the GSLV is the first Indian rocket with a Cryogenic Engine. It was in 2001 that the GSLV had its first flight. &nbsp;For context, India’s heaviest rocket GSLV Mk3(capability to lift 4 tons) has delivered total success in all of its four flights to date. While the credit for the PSLV and GSLV Mk3 missions belong entirely to the Indian Space Agency, it is important to introspect on the GSLV vehicle that has been posing a technological challenge.&nbsp;

According to Former ISRO Chairman Dr G. Madhavan Nair, the GSLV that faced a Cryogenic engine ignition issue had a long developmental history. “This GSLV variant was conceived in the 1970s when we didn’t have large rocket boosters. While some of the technology in this rocket is similar to that of the highly reliable PSLV, the Cryogenic engine is based on a highly complex Russian design. The five initial flights of this rocket used an off-the-shelf purchase Russian Cryogenic engine. But later, we developed a Cryogenic engine based on the complex Russian design” he told Zee Media.&nbsp;

He elaborated by recalling that the disintegration of the erstwhile USSR had impacted India’s engine deal with the Soviets. Instead of providing the engines and related technology transfer(as agreed upon), Russia had provided only the five engines. This meant that Indian scientists had to learn, experiment and develop modern control systems for the complex Russian Engine, that was developed in the late 1960s. Notably, this Russian engine was also more technologically complicated than its American and European counterparts. Dr Nair also added that having five liquid-fuel boosters and one solid-fuel motor in the first stage on the GSLV increased the complexity of that rocket as a whole.&nbsp;

While the Cryogenic engine modelled after the Russian technology was very complex, India also eventually developed its Cryogenic engine called C25. It is the C25 that has flown as the third and final stage of the GSLV Mk3. To ISRO’s credit, the Mk3 rocket has delivered successes in all four flights. Some of the technology on the Mk3 rocket are scaled-up versions of the highly reliable PSLV rocket. When Zee Media asked if the reliable Indian Cryogenic engine on GSLV Mk3 could be scaled down for GSLV Mk2, Dr Nair replied in the affirmative. However, he stated that it would be a cost-intensive and time-consuming process that could take at least six years for the process of development, qualification and testing.&nbsp;

Given India’s limited choice of launch vehicles - PSLV, GSLV and GSLV Mk3 and the upcoming SSLV, ISRO must rectify the troubles on the GSLV rocket and its Cryogenic engine. This is necessary given that an important NASA-ISRO mission called NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) launch is planned on this very vehicle. Chairman ISRO, Dr K. Sivan had earlier told Zee Media that this NISAR mission would fly by late 2022 or early 2023 on a GSLV Mk2 rocket from Sriharikota. Given that the GSLV fills the gap between the PSLV and the GSLV Mk3, it is a significant vehicle in India’s stable, with prospects for commercial use. So far, ISRO only flies the PSLV to carry commercial satellites that weigh less than 1.5 tons. Perfecting the GSLV Cryogenic engine would only increase India’s gains from commercial launches, by carrying foreign satellites weighing up to 2.5 tons to a higher orbit.&nbsp;

According to a launch vehicle expert who spoke to Zee Media, the Cryogenic engine(topmost stage) must have one notch higher reliability than the second stage, just like the second stage must have higher reliability than the first. The expert, who wished to be unnamed, adds that failures could also happen due to minor errors like a loose bolt or a missing pin or even non-conformances at the manufacturing level. Thus, it was emphasized that ISRO work on establishing stricter quality controls, review protocols and double-checks to avoid such errors. It was added that the rectification needed to be done at respective levels, depending on what exactly led to the Cryogenic failure on Thursday(August 12th).&nbsp; 
 
Like a successful relay team gets the combination of four runners right, ISRO must master the technology of each of its rocket engines, have a stable of highly-reliable rockets that have varied payload carrying capacities - SSLV(500kg), GSLV MK2 (2.5ton) and GSLV Mk3(4ton and beyond).

In a relay race, all runners contribute equally, but the last runner has to be the best and the most reliable. Rocketry is also quite similar. A rocket consists of multiple stages(sets of engines) that are stacked vertically.

In a relay race, all runners contribute equally, but the last runner has to be the best and the most reliable. Rocketry is also quite similar. A rocket consists of multiple stages(sets of engines) that are stacked vertically. Each engine has a different level of performance and contributes to getting the payload to space. Once the respective engine completes its task, it detaches itself from the rocket and lets the next one continue the journey. Towards the end, the final engine takes the satellite to its determined orbit and accomplishes the mission. The latest failure of India’s GSLV rocket’s Cryogenic engine(third and final stage) brings the crucial Cryogenic engine reliability issue to light. The development of a cryogenic engine has unique design challenges, as it is fueled by liquid Hydrogen stored at -253 deg C and liquid Oxygen stored at -195 deg C in its tanks. To store these cryogenic fluids, special multi-layer insulation is provided for the tanks and other structures. Looking at the history of the GSLV rocket(without considering the 4-ton lifter GSLV Mk3), this is a launch vehicle that has had a considerable failure rate, when compared to ISRO’s excellent track record. This variant (GSLV or GSLV Mk2) has had 4 failures in 14 flights. While this number might seem minuscule when compared to International standards and the track record of foreign agencies, it slightly upsets ISRO’s stellar success rate. In comparison, ISRO most reliable workhorse rocket, the PSLV(which doesn’t have a Cryogenic engine) has had only 2 failures in its history of 53 flights. Of course, Cryogenics has always been a tough technology to master and the GSLV is the first Indian rocket with a Cryogenic Engine. It was in 2001 that the GSLV had its first flight. For context, India’s heaviest rocket GSLV Mk3(capability to lift 4 tons) has delivered total success in all of its four flights to date. While the credit for the PSLV and GSLV Mk3 missions belong entirely to the Indian Space Agency, it is important to introspect on the GSLV vehicle that has been posing a technological challenge. According to Former ISRO Chairman Dr G. Madhavan Nair, the GSLV that faced a Cryogenic engine ignition issue had a long developmental history. “This GSLV variant was conceived in the 1970s when we didn’t have large rocket boosters. While some of the technology in this rocket is similar to that of the highly reliable PSLV, the Cryogenic engine is based on a highly complex Russian design. The five initial flights of this rocket used an off-the-shelf purchase Russian Cryogenic engine. But later, we developed a Cryogenic engine based on the complex Russian design” he told Zee Media. He elaborated by recalling that the disintegration of the erstwhile USSR had impacted India’s engine deal with the Soviets. Instead of providing the engines and related technology transfer(as agreed upon), Russia had provided only the five engines. This meant that Indian scientists had to learn, experiment and develop modern control systems for the complex Russian Engine, that was developed in the late 1960s. Notably, this Russian engine was also more technologically complicated than its American and European counterparts. Dr Nair also added that having five liquid-fuel boosters and one solid-fuel motor in the first stage on the GSLV increased the complexity of that rocket as a whole. While the Cryogenic engine modelled after the Russian technology was very complex, India also eventually developed its Cryogenic engine called C25. It is the C25 that has flown as the third and final stage of the GSLV Mk3. To ISRO’s credit, the Mk3 rocket has delivered successes in all four flights. Some of the technology on the Mk3 rocket are scaled-up versions of the highly reliable PSLV rocket. When Zee Media asked if the reliable Indian Cryogenic engine on GSLV Mk3 could be scaled down for GSLV Mk2, Dr Nair replied in the affirmative. However, he stated that it would be a cost-intensive and time-consuming process that could take at least six years for the process of development, qualification and testing. Given India’s limited choice of launch vehicles - PSLV, GSLV and GSLV Mk3 and the upcoming SSLV, ISRO must rectify the troubles on the GSLV rocket and its Cryogenic engine. This is necessary given that an important NASA-ISRO mission called NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) launch is planned on this very vehicle. Chairman ISRO, Dr K. Sivan had earlier told Zee Media that this NISAR mission would fly by late 2022 or early 2023 on a GSLV Mk2 rocket from Sriharikota. Given that the GSLV fills the gap between the PSLV and the GSLV Mk3, it is a significant vehicle in India’s stable, with prospects for commercial use. So far, ISRO only flies the PSLV to carry commercial satellites that weigh less than 1.5 tons. Perfecting the GSLV Cryogenic engine would only increase India’s gains from commercial launches, by carrying foreign satellites weighing up to 2.5 tons to a higher orbit. According to a launch vehicle expert who spoke to Zee Media, the Cryogenic engine(topmost stage) must have one notch higher reliability than the second stage, just like the second stage must have higher reliability than the first. The expert, who wished to be unnamed, adds that failures could also happen due to minor errors like a loose bolt or a missing pin or even non-conformances at the manufacturing level. Thus, it was emphasized that ISRO work on establishing stricter quality controls, review protocols and double-checks to avoid such errors. It was added that the rectification needed to be done at respective levels, depending on what exactly led to the Cryogenic failure on Thursday(August 12th). Like a successful relay team gets the combination of four runners right, ISRO must master the technology of each of its rocket engines, have a stable of highly-reliable rockets that have varied payload carrying capacities - SSLV(500kg), GSLV MK2 (2.5ton) and GSLV Mk3(4ton and beyond).

ISRO mission failure shows the need for higher reliability in India’s GSLV Cryogenic Engine

isro-0

Isro, News on Isro, stories on Isro, articles on Isro, Isro stories at Wion, Isro news, Isro latest news

isro 0

Watch: Indian space start-up 'Skyroot' tests rocket engine, targets maiden launch by year end

Watch: ISRO tests rocket booster that is among the largest-of-its-kind in the world

Watch: ISRO completes crucial test of Solid Rocket Booster for human spaceflight

ISRO plans to build two satellites, DISHA-L&H, to study upper atmosphere

What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft?

Green fuel-powered satellite engine made by Indian start-up 'Manastu' to reach orbit by early 2023

India's HAL hands over satellite structure that is meant to support ISRO's Gaganyaan mission

Explained: What led to failure of ISRO's GISAT-1 launch onboard GSLV Mk 2 in 2021

50% land for India's new spaceport in Tamil Nadu handed over to ISRO, says ex-chairman Sivan

In a first, Taiwan researchers joined in developing satellite launched by ISRO

Marvellous accomplishment: In 2022's maiden mission, ISRO puts three satellites into orbit successfully

ISRO to launch all-weather radar imaging satellite, two small satellites on Feb 14

India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 slated for August 2022 launch

India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 slated for August 2022 launch

ISRO Chairman Exclusive: “With support of all stakeholders - India & ISRO will have greater times ahead”

Who is S Somanath? Here’s all you need to know about newly appointed ISRO Chairman

ISRO working on hack-proof communication, robots, self-healing materials, debris-free rockets & satellites

Exclusive: What is ISRO's 'Solar Power Calculator' that is to be offered to the world?

How India's space journey transformed the country

Greater collaboration within India’s space industry can lead to balanced growth, say experts

Made for mission life of 6 months, India's Mars probe completes 7 years in orbit

Australia looking forward to active bilateral cooperation with India in space sector, say officials

When Joe Biden denied India space tech, called it 'dangerous', US delayed India's space programme

Explained: What ISRO’s latest MoUs with startups mean for India’s private space industry