The satellites launched by the Indian space research organization have been deemed unusable. Despite the successful launch, the mission did not reach its intended destination.

ISRO’s SSLV Mission fails despite successful launch

India has successfully launched its small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV). Mission marks 75 years of India's independence. With the launch, India has entered the small satellite launch market.

ISRO successfully launches SSLV as India enters the small satellite launch market

India has launched its small satellite launch vehicle. Mission marks 75 years of India's independence. Watch this special report.

India enters the small satellite launch market with the successful launch of ISRO's SSLV

India enters small satellite launch market as ISRO launches its small satellite launch vehicle

India is all set to launch its small satellite launch vehicle. Mission will mark 75 years of India's independence. Watch this special report.

A new feather in ISRO's hat as India is all set to launch its small satellite launch vehicle

ISRO is all set to launch SSLV today. Mission will mark 75 years of India's independence. For more details on the mission, ISRO Chairman speaks to WION.

ISRO is all set to launch SSLV: Mission marks 75 years of India's independence

The satellites launched by the Indian space research organization have been deemed unusable. The maiden small satellite launch vehicle that was carrying the satellites lifted off smoothly from the launch pad but the mission did not reach its intended destination.

India's newly launched satellites deviated from circular orbit

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is gearing up for the first-ever launch of its new rocket - Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Scheduled for 9:18am, Sunday, August 7th from India's Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, the SSLV will place into orbit two satellites. While the primary passenger of this mission is EOS-02, a 135 kg Satellite, it will also carry a co-passenger, student-built 'AzaadiSAT'.

India's current operational rockets PSLV, GSLV and GSLV Mk3 had their maiden launches in 1993, 2001 and 2017, respectively. In comparison to SSLV, these rockets are much more complex and sophisticated, as they are powered by stages that carry solid fuels, liquid fuels and even cryogenic fuels (in the case of GSLV and GSLV Mk3). In contrast, the SSLV is a three-stage rocket that is powered by solid fuels alone, thus making it relatively simpler and faster to manufacture, assemble and launch.&nbsp;

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As final preparations are underway for the maiden SSLV launch, WION spoke to A. Rajarajan, Director of India's spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC).&nbsp;

According to him, the SSLV is a result of various important lessons that all ISRO centres have learnt over the last three decades, in terms of manufacturing, assembling and launching diverse vehicles such as PSLV, GSLV and GSLV Mk3. "We have ensured that the manufacturing and assembly process of SSLV have been kept as simple as possible. Getting the solid stages ready for PSLV and GSLV can take between 6 to 8 months, whereas this duration has been halved for SSLV. We get all the SSLV parts from Indian industry and carry out the casting process (solid fuel filling) at SDSC," he explained.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Video?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Video</a>: The making of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SSLV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> 
A new era of commercial spaceflight from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> is to begin😍 
 
Maiden flights of major <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> rockets: 
PSLV 1993 
GSLV 2001 
GSLV Mk3 2017 
SSLV 2022 
Can't wait to go to Sriharikota tomorrow! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Launchpad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Launchpad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/launch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#launch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rocketry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rocketry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sriharikota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sriharikota</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAt75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAt75</a> <a href="https://t.co/NHNiWm7fYV">pic.twitter.com/NHNiWm7fYV</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1555788870830407680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ISRO has introduced certain new processes and techniques into the SSLV manufacturing and assembly to ensure that the rocket can be prepared for launch in a week. "Usually, it takes a week to assemble a rocket motor, but it takes a single day for SSLV. We have used dry joints, instead of wet joints to ensure faster assembly of the rocket," he added.&nbsp;

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In terms of an all-solid stage vehicle like SSLV, he said that there is always a need to be extra cautious during assembly process, given that the fuel is filled months ahead of the launch, as opposed to liquid-fuel rocket stages where fuel is filled just a few hours prior to the launch. Despite being an all-solid stage rocket, SSLV uses a final liquid-fuel based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) to make minor corrections and inject the satellites into precise orbit. The VTM is similar to the propulsion systems used on board satellites.

On the future possibilities with the SSLV rocket, Mr. Rajarajan said that it is a rocket that can completely be manufactured by Indian industry and that it is possible to have a number&nbsp;of launches per year. Given the ease of manufacturing process and assembly, he believes that SSLV is a rocket that can be launched anytime and from anywhere (from the back of a truck or a mobile launchpad or a launchpad with minimal infrastructure) etc.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is gearing up for the first-ever launch of its new rocket - Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Scheduled for 9:18am, Sunday, August 7th from India's Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, the SSLV will place into orbit two satellites.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is gearing up for the first-ever launch of its new rocket - Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Scheduled for 9:18am, Sunday, August 7th from India's Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, the SSLV will place into orbit two satellites. While the primary passenger of this mission is EOS-02, a 135 kg Satellite, it will also carry a co-passenger, student-built 'AzaadiSAT'. India's current operational rockets PSLV, GSLV and GSLV Mk3 had their maiden launches in 1993, 2001 and 2017, respectively. In comparison to SSLV, these rockets are much more complex and sophisticated, as they are powered by stages that carry solid fuels, liquid fuels and even cryogenic fuels (in the case of GSLV and GSLV Mk3). In contrast, the SSLV is a three-stage rocket that is powered by solid fuels alone, thus making it relatively simpler and faster to manufacture, assemble and launch. Also read | Amid military drill, Taiwan says China 'simulating attack' As final preparations are underway for the maiden SSLV launch, WION spoke to A. Rajarajan, Director of India's spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC). According to him, the SSLV is a result of various important lessons that all ISRO centres have learnt over the last three decades, in terms of manufacturing, assembling and launching diverse vehicles such as PSLV, GSLV and GSLV Mk3. "We have ensured that the manufacturing and assembly process of SSLV have been kept as simple as possible. Getting the solid stages ready for PSLV and GSLV can take between 6 to 8 months, whereas this duration has been halved for SSLV. We get all the SSLV parts from Indian industry and carry out the casting process (solid fuel filling) at SDSC," he explained. #Video: The making of #SSLV #ISRO A new era of commercial spaceflight from #india is to begin😍 Maiden flights of major #Indian rockets: PSLV 1993 GSLV 2001 GSLV Mk3 2017 SSLV 2022 Can't wait to go to Sriharikota tomorrow! #Launchpad #launch #Rocketry #sriharikota #IndiaAt75 pic.twitter.com/NHNiWm7fYV — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) August 6, 2022 × ISRO has introduced certain new processes and techniques into the SSLV manufacturing and assembly to ensure that the rocket can be prepared for launch in a week. "Usually, it takes a week to assemble a rocket motor, but it takes a single day for SSLV. We have used dry joints, instead of wet joints to ensure faster assembly of the rocket," he added. Also read | Twitter deal could go ahead if proof of real accounts provided, says Elon Musk In terms of an all-solid stage vehicle like SSLV, he said that there is always a need to be extra cautious during assembly process, given that the fuel is filled months ahead of the launch, as opposed to liquid-fuel rocket stages where fuel is filled just a few hours prior to the launch. Despite being an all-solid stage rocket, SSLV uses a final liquid-fuel based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) to make minor corrections and inject the satellites into precise orbit. The VTM is similar to the propulsion systems used on board satellites. On the future possibilities with the SSLV rocket, Mr. Rajarajan said that it is a rocket that can completely be manufactured by Indian industry and that it is possible to have a number of launches per year. Given the ease of manufacturing process and assembly, he believes that SSLV is a rocket that can be launched anytime and from anywhere (from the back of a truck or a mobile launchpad or a launchpad with minimal infrastructure) etc.

'ISRO's SSLV - A rocket that can be launched anytime, from anywhere', says SDSC Director

As part of India's Space sector reforms, the Government of India has transferred 10 operational communication satellites to NewSpace India Limited(NSIL), a Government-run company.

As part of India's Space sector reforms, the Government of India has transferred 10 operational communication satellites to NewSpace India Limited(NSIL), a Government-run company. This move of transferring ownership of ten satellites of the GSAT series to NSIL, would help the company rent them out(transponder capacity, services etc.) and generate revenue out of the same. "10 (Ten) in-orbit operational communication satellites viz. GSAT8, GSAT-10, GSAT-12R (CMS-01), GSAT-14, GSAT-15, GSAT-16, GSAT-17, GSAT-18, GSAT-30 and GSAT-31 have been transferred from Government of India to M/s. New Space India Ltd (NSIL), a CPSE under the Department of Space, at a written down value of Rs.4697.60 crores(Rs.46.97billion) against the issue of equity to the Government of India, with 01.04.2021 as the effective date of transfer" the Minister-in-Charge, Dr Jitendra Singh, shared in Parliament. ALSO READ | Russia says it will quit ISS after 2024, shows plans of 'new station' #Space #news Chairman #ISRO recently mentioned about 10 in-orbit Communication satellites being transferred from GoI to @NSIL_India NSIL decides the transponder capacity rates & allocates it to customers, earns $$ Here is the list of 10 satellites, as shared in the #LokSabha pic.twitter.com/9NLwEaR038 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 27, 2022 × This means the transponder capacity on the satellite can be allocated to a customer on a payment basis, thus earning revenue for the Indian government. Simply put, it can be compared to how an Internet service provider sells connections to homes based on the speed limit, data limit etc, likewise the capacity of the satellite is allocated to niche customers such as telecommunications companies, broadcasters etc. In this case, the Board of NSIL is authorized to price the transponder capacity as per the global trends. NSIL shall carry out the activities related to offering and allocation of capacity, as per the guidelines to be adopted by its Board. ALSO READ | Launch timeline and cost of ISRO's five upcoming space science missions revealed The goal of carrying out such business activities is to enhance India's share of the $440bn global space economy. Notably, India's share is estimated to be less than 2% of the above. India's Space sector reforms that are being rolled out since 2020 are also meant to enhance the same. As part of this, the Department of Space, Government of India established the Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Centre (INSPACe) to be a single window agency to promote, handhold and authorize the activities of private entities in the sector, thus providing them with a level playing field. Until 2020, India's private space industries were only supplying components and providing services to the state-run Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO). However, the reforms are aimed at enabling private companies to build and launch their own rockets and satellites from Indian soil and provide allied services. Earlier, when queried about the much-awaited Space Policy, Dr S.Somanath, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Dept of Space, replied that the internal review was complete and that the cabinet approval was pending and the final approval could be expected very soon. He added that the Space Policy was meant to create clarity on the private sector's ability to build its own rockets and satellites. "The bill is targeted to give teeth to Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe)" he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Aimed at boosting space economy, 10 ISRO satellites transferred to govt-run NSIL

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday successfully launched three Singaporean satellites in a commercial mission of the New Space India Limited. PSLV-C53 took off from Sriharikota and injected the three satellites into precise orbits.

India: ISRO successfully launches PSLV-C53 with 3 Singapore satellites

If a friend is going on a long drive in a half-occupied car and you hitchhike with him, it saves you the huge cost and makes better use of the available resource. Similarly, there are small scientific payloads (hitchhikers) from Indian start-ups and others, who are hitchhiking on ISRO's to-be-launched PSLV- C53 mission (the half-occupied vehicle going on a long drive). However, this time around ISRO is not just performing the role of orbiting the hitchhiking payloads, but will also provide a stabilized orbiting platform for them. This new experiment by ISRO is known as 'POEM' or PSLV Orbital Experimental Module. WION explains how 'POEM' works and what it is meant to do.

Simply put, 'POEM' is like a friend who not only provides you with a drop at the destination but also gives you the car, for your use. 'POEM' is a technological upgrade over what ISRO had initially attempted in 2019, during the launch of PSLV-C44 mission.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In the 2019 mission, ISRO used the PS4 or final stage of the rocket as an orbital platform to conduct science experiments in space. Basically, the PSLV is a four-stage rocket and during different stages of flight, the first three stages detach and fall back into the ocean, after completing their task. However, the final stage of the rocket ends up as space debris after placing the satellite in orbit. It is on this PS4 (final stage) that the student-built&nbsp;Kalamsat-V2 payload was placed, so that the latter could piggyback on the former(akin to&nbsp;a friend who not only provides you a drop at the destination, but also gives you the car, for your use)

In the latest PSLV-C53 mission, the final stage will be used as a stabilized orbital platform. A stabilized orbital platform is a significant upgrade over an orbital platform, as stabilization helps keep the payload in a correct position with respect to the Earth, sun etc. This could offer several scientific advantages for the payloads that are being carried.

According to ISRO, the stabilization is achieved using a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control system, whereas 'POEM' derives the power from the solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank and a Li-Ion battery. It navigates using four sun sensors, a magnetometer, gyros &amp; NavIC. It carries dedicated control thrusters using Helium gas storage. It is enabled with a telecommand feature, the Indian space agency added.&nbsp;POEM carries six payloads including two from Indian Space Start-ups M/s Digantara and M/s Dhruva Space, enabled through IN-SPACe and NSIL.&nbsp;

On Wednesday evening, ISRO tweeted that they had commenced the countdown for the launch that is to take place at 6:02pm on Thursday, 30th&nbsp;June.&nbsp;The Indian PSLV rocket will carry three satellites - the 365 kg DS-EO and 155 kg NeuSAR, satellites belonging to Singapore and built by Starec Initiative of South Korea.&nbsp;The third satellite Scoob-1 of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, weighs 2.8kgs. It is important to note that the PSLV rocket has a minimum payload capacity of 1,000kg and that the entire payload mass of Thursday's mission is barely half as much, thus making it a half-occupied vehicle.

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If a friend is going on a long drive in a half-occupied car and you hitchhike with him, it saves you the huge cost and makes better use of the available resource.

If a friend is going on a long drive in a half-occupied car and you hitchhike with him, it saves you the huge cost and makes better use of the available resource. Similarly, there are small scientific payloads (hitchhikers) from Indian start-ups and others, who are hitchhiking on ISRO's to-be-launched PSLV- C53 mission (the half-occupied vehicle going on a long drive). However, this time around ISRO is not just performing the role of orbiting the hitchhiking payloads, but will also provide a stabilized orbiting platform for them. This new experiment by ISRO is known as 'POEM' or PSLV Orbital Experimental Module. WION explains how 'POEM' works and what it is meant to do. Simply put, 'POEM' is like a friend who not only provides you with a drop at the destination but also gives you the car, for your use. 'POEM' is a technological upgrade over what ISRO had initially attempted in 2019, during the launch of PSLV-C44 mission. In the 2019 mission, ISRO used the PS4 or final stage of the rocket as an orbital platform to conduct science experiments in space. Basically, the PSLV is a four-stage rocket and during different stages of flight, the first three stages detach and fall back into the ocean, after completing their task. However, the final stage of the rocket ends up as space debris after placing the satellite in orbit. It is on this PS4 (final stage) that the student-built Kalamsat-V2 payload was placed, so that the latter could piggyback on the former(akin to a friend who not only provides you a drop at the destination, but also gives you the car, for your use) In the latest PSLV-C53 mission, the final stage will be used as a stabilized orbital platform. A stabilized orbital platform is a significant upgrade over an orbital platform, as stabilization helps keep the payload in a correct position with respect to the Earth, sun etc. This could offer several scientific advantages for the payloads that are being carried. According to ISRO, the stabilization is achieved using a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control system, whereas 'POEM' derives the power from the solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank and a Li-Ion battery. It navigates using four sun sensors, a magnetometer, gyros & NavIC. It carries dedicated control thrusters using Helium gas storage. It is enabled with a telecommand feature, the Indian space agency added. POEM carries six payloads including two from Indian Space Start-ups M/s Digantara and M/s Dhruva Space, enabled through IN-SPACe and NSIL. On Wednesday evening, ISRO tweeted that they had commenced the countdown for the launch that is to take place at 6:02pm on Thursday, 30th June. The Indian PSLV rocket will carry three satellites - the 365 kg DS-EO and 155 kg NeuSAR, satellites belonging to Singapore and built by Starec Initiative of South Korea. The third satellite Scoob-1 of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, weighs 2.8kgs. It is important to note that the PSLV rocket has a minimum payload capacity of 1,000kg and that the entire payload mass of Thursday's mission is barely half as much, thus making it a half-occupied vehicle. 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.

In a first, ISRO's 'POEM' will remain stable in space and facilitate science experiments

R Madhavan will be making his directorial debut with Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, which received a standing ovation at Cannes. The movie will release on July 1. In an exclusive conversation, he shares why he believes in the Indian audience.

R Madhavan gets candid: 'Rocketry': Madhavan wears director's hat for the film

Following the launch of the Indian communication satellite 'GSAT-24' on a foreign rocket, from foreign soil, India's space agency has taken control of the satellite. The Master Control Facility of the state-run Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has also inferred based on initial data, that the satellite is in good health.&nbsp;

It was after a 40-minute flight, during the wee hours of Thursday that the GSAT-24 was placed in an initial Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (which can be understood as a temporary parking slot), by the European Ariane 5 rocket, launched from French Guaina. In the coming days, the Master Control Facility, situated in Hassan, Karnataka, India, would issue commands to raise the orbit of the satellite and place it in the Geosynchronous orbit (which can be understood as a final parking slot). The satellite is expected to remain in this orbit and function for a period of 15 years. A satellite placed in Geosynchronous orbit is in sync with the Earth's rotation.&nbsp;

The 4180kg GSAT-24 is a 24-Ku-band communication satellite meant for meeting the Direct-To-Home (DTH) communication needs of India. India's state-run NewSpace India Limited(NSIL) has leased the entire satellite capacity to M/s Tata Play for a period of 15 years. &nbsp;The entire funding for the GSAT-24 mission has been borne by NSIL.

“Today’s successful mission of GSAT-24 is a major step forward for NSIL in commercially meeting the DTH communication needs of the country using indigenously built satellite solutions from ISRO,” Dr S Somanath, Secretary DOS said. With the launch of GSAT-24, NSIL will be owning and operating nearly 11 Communication Satellites in-orbit and would meet the bulk of India's communication needs.

During its journey to space, India's GSAT-24 was not alone, atop the European Ariane 5 rocket. It was accompanied by a co-passenger satellite dubbed 'Measat-3d', which is meant to meet the communication needs of Malaysia.&nbsp;

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Following the launch of the Indian communication satellite 'GSAT-24' on a foreign rocket, from foreign soil, India's space agency has taken control of the satellite.

Following the launch of the Indian communication satellite 'GSAT-24' on a foreign rocket, from foreign soil, India's space agency has taken control of the satellite. The Master Control Facility of the state-run Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has also inferred based on initial data, that the satellite is in good health. It was after a 40-minute flight, during the wee hours of Thursday that the GSAT-24 was placed in an initial Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (which can be understood as a temporary parking slot), by the European Ariane 5 rocket, launched from French Guaina. In the coming days, the Master Control Facility, situated in Hassan, Karnataka, India, would issue commands to raise the orbit of the satellite and place it in the Geosynchronous orbit (which can be understood as a final parking slot). The satellite is expected to remain in this orbit and function for a period of 15 years. A satellite placed in Geosynchronous orbit is in sync with the Earth's rotation. The 4180kg GSAT-24 is a 24-Ku-band communication satellite meant for meeting the Direct-To-Home (DTH) communication needs of India. India's state-run NewSpace India Limited(NSIL) has leased the entire satellite capacity to M/s Tata Play for a period of 15 years. The entire funding for the GSAT-24 mission has been borne by NSIL. “Today’s successful mission of GSAT-24 is a major step forward for NSIL in commercially meeting the DTH communication needs of the country using indigenously built satellite solutions from ISRO,” Dr S Somanath, Secretary DOS said. With the launch of GSAT-24, NSIL will be owning and operating nearly 11 Communication Satellites in-orbit and would meet the bulk of India's communication needs. During its journey to space, India's GSAT-24 was not alone, atop the European Ariane 5 rocket. It was accompanied by a co-passenger satellite dubbed 'Measat-3d', which is meant to meet the communication needs of Malaysia. 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.

ISRO takes control of its foreign-launched 'GSAT-24' satellite, finds it healthy

India is going to Venus! After its trips to the Moon and Mars, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) wants to discover the mysteries of the hottest planet. Venus is a complex planet due to its dense atmosphere and surface activity. The air pressure on the surface of Venus is extremely high. About 90 times greater than the pressure at sea level on Earth. Several features of Venus make it stand out amongst the other planets of the Solar System. Here's wishing ISRO a successful mission, which is likely to take place in 2025.

India is going to Venus! hottest planet's mysteries will be revealed soon

A visiting delegation from the American Space Agency (NASA) has indicated that the NASA-ISRO joint mission, 'NISAR', would be launched from India's spaceport at Sriharikota in early 2023. NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a satellite that will use&nbsp;advanced radar imaging to provide an unprecedented, detailed view of Earth. It is designed to observe and take measurements of some of the planet's most complex processes, such as&nbsp;ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides.

Sharing the status of the satellite development, Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen,&nbsp;Associate Administrator, NASA, Science Mission Directorate revealed that the "radar payload is fully electrically integrated and functionally tested; 12-meter deployable boom and reflector radar antenna integration underway, joint initial mission operations tests successfully completed." Furthermore, it was stated that environmental testing (analyzing spacecraft performance in simulated thermal and vacuum conditions of space) would be carried out in different phases in the coming months.&nbsp;

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Congratulations to ISRO's new Scientific Secretary, B. Shantanu! It was a delight meeting you and your team today as we talked about <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAEarth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAEarth</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ISRO</a>'s joint mission NISAR. <a href="https://t.co/HzNxXn5dJK">pic.twitter.com/HzNxXn5dJK</a>
— Thomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_ThomasZ/status/1532047766284820481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Indicating the mission launch to be around the first quarter of 2023, the NASA delegation also revealed that the radar payload would ship to India in late-February 2023.&nbsp;According to NASA,&nbsp;NISAR will observe Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces globally with 12-day regularity on ascending and descending passes, sampling Earth on average every six days for a baseline three-year mission.&nbsp;Data collected from NISAR will reveal information about the evolution and state of Earth's crust, help scientists better understand our planet's processes and changing climate, and aid future resource and hazard management.

Watch |&nbsp;NASA Mars lander's mission coming to an end, but why?

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In March 2021, quoting the then ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan, WION reported that the launch of NISAR would be around the end of 2022 or early-2023.&nbsp;On March 4th,&nbsp;2021, Dr. K. Sivan virtually flagged off the Indian-made S-Band payload from the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad.&nbsp;NASA adds that NISAR will be the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes on the earth's surface.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nasa-isro-earth-observation-satellite-launch-on-gslv-mk-ii-by-jan-2023-369143">NASA-ISRO Earth observation satellite launch on GSLV Mk II by Jan 2023</a>

It was on September 30th,&nbsp;2014, that NASA and ISRO signed a partnership to collaborate on and launch NISAR. NASA is providing the mission’s L-band synthetic aperture radar, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder and a payload data subsystem. ISRO is providing the spacecraft bus, the S-band radar, the launch vehicle and associated launch services.

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A visiting delegation from the American Space Agency (NASA) has indicated that the NASA-ISRO joint mission, 'NISAR', would be launched from India's spaceport at Sriharikota in early 2023.

A visiting delegation from the American Space Agency (NASA) has indicated that the NASA-ISRO joint mission, 'NISAR', would be launched from India's spaceport at Sriharikota in early 2023. NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a satellite that will use advanced radar imaging to provide an unprecedented, detailed view of Earth. It is designed to observe and take measurements of some of the planet's most complex processes, such as ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides. Sharing the status of the satellite development, Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator, NASA, Science Mission Directorate revealed that the "radar payload is fully electrically integrated and functionally tested; 12-meter deployable boom and reflector radar antenna integration underway, joint initial mission operations tests successfully completed." Furthermore, it was stated that environmental testing (analyzing spacecraft performance in simulated thermal and vacuum conditions of space) would be carried out in different phases in the coming months. Also read | Epitome of 'hell on earth’: NASA to study unique exoplanet '55 Cancri e' Congratulations to ISRO's new Scientific Secretary, B. Shantanu! It was a delight meeting you and your team today as we talked about @NASAEarth & @ISRO's joint mission NISAR. pic.twitter.com/HzNxXn5dJK — Thomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) June 1, 2022 × Indicating the mission launch to be around the first quarter of 2023, the NASA delegation also revealed that the radar payload would ship to India in late-February 2023. According to NASA, NISAR will observe Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces globally with 12-day regularity on ascending and descending passes, sampling Earth on average every six days for a baseline three-year mission. Data collected from NISAR will reveal information about the evolution and state of Earth's crust, help scientists better understand our planet's processes and changing climate, and aid future resource and hazard management. Watch | NASA Mars lander's mission coming to an end, but why? In March 2021, quoting the then ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan, WION reported that the launch of NISAR would be around the end of 2022 or early-2023. On March 4th, 2021, Dr. K. Sivan virtually flagged off the Indian-made S-Band payload from the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad. NASA adds that NISAR will be the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes on the earth's surface. Also read | NASA-ISRO Earth observation satellite launch on GSLV Mk II by Jan 2023 It was on September 30th, 2014, that NASA and ISRO signed a partnership to collaborate on and launch NISAR. NASA is providing the mission’s L-band synthetic aperture radar, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder and a payload data subsystem. ISRO is providing the spacecraft bus, the S-band radar, the launch vehicle and associated launch services. 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.

NASA team in India to discuss on joint mission 'NISAR' with ISRO; launch likely by Q1 2023

India's communication satellite, 4.18-tonne GSAT-24, is undergoing health and performance checks at clean room facilities in French Guiana, the European spaceport, said the Indian space agency. The satellite is scheduled to be launched on board the European Ariane V rocket (VA257 flight) on June 22. The satellite is meant to provide pan-India coverage and cater to the needs of direct-to-home television broadcast service provider Tata Play.

Notably, this launch is what India's state-run Department of Space calls the “first demand-driven communication&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;mission of the New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

NSIL was incorporated in March 2019 and was mandated to undertake operational satellite missions on a “demand-driven” model, wherein it has the responsibility to build, launch, own and operate the&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;and provide services to its committed customer.

As part of the&nbsp;GSAT-24&nbsp;mission, NSIL is getting the&nbsp;4-ton class Ku- band&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;built by ISRO and will be launching it using Ariane-5 launcher operated by M/s Arianespace. The entire&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;capacity on board GSAT-24&nbsp;will be leased to its committed customer M/s Tata Play for meeting their DTH application needs. NSIL has entered into a necessary agreement with M/s Tata Play for utilising the&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;capacity on board GSAT-24&nbsp;and with M/s Arianespace for seeking the launch services.&nbsp;GSAT-24&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;will be owned and operated by NSIL on a commercial basis.&nbsp;GSAT-24&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;mission will be fully funded by NSIL.

ISRO said that GSAT-24 was cleared by its pre-shipment review committee on May 2 this year after completing assembly, integration and environmental test. Following this, the satellite and its associated equipment were flown to Kourou, French Guiana, on May 18 on board C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.&nbsp;

GSAT-24, built by ISRO, will be placed in orbit on June 22 by the French Ariane 5 rocket. The launch would be carried out from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, in a launch mission dubbed 'VA257'. Once placed in the desired geostationary orbit,&nbsp;the Indian communication satellite will provide high-quality television, telecommunications and broadcasting services.

Earlier, Arianespace, the launch service provider, shared a picture of the container carrying the&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;being offloaded from a military transport aircraft, and stated that "We’ll let you know once the beast is awake".&nbsp;

While India launches indigenously-built satellites for national requirements and customer-built&nbsp;satellites on board its own rockets, it also uses the services of the European launcher Ariane to fulfil certain missions from foreign soil. Given that India's maximum payload lift capability to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) is 4 tons, lifting GSAT-24 to orbit on an Indian rocket is not feasible.&nbsp;

Significantly,&nbsp;GSAT-24&nbsp;will be the 25th Indian&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;orbited by Arianespace, highlighting the longstanding partnership. India's ties with launch provider Arianespace dates back to 1981, when Ariane 1 rocket launched Indian satellite&nbsp;APPLE (Ariane Passenger PayLoad Experiment). APPLE was an experimental communication satellite built by ISRO. In later years, Indian rockets have also orbited European satellites.&nbsp;

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India's communication satellite, 4.18-tonne GSAT-24, is undergoing health and performance checks at clean room facilities in French Guiana, the European spaceport, said the Indian space agency.

India's communication satellite, 4.18-tonne GSAT-24, is undergoing health and performance checks at clean room facilities in French Guiana, the European spaceport, said the Indian space agency. The satellite is scheduled to be launched on board the European Ariane V rocket (VA257 flight) on June 22. The satellite is meant to provide pan-India coverage and cater to the needs of direct-to-home television broadcast service provider Tata Play. Notably, this launch is what India's state-run Department of Space calls the “first demand-driven communication satellite mission of the New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). NSIL was incorporated in March 2019 and was mandated to undertake operational satellite missions on a “demand-driven” model, wherein it has the responsibility to build, launch, own and operate the satellite and provide services to its committed customer. As part of the GSAT-24 mission, NSIL is getting the 4-ton class Ku- band satellite built by ISRO and will be launching it using Ariane-5 launcher operated by M/s Arianespace. The entire satellite capacity on board GSAT-24 will be leased to its committed customer M/s Tata Play for meeting their DTH application needs. NSIL has entered into a necessary agreement with M/s Tata Play for utilising the satellite capacity on board GSAT-24 and with M/s Arianespace for seeking the launch services. GSAT-24 satellite will be owned and operated by NSIL on a commercial basis. GSAT-24 satellite mission will be fully funded by NSIL. ISRO said that GSAT-24 was cleared by its pre-shipment review committee on May 2 this year after completing assembly, integration and environmental test. Following this, the satellite and its associated equipment were flown to Kourou, French Guiana, on May 18 on board C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. GSAT-24, built by ISRO, will be placed in orbit on June 22 by the French Ariane 5 rocket. The launch would be carried out from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, in a launch mission dubbed 'VA257'. Once placed in the desired geostationary orbit, the Indian communication satellite will provide high-quality television, telecommunications and broadcasting services. Earlier, Arianespace, the launch service provider, shared a picture of the container carrying the satellite being offloaded from a military transport aircraft, and stated that "We’ll let you know once the beast is awake". While India launches indigenously-built satellites for national requirements and customer-built satellites on board its own rockets, it also uses the services of the European launcher Ariane to fulfil certain missions from foreign soil. Given that India's maximum payload lift capability to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) is 4 tons, lifting GSAT-24 to orbit on an Indian rocket is not feasible. Significantly, GSAT-24 will be the 25th Indian satellite orbited by Arianespace, highlighting the longstanding partnership. India's ties with launch provider Arianespace dates back to 1981, when Ariane 1 rocket launched Indian satellite APPLE (Ariane Passenger PayLoad Experiment). APPLE was an experimental communication satellite built by ISRO. In later years, Indian rockets have also orbited European satellites. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian satellite GSAT-24 undergoing pre-launch performance checks in European spaceport

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully completed the booster rocket test. 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.

India: ISRO prepares to send Indian astronaut to space

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified.

While explaining the potential of Venus exploration, studies, and future science missions of the state-run Indian space agency, Somanath urged scientists and academia to think of unique, larger outcomes from such missions and how they could benefit India and the world.&nbsp;

Speaking at the ISRO-organized national meet on Venus Science, Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, said that right from inception, ISRO had been seeing space as a platform for conducting experiments and understanding the universe. However, over the years, the organisation evolved to perform operational activities such as building and launching satellites and rockets and performing national missions.

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>

"Building some instruments (integrating them on a satellite), launching them, and taking them to Venus may be possible within a short period of time, because the capability exists in ISRO to do that. Building a Venus mission satellite is definitely possible, the mission management to reach there is definitely possible, and we have a launch vehicle to reach there (Venus)", Somanath said, on ISRO's current capabilities.

However, he also wanted scientists and academia to ponder over questions such as: what are you going to provide as a result to society? What is going to be your contribution to global knowledge? How effectively will the mission be utilised for the goals set in the beginning?&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens

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On performing impactful science missions, he said that unique mission outcomes are necessary and that merely repeating what other countries have done is not sufficient. He stressed the necessity of reviewing the additional information, knowledge, and observations that a mission would offer, with regard to what has not been done by other agencies. While he added that repeating some experiments and re-validating what is done by other countries (space agencies) is not wrong, he emphasized that a mission needed to have unique outcomes.&nbsp;

"From my position of Chairman, ISRO, I am faced with conflicting requirements when planning science missions. Most importantly, it is a costly affair that involves an expensive rocket and satellite, besides the years-long efforts of a lot of people, "Somanath explained to the scientists. He touched upon how it was extremely important to have adequate "selling points" to convince the decision-makers (government) regarding the value of performing such missions.&nbsp;

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

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Elaborating on futuristic concepts like having a human colony on Venus, Somanath spoke about the possibility and challenges of having balloons floating in the harsh Venusian atmosphere amid acid clouds and supporting human life. He also pointed out the necessity of India taking first steps in that direction, in a manner that benefits the entire nation. "Scientists have a responsibility to satisfy their inner desire to prove science and also a responsibility to prove to the nation that your (scientific) work is worth doing for the nation," he concluded.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-great-admirers-of-isro-says-omran-sharaf-project-manager-of-emirates-mars-mission-473814">We’re great admirers of ISRO, says Omran Sharaf, project director of Emirates Mars Mission</a>

Regarding the fundamental challenges in the exploration of Venus, Dr. Maria Antonita from ISRO's Space Science Programme Office said that Venus has a maximum surface temperature of 462 degrees Celsius, which is even capable of melting rocks. Besides the hot and dry weather, the planet's atmospheric composition was dominated by carbon dioxide, which amounts to 96.5 per cent. In addition to this, the pressure on Venus, is more than 90 times as much as that on Earth. She added that as a planet that is considered a twin of Earth and one that is relatively close to Earth, Venus continues to intrigue scientists, thus leading to many science missions since the 1960s) to study the planet.

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified.

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified. While explaining the potential of Venus exploration, studies, and future science missions of the state-run Indian space agency, Somanath urged scientists and academia to think of unique, larger outcomes from such missions and how they could benefit India and the world. Speaking at the ISRO-organized national meet on Venus Science, Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, said that right from inception, ISRO had been seeing space as a platform for conducting experiments and understanding the universe. However, over the years, the organisation evolved to perform operational activities such as building and launching satellites and rockets and performing national missions. Also read | What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft? "Building some instruments (integrating them on a satellite), launching them, and taking them to Venus may be possible within a short period of time, because the capability exists in ISRO to do that. Building a Venus mission satellite is definitely possible, the mission management to reach there is definitely possible, and we have a launch vehicle to reach there (Venus)", Somanath said, on ISRO's current capabilities. However, he also wanted scientists and academia to ponder over questions such as: what are you going to provide as a result to society? What is going to be your contribution to global knowledge? How effectively will the mission be utilised for the goals set in the beginning? Watch | All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens On performing impactful science missions, he said that unique mission outcomes are necessary and that merely repeating what other countries have done is not sufficient. He stressed the necessity of reviewing the additional information, knowledge, and observations that a mission would offer, with regard to what has not been done by other agencies. While he added that repeating some experiments and re-validating what is done by other countries (space agencies) is not wrong, he emphasized that a mission needed to have unique outcomes. "From my position of Chairman, ISRO, I am faced with conflicting requirements when planning science missions. Most importantly, it is a costly affair that involves an expensive rocket and satellite, besides the years-long efforts of a lot of people, "Somanath explained to the scientists. He touched upon how it was extremely important to have adequate "selling points" to convince the decision-makers (government) regarding the value of performing such missions. Watch WION LIVE HERE: Elaborating on futuristic concepts like having a human colony on Venus, Somanath spoke about the possibility and challenges of having balloons floating in the harsh Venusian atmosphere amid acid clouds and supporting human life. He also pointed out the necessity of India taking first steps in that direction, in a manner that benefits the entire nation. "Scientists have a responsibility to satisfy their inner desire to prove science and also a responsibility to prove to the nation that your (scientific) work is worth doing for the nation," he concluded. Also read | We’re great admirers of ISRO, says Omran Sharaf, project director of Emirates Mars Mission Regarding the fundamental challenges in the exploration of Venus, Dr. Maria Antonita from ISRO's Space Science Programme Office said that Venus has a maximum surface temperature of 462 degrees Celsius, which is even capable of melting rocks. Besides the hot and dry weather, the planet's atmospheric composition was dominated by carbon dioxide, which amounts to 96.5 per cent. In addition to this, the pressure on Venus, is more than 90 times as much as that on Earth. She added that as a planet that is considered a twin of Earth and one that is relatively close to Earth, Venus continues to intrigue scientists, thus leading to many science missions since the 1960s) to study the planet.

'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission

The Project director of Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), Omran Sharaf has lauded&nbsp;Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and hoped for more collaborations in the future.

The Emirates Mars Mission is United Arab Emirates' first mission to Mars and First Arab Interplanetary mission. In response to questions by WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Sharaf said, "We’re great admirers of ISRO, and as you’ll know we worked together on the launch of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s Nayif-1 satellite. We didn’t get to work together on the Emirates Mars Mission, but we’re always open to new international collaborations and ideas."&nbsp;

EMM is designed to ​orbit Mars and study the dynamics in ​the Martian atmosphere on a global scale, and on both diurnal and seasonal timescales. Using three scientific instruments on board of the spacecraft, EMM will provide a set of measurements fundamental to an improved understanding of ​circulation and weather in the Martian lower and middle atmosphere. &nbsp;

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Recently EMM has finalised a science data analysis collaboration with NASA’s MAVEN Mars Mission. Asked about that, Sharaf explained, "EMM has focused on Mars’ lower atmosphere, while MAVEN focused on the upper atmosphere. Now we can make the link between the two."

WION: Can you tell us how important is the Emirates Mars Mission to the UAE? 
Omran Sharaf: EMM is of critical importance to the Emirates as the nation embarks on its second 50 years since its foundation in 1971. The Emirates Mars Mission is part of a long-term integrated effort to create economic opportunity around leadership in space sciences, research, and exploration. The mission’s probe was named Mars Hope as a symbol of hope for all young Arabs. EMM is driving innovation in the UAE, building educational capabilities and new opportunities for the nation’s young people to build careers in the fast-growing global space sector, and driving excellence in engineering, scientific research, and innovation. This mission represents a future vision not only for the Emirates but the entire Arab world. Both our country and the region as a whole have young populations, and the goal of the mission is to inspire and create opportunities for those future generations in the fields of science and technology. Indeed, the region once led the world in science and human understanding, and our hope is that we can do so once again. It is vital that we make this transition to a knowledge-based economy, where The Emirates can be a global hub for technological innovation, attracting talented people from around the world to work together as we prepare for life after oil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-chairman-dr-s-somanath-recalls-his-early-days-at-isro-what-it-takes-to-be-a-space-scientist-472764">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath recalls his early days at ISRO, what it takes to be a space scientist</a>

WION: How will your collaboration with NASA help, specifically regarding space research? 
Omran Sharaf: Our agreement to share information and collaborate with the MAVEN mission opens up access to previous observations made by MAVEN’s team, which are complementary to EMM’s data gathering – both missions answer goals set by the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group, which basically posits three questions – what do we know about Mars, what don’t we know and what do we want to know? This complementarity means that EMM has the potential to answer questions thrown up by MAVEN’s investigations but also that MAVEN’s data could contextualize the observations we are now able to make with EMM. Critically, EMM has focused on Mars’ lower atmosphere, while MAVEN focused on the upper atmosphere. Now we can make the link between the two.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-start-ups-satellite-gets-tested-at-isro-facility-awaits-launch-through-pslv-rocket-469393">Also read |&nbsp;Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket &nbsp;</a>

WION: Emirates Mars Mission’s Hope Probe entered the orbit of Mars on the 9th of February, 2021. What has it been able to discover so far? Has it garnered any new information on Mars? 
Omran Sharaf: We were very lucky to be able to make early observations of Mars’ discrete auroras which gave us unprecedented detail and scope of observation. Those exciting early observations led us to increase our focus on these auroras by using spare bandwidth and resources freed up because Hope’s journey to Mars was so efficient and on track – a real testament to the effectiveness of the platform we developed. Following those observations, we were also able to gather new observations of unusual concentrations of both oxygen and carbon monoxide which are now driving a new line of research. Our observations of dust storms, because of Hope’s orbit and almost 100% planetary coverage, have also opened up new areas of investigation and granularity that challenge our models and preconceptions. We now have a totally new class of discrete aurora we are investigating, which derives from the observations we have been making from those early discoveries. 
So far, EMM has exceeded our wildest expectations in regard to the observations and new discoveries we have been able to make. It promises a great deal more moving forward, which is extremely exciting.

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WION: How is the collaboration with India going? Did India have a role in your mars mission? 
Omran Sharaf: We’re great admirers of ISRO, and as you’ll know we worked together on the launch of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s Nayif-1 satellite. We didn’t get to work together on the Emirates Mars Mission, but we’re always open to new international collaborations and ideas. 
For sure, Indian scientists, researchers, and enthusiasts have access to EMM’s science data through our Science Data Centre, which shares all of our data sets from Hope’s three instruments globally without embargo. It would be very exciting to find Indian researchers using that open access data set to forge ahead with new research and discoveries.

The Project director of Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), Omran Sharaf has lauded Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and hoped for more collaborations in the future.

The Project director of Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), Omran Sharaf has lauded Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and hoped for more collaborations in the future. The Emirates Mars Mission is United Arab Emirates' first mission to Mars and First Arab Interplanetary mission. In response to questions by WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Sharaf said, "We’re great admirers of ISRO, and as you’ll know we worked together on the launch of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s Nayif-1 satellite. We didn’t get to work together on the Emirates Mars Mission, but we’re always open to new international collaborations and ideas." EMM is designed to orbit Mars and study the dynamics in the Martian atmosphere on a global scale, and on both diurnal and seasonal timescales. Using three scientific instruments on board of the spacecraft, EMM will provide a set of measurements fundamental to an improved understanding of circulation and weather in the Martian lower and middle atmosphere. Recently EMM has finalised a science data analysis collaboration with NASA’s MAVEN Mars Mission. Asked about that, Sharaf explained, "EMM has focused on Mars’ lower atmosphere, while MAVEN focused on the upper atmosphere. Now we can make the link between the two." WION: Can you tell us how important is the Emirates Mars Mission to the UAE? Omran Sharaf: EMM is of critical importance to the Emirates as the nation embarks on its second 50 years since its foundation in 1971. The Emirates Mars Mission is part of a long-term integrated effort to create economic opportunity around leadership in space sciences, research, and exploration. The mission’s probe was named Mars Hope as a symbol of hope for all young Arabs. EMM is driving innovation in the UAE, building educational capabilities and new opportunities for the nation’s young people to build careers in the fast-growing global space sector, and driving excellence in engineering, scientific research, and innovation. This mission represents a future vision not only for the Emirates but the entire Arab world. Both our country and the region as a whole have young populations, and the goal of the mission is to inspire and create opportunities for those future generations in the fields of science and technology. Indeed, the region once led the world in science and human understanding, and our hope is that we can do so once again. It is vital that we make this transition to a knowledge-based economy, where The Emirates can be a global hub for technological innovation, attracting talented people from around the world to work together as we prepare for life after oil. Also read | ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath recalls his early days at ISRO, what it takes to be a space scientist WION: How will your collaboration with NASA help, specifically regarding space research? Omran Sharaf: Our agreement to share information and collaborate with the MAVEN mission opens up access to previous observations made by MAVEN’s team, which are complementary to EMM’s data gathering – both missions answer goals set by the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group, which basically posits three questions – what do we know about Mars, what don’t we know and what do we want to know? This complementarity means that EMM has the potential to answer questions thrown up by MAVEN’s investigations but also that MAVEN’s data could contextualize the observations we are now able to make with EMM. Critically, EMM has focused on Mars’ lower atmosphere, while MAVEN focused on the upper atmosphere. Now we can make the link between the two. Also read | Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket WION: Emirates Mars Mission’s Hope Probe entered the orbit of Mars on the 9th of February, 2021. What has it been able to discover so far? Has it garnered any new information on Mars? Omran Sharaf: We were very lucky to be able to make early observations of Mars’ discrete auroras which gave us unprecedented detail and scope of observation. Those exciting early observations led us to increase our focus on these auroras by using spare bandwidth and resources freed up because Hope’s journey to Mars was so efficient and on track – a real testament to the effectiveness of the platform we developed. Following those observations, we were also able to gather new observations of unusual concentrations of both oxygen and carbon monoxide which are now driving a new line of research. Our observations of dust storms, because of Hope’s orbit and almost 100% planetary coverage, have also opened up new areas of investigation and granularity that challenge our models and preconceptions. We now have a totally new class of discrete aurora we are investigating, which derives from the observations we have been making from those early discoveries. So far, EMM has exceeded our wildest expectations in regard to the observations and new discoveries we have been able to make. It promises a great deal more moving forward, which is extremely exciting. WION: How is the collaboration with India going? Did India have a role in your mars mission? Omran Sharaf: We’re great admirers of ISRO, and as you’ll know we worked together on the launch of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s Nayif-1 satellite. We didn’t get to work together on the Emirates Mars Mission, but we’re always open to new international collaborations and ideas. For sure, Indian scientists, researchers, and enthusiasts have access to EMM’s science data through our Science Data Centre, which shares all of our data sets from Hope’s three instruments globally without embargo. It would be very exciting to find Indian researchers using that open access data set to forge ahead with new research and discoveries.

We’re great admirers of ISRO, says Omran Sharaf, project director of Emirates Mars Mission

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about. There were no classes, no training, but the only saving grace for the freshly-minted engineer was the opportunity to meet scientists working on various projects in the organisation and to learn from their experience. "We learnt from people and were allowed to fail… I'm not sure how many times I failed. Every time I did something, there was always a failure. " Dr. S. Somanath, who currently serves as Chairman, ISRO, smiles and reminisces about his initial days in the Indian Space Agency. He was speaking at an event organised by Indian space start-up 'Manastu Space'.

Recalling the time when he worked on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project, Dr. Somanath said that ISRO's organisational culture encouraged even the junior-most people to take decisions, test and fabricate components, and share the test results with their bosses. "Many of my efforts during PSLV time were met with many problems and failures… This learning came to us not by accident, but through many failures… I have seen at least ten instances of fasteners failing and causing havoc in joints…" he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-start-ups-satellite-gets-tested-at-isro-facility-awaits-launch-through-pslv-rocket-469393">Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket &nbsp;</a>

On the level of knowledge and attention to detail that ISRO has developed over the years, the Chairman said that ISRO's engineers know so much more about nuts and bolts, than one can ever study in an engineering college. However, he also added that even today, ISRO's teams were studying to gain more understanding about nuts and bolts, as the understanding of them has not ended even today. Citing an example, he said that a typical rocket structure comprises 3,000 fasteners or rivets and how the failure of even one rivet could cause a catastrophic failure. Likewise, he also made a mention of how a single electronic circuit connection failure out of lakhs of connections could lead to a failure. It was principles like these that were constantly re-established in the minds of the scientists, in order to foster an unimaginable level of attention to detail.

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>

"Whenever you leave anything to chance or because some big man said it would work, there is no guarantee that it will work. We have to prove it on paper with analytics, calculations, and theoretical foundations, and this proof is required every single time, "Somanath said, while emphasising the need for a critical mindset and a cynical approach. He added that every successful space system is the result of a questioning mindset and that inculcating a "tomorrow it is likely to fail"&nbsp;mindset in designers and engineers would result in wonderful systems.

As a message to students willing to foray into the space sector, Somanath said that space technology was nothing special and that it was the same engineering sciences (electrical, mechanical, and chemical) that make everyday products. However, he explained that space technology was different in terms of applying the science and carrying out the project execution. Listing out the key abilities and skills of a space scientist, he emphasized upon having a deep understanding in one domain and stated that such an understanding cannot be obtained from textbooks or the best Universities. Instead, he said that such knowledge could be acquired only by working with experts who have already burnt their fingers by making multiple attempts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-team-to-probe-suspected-chinese-rocket-debris-that-fell-in-maharashtra-village-468775">ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village</a>

However, he also cautioned that people must take a balanced approach between the radical ideas of youngsters and the cynical approach of senior scientists. He explained that following a safe and cynical approach (of seniors) could prevent losses, but also curtail innovation, whereas the new ideas of youth can help think up and execute out-of-the-box ideas and foster innovation (with the obvious risks of losses).

On developing subject matter expertise in one domain at least, he said that anyone could do an average job, but only an expert could perform a highly-skilled job. "If you appreciate the expertise of another person, you can work as a team, because being an expert in a single domain can't help you achieve anything. With experts from across domains joining you, "even ordinary people with expertise can make things possible," he concluded.

&nbsp;

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about.

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about. There were no classes, no training, but the only saving grace for the freshly-minted engineer was the opportunity to meet scientists working on various projects in the organisation and to learn from their experience. "We learnt from people and were allowed to fail… I'm not sure how many times I failed. Every time I did something, there was always a failure. " Dr. S. Somanath, who currently serves as Chairman, ISRO, smiles and reminisces about his initial days in the Indian Space Agency. He was speaking at an event organised by Indian space start-up 'Manastu Space'. Recalling the time when he worked on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project, Dr. Somanath said that ISRO's organisational culture encouraged even the junior-most people to take decisions, test and fabricate components, and share the test results with their bosses. "Many of my efforts during PSLV time were met with many problems and failures… This learning came to us not by accident, but through many failures… I have seen at least ten instances of fasteners failing and causing havoc in joints…" he said. Also read | Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket On the level of knowledge and attention to detail that ISRO has developed over the years, the Chairman said that ISRO's engineers know so much more about nuts and bolts, than one can ever study in an engineering college. However, he also added that even today, ISRO's teams were studying to gain more understanding about nuts and bolts, as the understanding of them has not ended even today. Citing an example, he said that a typical rocket structure comprises 3,000 fasteners or rivets and how the failure of even one rivet could cause a catastrophic failure. Likewise, he also made a mention of how a single electronic circuit connection failure out of lakhs of connections could lead to a failure. It was principles like these that were constantly re-established in the minds of the scientists, in order to foster an unimaginable level of attention to detail. Watch | India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite "Whenever you leave anything to chance or because some big man said it would work, there is no guarantee that it will work. We have to prove it on paper with analytics, calculations, and theoretical foundations, and this proof is required every single time, "Somanath said, while emphasising the need for a critical mindset and a cynical approach. He added that every successful space system is the result of a questioning mindset and that inculcating a "tomorrow it is likely to fail" mindset in designers and engineers would result in wonderful systems. As a message to students willing to foray into the space sector, Somanath said that space technology was nothing special and that it was the same engineering sciences (electrical, mechanical, and chemical) that make everyday products. However, he explained that space technology was different in terms of applying the science and carrying out the project execution. Listing out the key abilities and skills of a space scientist, he emphasized upon having a deep understanding in one domain and stated that such an understanding cannot be obtained from textbooks or the best Universities. Instead, he said that such knowledge could be acquired only by working with experts who have already burnt their fingers by making multiple attempts. Also read | ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village However, he also cautioned that people must take a balanced approach between the radical ideas of youngsters and the cynical approach of senior scientists. He explained that following a safe and cynical approach (of seniors) could prevent losses, but also curtail innovation, whereas the new ideas of youth can help think up and execute out-of-the-box ideas and foster innovation (with the obvious risks of losses). On developing subject matter expertise in one domain at least, he said that anyone could do an average job, but only an expert could perform a highly-skilled job. "If you appreciate the expertise of another person, you can work as a team, because being an expert in a single domain can't help you achieve anything. With experts from across domains joining you, "even ordinary people with expertise can make things possible," he concluded.

ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath recalls his early days at ISRO, what it takes to be a space scientist

Five years after its maiden developmental flight in 2017, India's heaviest rocket GSLV Mk3 will be used for launching a commercial satellite in 2022. This is significant given how India has only been utilizing variants of its most-reliable PSLV rocket for commercial missions thus far.&nbsp;

While the PSLV is capable of placing satellites weighing nearly 1,750kg into Polar orbits(where strategic satellites and imaging satellites are placed), whereas the GSLV rocket can place 4-ton class satellites into the Geosynchronous Transfer orbit(GTO).&nbsp;

Satellites placed in GTO are eventually moved to the Geosynchronous orbits, which are approximately 36,000kms above the earth's equator, where communication and weather-monitoring satellites belong. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-israel-to-convert-passenger-aircraft-into-strategic-transporters-as-part-of-make-in-india-468989">India and Israel to convert passenger aircraft into strategic transporters, as part of Make in India</a>

ISRO has been launching foreign satellites and those of its customers only on PSLV rockets, because of the rocket's high reliability of delivering as many as 52 successful missions out of 54 launches.&nbsp;

In case of the GSLV Mk 3, it has been launched four times and performed the mission objectives successfully on all four attempts, but all of these have been to fulfil India's national requirements and not those of customers.

Notably, it is the human-rated version(specially modified to carry astronauts) of the same GSLV Mk3 that will be used for India's Gaganyaan Mission to send astronauts to space.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In 2022, India will be performing six rocket launch missions - two launches of PSLV, two developmental flights of the new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle(SSLV), one launch of GSLV, one launch of GSLV Mk3.

In terms of satellite missions, ISRO is looking at launching EOS-6 Earth Observation Satellite, NVS-01 Navigation satellite for NavIC, one communication satellite mission GSAT-24.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-team-to-probe-suspected-chinese-rocket-debris-that-fell-in-maharashtra-village-468775">ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village</a>

These details were revealed in India's lower house of parliament by Jitendra Singh, the Minister overseeing the Department of Space. Accomplishing these six launches in 2022 would mean that ISRO is launching all of its current operational vehicles in a single year.(SSLV is not yet operational, but will make its debut) 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
However, some big-ticket, highly-anticipated missions such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L-1, first unmanned flight of Gaganyaan etc. don't find a mention in this list.&nbsp;

Notably, Minister Jitendra Singh himself had made an announcement earlier this year regarding Chandrayaan-3 being launched in August 2022. According to ISRO, the pandemic and resultant lockdowns had caused disruption and delay to the Indian state-run space agency's launch activity.&nbsp;

Five years after its maiden developmental flight in 2017, India's heaviest rocket GSLV Mk3 will be used for launching a commercial satellite in 2022. This is significant given how India has only been utilizing variants of its most-reliable PSLV rocket for commercial missions thus far.

Five years after its maiden developmental flight in 2017, India's heaviest rocket GSLV Mk3 will be used for launching a commercial satellite in 2022. This is significant given how India has only been utilizing variants of its most-reliable PSLV rocket for commercial missions thus far. While the PSLV is capable of placing satellites weighing nearly 1,750kg into Polar orbits(where strategic satellites and imaging satellites are placed), whereas the GSLV rocket can place 4-ton class satellites into the Geosynchronous Transfer orbit(GTO). Satellites placed in GTO are eventually moved to the Geosynchronous orbits, which are approximately 36,000kms above the earth's equator, where communication and weather-monitoring satellites belong. ALSO READ | India and Israel to convert passenger aircraft into strategic transporters, as part of Make in India ISRO has been launching foreign satellites and those of its customers only on PSLV rockets, because of the rocket's high reliability of delivering as many as 52 successful missions out of 54 launches. In case of the GSLV Mk 3, it has been launched four times and performed the mission objectives successfully on all four attempts, but all of these have been to fulfil India's national requirements and not those of customers. Notably, it is the human-rated version(specially modified to carry astronauts) of the same GSLV Mk3 that will be used for India's Gaganyaan Mission to send astronauts to space. In 2022, India will be performing six rocket launch missions - two launches of PSLV, two developmental flights of the new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle(SSLV), one launch of GSLV, one launch of GSLV Mk3. In terms of satellite missions, ISRO is looking at launching EOS-6 Earth Observation Satellite, NVS-01 Navigation satellite for NavIC, one communication satellite mission GSAT-24. ALSO READ | ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village These details were revealed in India's lower house of parliament by Jitendra Singh, the Minister overseeing the Department of Space. Accomplishing these six launches in 2022 would mean that ISRO is launching all of its current operational vehicles in a single year.(SSLV is not yet operational, but will make its debut) However, some big-ticket, highly-anticipated missions such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L-1, first unmanned flight of Gaganyaan etc. don't find a mention in this list. Notably, Minister Jitendra Singh himself had made an announcement earlier this year regarding Chandrayaan-3 being launched in August 2022. According to ISRO, the pandemic and resultant lockdowns had caused disruption and delay to the Indian state-run space agency's launch activity.

Six launches in 2022, ISRO to launch all rockets in its fleet - SSLV, PSLV, GSLV, Mk3

Days after videos emerged of a meteor shower-like phenomenon being spotted in the evening skies of India's Maharashtra, a team of scientists from the Indian Space Research Organization will be probing the matter. &nbsp;

Concerns were raised after more pictures and videos emerged of suspected rocket parts such as a large metal ring, cylindrical objects and metallic ball having been recovered.

According to experts in the field, what occurred on April 2nd night was the re-entry of the third stage of a Chinese Chang Zheng 3B(Long March 3B rocket). This particular rocket is said to have been launched in February 2021.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indias-hal-hands-over-satellite-structure-that-is-meant-to-support-isros-gaganyaan-mission-468486">India's HAL hands over satellite structure that is meant to support ISRO's Gaganyaan mission</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Just spotted this thing going over my head 10 min ago It was very close in altitude. Any expert who can guess about this? <a href="https://t.co/fkg5kDZoCv">pic.twitter.com/fkg5kDZoCv</a>
— Frustrated Pluto (@frustratedpluto) <a href="https://twitter.com/frustratedpluto/status/1510264256427614213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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I believe this is the reentry of a Chinese rocket stage, the third stage of the Chang Zheng 3B serial number Y77 which was launched in Feb 2021 - it was expected to reenter in the next hour or so and the track is a good match <a href="https://t.co/BetxCknAiK">pic.twitter.com/BetxCknAiK</a>
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) <a href="https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1510274696524279810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Following requests from the district authorities, ISRO has decided to step in and conduct inspection at the site. ISRO issued a statement saying that they had received inputs from multiple sources on flashing lights being spotted in the skies over Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, in the evening hours of April 2.

"Formal communication has been received from the office of the district magistrate and district collector of Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It is reported that a metal ring and a cylinder-like object are found in an open field in Pawanpur village. As requested by the district administration, a team of scientists from ISRO is visiting Pawanpur for inspection and further scientific inquiry," the statement added. 
&nbsp; 
It is notable that when spent upper stages of rockets survive atmospheric re-entry, the parts of the rocket can fall on earth.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-space-start-up-pixxel-to-have-constellation-of-20-satellites-by-2024-468329">Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024</a>

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Team from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> to visit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#maharashtra</a> &amp; inspect site where metal ring and cylinder-like object (suspected debris of Chinese rocket) were found in an open field in Pawanpur village.. this comes after request from district admin 
 
During Weeknd, flashing lights were seen on eve sky <a href="https://t.co/d3gxt73wkw">pic.twitter.com/d3gxt73wkw</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1511552379388579846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Maharashtra: In what appears to be a meteor shower was witnessed over the skies of Nagpur &amp; several other parts of the state. <a href="https://t.co/kPUfL9P18R">pic.twitter.com/kPUfL9P18R</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1510297682996195329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Days after videos emerged of a meteor shower-like phenomenon being spotted in the evening skies of India's Maharashtra, a team of scientists from the Indian Space Research Organization will be probing the matter.

Days after videos emerged of a meteor shower-like phenomenon being spotted in the evening skies of India's Maharashtra, a team of scientists from the Indian Space Research Organization will be probing the matter. Concerns were raised after more pictures and videos emerged of suspected rocket parts such as a large metal ring, cylindrical objects and metallic ball having been recovered. According to experts in the field, what occurred on April 2nd night was the re-entry of the third stage of a Chinese Chang Zheng 3B(Long March 3B rocket). This particular rocket is said to have been launched in February 2021. ALSO READ | India's HAL hands over satellite structure that is meant to support ISRO's Gaganyaan mission Just spotted this thing going over my head 10 min ago It was very close in altitude. Any expert who can guess about this? pic.twitter.com/fkg5kDZoCv — Frustrated Pluto (@frustratedpluto) April 2, 2022 × I believe this is the reentry of a Chinese rocket stage, the third stage of the Chang Zheng 3B serial number Y77 which was launched in Feb 2021 - it was expected to reenter in the next hour or so and the track is a good match pic.twitter.com/BetxCknAiK — Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) April 2, 2022 × Following requests from the district authorities, ISRO has decided to step in and conduct inspection at the site. ISRO issued a statement saying that they had received inputs from multiple sources on flashing lights being spotted in the skies over Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, in the evening hours of April 2. "Formal communication has been received from the office of the district magistrate and district collector of Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It is reported that a metal ring and a cylinder-like object are found in an open field in Pawanpur village. As requested by the district administration, a team of scientists from ISRO is visiting Pawanpur for inspection and further scientific inquiry," the statement added. It is notable that when spent upper stages of rockets survive atmospheric re-entry, the parts of the rocket can fall on earth. ALSO READ | Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024 Team from #ISRO to visit #maharashtra & inspect site where metal ring and cylinder-like object (suspected debris of Chinese rocket) were found in an open field in Pawanpur village.. this comes after request from district admin During Weeknd, flashing lights were seen on eve sky pic.twitter.com/d3gxt73wkw — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 6, 2022 × #WATCH | Maharashtra: In what appears to be a meteor shower was witnessed over the skies of Nagpur & several other parts of the state. pic.twitter.com/kPUfL9P18R — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2022 ×

ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village

Indian academia is gearing up to build 75 satellites, that are expected to be launched by ISRO rockets between August 15, 2022, and 2023. Efforts in this regard are being carried out to commemorate the 75th year of Indian independence.

Indian academia is gearing up to build 75 satellites, that are expected to be launched by ISRO rockets between August 15, 2022, and 2023. Efforts in this regard are being carried out to commemorate the 75th year of Indian independence. The project is being carried out under the technical guidance of Dr Mayilsamy Annadurai, a former Director of the Indian Space Research Organisation's lead centre for the design and development of satellites. WION spoke to Dr Annadurai regarding this ambitious goal that lay ahead. Initiated by the Indian Technology Congress Association (ITCA), the project aims to bring together universities, engineering colleges and schools that will design, build, integrate and test their student-built satellites. Back in 2021, a handful of Indian academia had built 3 satellites known as 'UNITYSat', which was launched as a co-passenger in ISRO's PSLV C51, Amazonia mission. According to Dr Annadurai, some of the major lessons that students learned from building UNITYSat are being implemented in the ongoing project of building 75 satellites. To test the new systems that are being incorporated in the upcoming satellites, an engineering model will be flown in the coming months. Once the validation is completed successfully, the students will be trained to build the nano-satellites and carry out the related tasks, with the support of an Indian space start-up. While the respective academic institutions are bearing the cost of this initiative, some state governments such as that of Karnataka have also pitched in with financial support to help students from their government-run schools. Project monitoring committee, comprising topmost officials from @isro & outside experts to meet every 2 weeks to follow up, facilitate the #IndianStudent mission to build 75 nano satellites btween August 15th 2022-23 , get them launched by #ISRO rockets #India #space #Satellite pic.twitter.com/Na3gHduyrY — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 9, 2022 × To cut short the time to fabricate 75 satellites and make the mission frugal, the start-up is expected to provide satellite-building kits, to the students. Once placed in orbit by the PSLV rocket, each satellite is designed to remain in earth orbit for up to a year and provide data to the ground stations. This will give the students the experience of not just building the satellite, but also the ability to operate the ground station to track the satellite and gather, analyse the data obtained. While each of the 75 satellites is meant to have an individual objective, such as capturing images, collecting data, monitoring radiation, other parameters, that will not be the only task at hand. The constellation of 75 nano-satellites will also be used to test concepts such as the internet of things, low-earth communication, inter-satellite communication, among others. This is being done to keep the mission going, even if a few satellites fail. This concept also has the potential to be improvised, even beyond this 75 satellites mission, Dr Annadurai added. Playing a lead role in this mission of ensuring design, development, fabrication, testing and launching of 75 nano-satellites (each weighing less than 10kg), ITCA is being supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation. In the next year, ITCA and ISRO will mentor the students, provide their technical support, review the progress of the mission and suggest corrections as necessary. The project monitoring committee comprising of experts from within and outside ISRO is to meet every few weeks to track the progress of the mission and ensure its facilitation.

As part of 75th year of independence, ISRO to launch 75 satellites built by Indian academia

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched its earth observation satellite into orbit along with the observation satellite EOS 04 ISRO's polar satellite launch vehicle has also carried two other small satellites into the orbit.

India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite

The top priority of Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of India's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is to implement the important missions scheduled for the year 2022.&nbsp;

This includes the culmination of rocket launch missions and a few technology demonstrations and crucial tests.&nbsp;

VSSC is the lead centre for the development of rockets and launch vehicle technology of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).&nbsp;

Dr Nair is also the Director, Human Spaceflight Centre, which is responsible for India's ambitious 'Gaganyaan' mission to send astronauts to space, on board an indigenous rocket in a crew module (habitat for astronauts).&nbsp;

WION spoke to Dr Unnikrishnan Nair to understand his vision for VSSC and the important developments that are underway.

Among the crucial requirements of a Human Spaceflight mission, is the ability to detach at will the crew module that sits atop the rocket and carry it to safety, in case of a failure or mission abort.&nbsp;

The ability to save the habitat that contains the astronauts has to be done under two scenarios - at the launch pad, in case an issue is detected with the rocket, or in-flight if there is a risk in going ahead with the mission. While ISRO had conducted the former (Pad abort test) once, the agency is presently working on demonstrating the ability to successfully detach the crew module, while the rocket is in-flight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-coast-guard-inducts-made-in-india-choppers-for-maritime-security-of-west-coast-452113">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Coast Guard inducts made-in-India choppers for maritime security of west coast</a>

"We have realised a multi-purpose rocket known as 'TV' (Test Vehicle) to accomplish various demonstrations. This vehicle will be powered by the engine of a liquid fuel strap-on motor used on the GSLV Mk 2 rocket, which is ISRO's trusted and reliable Vikas engine. During the test, it can carry the crew module to the required altitude depending upon mission requirements. Once the rocket and crew module separate, the crew module will be on its own and deploy parachutes to slowly splash land on water" Dr Nair explained.

According to him, the Test Vehicle can be modified to demonstrate the possibility of vertical landing.&nbsp;

Besides this, the test vehicle will also be used to carry ISRO's air-breathing technology demonstrator, which aims to use atmospheric oxygen (as oxidiser) to burn the fuel it carries, rather than carrying an oxidiser on board.&nbsp;

Using air-breathing propulsion and re-using the rocket is widely regarded as a means to reduce the launch cost as compared to conventional rockets that fall back into the sea and are unusable after a single flight.

In the first half of this year, ISRO will also be testing the final landing phase of its Re-usable launch vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), which is similar to a winged rocket, that can be launched vertically and can land like an aircraft.&nbsp;

To test the landing phase of this vehicle, the prototype will be carried to an altitude of 2-3 km by helicopter, following which it will be released.

Another important technology is the 'Inflatable aerodynamic decelerator', a mechanism that can be used to slow down the re-entry vehicles or rocket stages that are re-entering the earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;

Meant to promote the reusability of rockets, this concept involves using a compact inflatable mechanism that remains closed during launch and will open up (inflate) while the rocket is re-entering, thus slowing it down.&nbsp;

"It is similar to how a parachute works, but parachutes are meant for subsonic speeds (slower than the speed of sound) and lower altitudes. This concept can be used for operating at hypersonic or supersonic speeds. This can also be applied for slowing down while attempting landing on planets like Mars," Dr Unnikrishnan elaborated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-army-teams-mobilised-to-rescue-trekker-stuck-in-crevice-for-30-hours-451577">Also read |&nbsp;India: Army teams mobilised to rescue trekker stuck in crevice for 30 hours</a>

Queried on the progress of the Gaganyaan mission, Dr Nair who is also the Director, Human Spaceflight Centre said that the propulsion stages of the service module (the component that will propel the crew module in space) is undergoing testing, the crew training is progressing and that parachutes would be tested during the in-flight abort test.&nbsp;

Notably, Gaganyaan will have two unmanned flights, before the actual mission that aims to ferry Indian astronauts to space, facilitate in-orbit experiments and return by splashing down in the ocean.

An alumnus of Kerala University (B.Tech in Mech Engineering), IISc, Bengaluru (ME in Aerospace engineering) and IIT-Madras (PhD in Mechanical Engineering), Dr Unnikrishnan Nair took charge as Director, VSSC, earlier this week.&nbsp;

He had started his career in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, in 1985.&nbsp;

During his initial tenure at VSSC, he has made significant contributions to launch vehicle mechanisms, acoustic protection systems and payload fairing areas.

He was associated with Human Spaceflight Programme since its inception as the Project Director for technology development activities.

He had also served as Programme Director of Advanced Space Transportation System, leading all advanced projects like Human Spaceflight, Air Breathing Propulsion and Reusable Launch Vehicle Development.

The top priority of Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of India's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is to implement the important missions scheduled for the year 2022.

The top priority of Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of India's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is to implement the important missions scheduled for the year 2022. This includes the culmination of rocket launch missions and a few technology demonstrations and crucial tests. VSSC is the lead centre for the development of rockets and launch vehicle technology of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Dr Nair is also the Director, Human Spaceflight Centre, which is responsible for India's ambitious 'Gaganyaan' mission to send astronauts to space, on board an indigenous rocket in a crew module (habitat for astronauts). WION spoke to Dr Unnikrishnan Nair to understand his vision for VSSC and the important developments that are underway. Among the crucial requirements of a Human Spaceflight mission, is the ability to detach at will the crew module that sits atop the rocket and carry it to safety, in case of a failure or mission abort. The ability to save the habitat that contains the astronauts has to be done under two scenarios - at the launch pad, in case an issue is detected with the rocket, or in-flight if there is a risk in going ahead with the mission. While ISRO had conducted the former (Pad abort test) once, the agency is presently working on demonstrating the ability to successfully detach the crew module, while the rocket is in-flight. Also read | Indian Coast Guard inducts made-in-India choppers for maritime security of west coast "We have realised a multi-purpose rocket known as 'TV' (Test Vehicle) to accomplish various demonstrations. This vehicle will be powered by the engine of a liquid fuel strap-on motor used on the GSLV Mk 2 rocket, which is ISRO's trusted and reliable Vikas engine. During the test, it can carry the crew module to the required altitude depending upon mission requirements. Once the rocket and crew module separate, the crew module will be on its own and deploy parachutes to slowly splash land on water" Dr Nair explained. According to him, the Test Vehicle can be modified to demonstrate the possibility of vertical landing. Besides this, the test vehicle will also be used to carry ISRO's air-breathing technology demonstrator, which aims to use atmospheric oxygen (as oxidiser) to burn the fuel it carries, rather than carrying an oxidiser on board. Using air-breathing propulsion and re-using the rocket is widely regarded as a means to reduce the launch cost as compared to conventional rockets that fall back into the sea and are unusable after a single flight. In the first half of this year, ISRO will also be testing the final landing phase of its Re-usable launch vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), which is similar to a winged rocket, that can be launched vertically and can land like an aircraft. To test the landing phase of this vehicle, the prototype will be carried to an altitude of 2-3 km by helicopter, following which it will be released. Another important technology is the 'Inflatable aerodynamic decelerator', a mechanism that can be used to slow down the re-entry vehicles or rocket stages that are re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Meant to promote the reusability of rockets, this concept involves using a compact inflatable mechanism that remains closed during launch and will open up (inflate) while the rocket is re-entering, thus slowing it down. "It is similar to how a parachute works, but parachutes are meant for subsonic speeds (slower than the speed of sound) and lower altitudes. This concept can be used for operating at hypersonic or supersonic speeds. This can also be applied for slowing down while attempting landing on planets like Mars," Dr Unnikrishnan elaborated. Also read | India: Army teams mobilised to rescue trekker stuck in crevice for 30 hours Queried on the progress of the Gaganyaan mission, Dr Nair who is also the Director, Human Spaceflight Centre said that the propulsion stages of the service module (the component that will propel the crew module in space) is undergoing testing, the crew training is progressing and that parachutes would be tested during the in-flight abort test. Notably, Gaganyaan will have two unmanned flights, before the actual mission that aims to ferry Indian astronauts to space, facilitate in-orbit experiments and return by splashing down in the ocean. An alumnus of Kerala University (B.Tech in Mech Engineering), IISc, Bengaluru (ME in Aerospace engineering) and IIT-Madras (PhD in Mechanical Engineering), Dr Unnikrishnan Nair took charge as Director, VSSC, earlier this week. He had started his career in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, in 1985. During his initial tenure at VSSC, he has made significant contributions to launch vehicle mechanisms, acoustic protection systems and payload fairing areas. He was associated with Human Spaceflight Programme since its inception as the Project Director for technology development activities. He had also served as Programme Director of Advanced Space Transportation System, leading all advanced projects like Human Spaceflight, Air Breathing Propulsion and Reusable Launch Vehicle Development.

Exclusive: 'Priority to implement important missions, as planned' ISRO, VSSC Director, Dr S Unnikrishnan

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is going to launch its first satellite of this year. The launch of EOS-4 on 14th February through a PSLV rocket will also be the first launch by the ISRO after a hiatus of six months.

India's ISRO announces the launch of 'Earth Observation Satellite' EOS-4 on 14th February

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. In a written reply, India's Minister of State for Science and Technology informed the parliament about the mission's timeline.

India reveals timeline for its third Lunar mission 'Chandrayaan-3'

Eminent aerospace engineer and rocket scientist Dr S Somanath was been appointed as the new chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) a few days ago. He was also appointed as Secretary of the Department of Space for a joint tenure of three years. He succeeded Kailasavadivoo Sivan as the occupant of the position. WION spoke to Dr S Somanath on his new role and his top priorities as the Chairman of ISRO.

Opening up for our sector is a priority: Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO

ISRO has signed a deal to share its emergency messaging service with Chinese phone maker OPPO. Why are Indian government agencies working with Chinese companies? What happened to decoupling with China? Palki Sharma asks.

Gravitas: ISRO signs deal with Chinese phone maker OPPO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting studies and mini-projects to enable the vertical landing of its rockets. According to senior officials, this possibility is being explored primarily about the heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk3, which is powered by three stages of engines - solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel. 
ISRO is aiming to recover the first two rocket stages of the GSLV Mk3 as this would imply a huge cost-advantage and savings, owing to reusability.

At present, all of ISRO’s rockets are expendable, which means that the rocket stages separate from the vehicle and fall into the sea after their stipulated burn time. Reusability involves recovering the rocket’s stages at sea or on land (vertical landing) and refurbishing, servicing, testing and qualifying them before flying again.

Dr VT Baskar, Project Director of ISRO’s GSLV Mk3, had outlined the work on reusable rocket projects during an interaction helmed by Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre. Themed ‘Human Spaceflight and Space exploration missions’, this session was part of a 3-day virtual conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and ISRO.

On the cost-cutting measures ISRO was undertaking with regards to rocket launches, Dr Baskar said that recovering the first and second stages (S200 solid-fuel rocket boosters, and L-110 liquid-fuel stage respectively) would offer a lot of cost advantage.

"Studies and Centre-level mini-projects are approved for landing experiments. We have to develop enabling technologies such as the capability to safely land a winged-body or large-body, " he said. More importantly, he added that the critical experiment to land rockets on their legs (vertical landing) would be carried out this year or in the next year (2022).

Elaborating on the major modifications that are in store for the GSLV Mk3 rocket, Dr Baskar said that the vehicle’s L110 stage would be replaced with a semi-cryogenic engine and its C25 cryogenic engine would be replaced by the C32 engine. Besides replacing the existing engines with powerful counterparts, ISRO would also be working on mini and microelectronics to reduce the avionics mass and also use high-strength composite materials for the rocket motor casing.

On the timelines for the upgrade, he said that the mini electronics and the C32 Cryo engine were immediate targets, whereas the semi-cryogenic engine and composite material rocket casing were expected in 2-3 years. 
Throwing light on ISRO’s upcoming exploratory and science missions, Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Human Spaceflight Centre, said that two missions - Xposat and Aditya L1 were likely to be launched in the second and third quarter of 2022, respectively.

"Aditya L1 is a space-based observatory that will be placed in a halo orbit near the Lagrange point which is an ideal place to observe the Universe being 1.5 million km from earth. Xposat is an X-Ray Polarimeter satellite to study the Polarization of Cosmic X-Rays. It is going to be launched by SSLV, which is a small rocket that will have a development flight by this year-end," he said. He added that Chandrayaan 3 - India’s third Lunar mission - was also getting realised.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting studies and mini-projects to enable the vertical landing of its rockets. According to senior officials, this possibility is being explored primarily about the heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk3, which is powered by three stages of engines - solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting studies and mini-projects to enable the vertical landing of its rockets. According to senior officials, this possibility is being explored primarily about the heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk3, which is powered by three stages of engines - solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel. ISRO is aiming to recover the first two rocket stages of the GSLV Mk3 as this would imply a huge cost-advantage and savings, owing to reusability. At present, all of ISRO’s rockets are expendable, which means that the rocket stages separate from the vehicle and fall into the sea after their stipulated burn time. Reusability involves recovering the rocket’s stages at sea or on land (vertical landing) and refurbishing, servicing, testing and qualifying them before flying again. Dr VT Baskar, Project Director of ISRO’s GSLV Mk3, had outlined the work on reusable rocket projects during an interaction helmed by Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre. Themed ‘Human Spaceflight and Space exploration missions’, this session was part of a 3-day virtual conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and ISRO. On the cost-cutting measures ISRO was undertaking with regards to rocket launches, Dr Baskar said that recovering the first and second stages (S200 solid-fuel rocket boosters, and L-110 liquid-fuel stage respectively) would offer a lot of cost advantage. "Studies and Centre-level mini-projects are approved for landing experiments. We have to develop enabling technologies such as the capability to safely land a winged-body or large-body, " he said. More importantly, he added that the critical experiment to land rockets on their legs (vertical landing) would be carried out this year or in the next year (2022). Elaborating on the major modifications that are in store for the GSLV Mk3 rocket, Dr Baskar said that the vehicle’s L110 stage would be replaced with a semi-cryogenic engine and its C25 cryogenic engine would be replaced by the C32 engine. Besides replacing the existing engines with powerful counterparts, ISRO would also be working on mini and microelectronics to reduce the avionics mass and also use high-strength composite materials for the rocket motor casing. On the timelines for the upgrade, he said that the mini electronics and the C32 Cryo engine were immediate targets, whereas the semi-cryogenic engine and composite material rocket casing were expected in 2-3 years. Throwing light on ISRO’s upcoming exploratory and science missions, Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Human Spaceflight Centre, said that two missions - Xposat and Aditya L1 were likely to be launched in the second and third quarter of 2022, respectively. "Aditya L1 is a space-based observatory that will be placed in a halo orbit near the Lagrange point which is an ideal place to observe the Universe being 1.5 million km from earth. Xposat is an X-Ray Polarimeter satellite to study the Polarization of Cosmic X-Rays. It is going to be launched by SSLV, which is a small rocket that will have a development flight by this year-end," he said. He added that Chandrayaan 3 - India’s third Lunar mission - was also getting realised.

ISRO to experiment vertical landing of rockets aims to make GSLV Mk3 reusable

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

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