Important Projects of ISRO – Level Up IAS

Level Up IAS

25 Apr

Important Projects of ISRO

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1)  India’s Own Space Station: Plans
  • What advancements will India need to achieve to have its space Stations?
    • All the Gaganyaan requirements (Space suits, Training facilities for astronauts, Crew Escape Module, making GSLV Human rated, developing a habitable module etc)
    • Larger bigger rocket by upgrading the capabilities of GSLV-MK-III (it is right now capable of carrying on 10 tonnes to LEO)
    • Developing ability to perform space docking. ISRO has revealed its plan to carry out a space docking experiment, Spadex.

International Collaboration in news

1)  ISRO – Norway
  • Why in news?
    • Norwegian Ambassador Han Jacob Frydenlund’s visit to ISRO’s headquarters (June 2023)
  • In June 2023, Norwegian Ambassador Frydenlund, accompanied by officials of Kongsberg Satellite service (KSAT), called on ISRO Chairman S. Somanath in Bengaluru, ISRO. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement on the importance of maintaining a continued partnership and fostering increased engagements between India and Norway.
  • It also offered an occasion to recall the ‘Svalbard mission’ of 1997.
A)  Svalbard Mission of 1997
  • On Nov 20, 1997, a Rohini RH-300 Mk-II sounding rocket rose to the skies from Svalbard, Norway, operationalizing a new rocket launching range.
  • ISRO bagged the Norway mission after its commercial arm Antrix Corporation won a global tender floated by the Norwegian space agency.
  • The RH-300 MK-II was given a new name by the NSC (Norwegian Space Centre): Isbjorn-1, which translates literally as ‘Polar Bear-1’.
3) Important Telescopes in news recently
1. Various Telescopes at Devasthal
  • Devasthal observatory is located at Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Science (ARIES) in Nainital. It is located at the height of 2,450 metres in Himalayas. It is considered as one of the best sites for astronomical observations. This facility is the result of collaborative work between astronomers from ARIES, Institute of Astrophysics and Geophysics, Liege University, Belgium; the Canadian Astronomical Institutes from Vancouver, University of British Columbia; etc.
  • Telescopes at Devasthal:
    • Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) is a custom-built instrument of great complexity. It has the distinction of being the largest telescope in India for study of celestial objects at optical wavelength. It is a national facility installed at Devasthal in the district of Nainital, India. It was commissioned in 2016 and is being mantained and operated by ARIES (Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences)
    • Devasthal Fast Optical Telescope (DFOT): It was commissioned in 2010.
    • The International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) is the only liquid mirror telescope operational anywhere in the world. It will also hold the unique tag of being the maiden liquid-telescope globally to be designed exclusively for astronomical purposes. It is the third telescope operating from Devasthal after DOT and DFOT.
      • The telescope was designed and built at the Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems Corporation and the Centre Spatial de Liege, Belgium. The major instrumentation funding was jointly provided by Canada and Belgium while India will be responsible for the operations and upkeep of the telescope.
      • Unlike the conventional telescopes that can be steered to track specific stellar source objects, the ILMT will be stationary. It will basically carry out observations and imaging at the Zenith, that is, of the overhead sky. This is a survey telescope having high potential for discovering newer objects.
      • ILMT will operate every night for five years and carry out daily imaging except during June – Aug monsoon months, a precaution to protect the instruments from humid conditions.
  • What is liquid mirror telescope?
    • LMTs are telescopes with mirrors made with a reflective liquid. The most common liquid is mercury, but other liquid will also work including (low melting alloys of gallium).
    • The liquid is rotated at a constant speed around a vertical axis, which causes the surface of liquid to assume a paraboloidal shape. This parabolic reflector can serve as the primary mirror of a reflecting telescope.
  • Advantages:
    • Low-cost alternative to conventional large telescopes.
  • Limitations: It can only be used as zenith telescopes (i.e. for looking straight up), so it is not suitable for investigation where the telescope needs to be continuously moved.
2)  India’s first Dark Sky Reserve
  • What is a Dark Sky Reserve?
    • A Dark Sky Reserve is a designation given to a place that has policies in place to ensure that a tract of land or region has minimal artificial interference.
    • The International Dark Sky Association (IDSA) is a US based non-profit that designates places as International Dark Sky Places, Parks, Sanctuaries, and Reserves, depending on the criteria they meet. Several such reserves exist in the world. Between 2001 and Jan 2022, there have been 195 sites recognized as International Dark Sky Places But, so far, no such reserve is in India.
    • These reserves “consist of a core area meeting minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, and a peripheral area that supports dark sky preservation in the core”.
  • How does a site become a ‘Dark Sky Reserve’?
    • Individuals or groups can nominate a site for certification to the IDSA. There are five designated categories, namely International Dark Sky parks, communities, reserves, sanctuaries, and Urban Night Sky Places.
    • The certification process is similar to that of a site being awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag or getting recognized as a Biosphere Reserve.
    • Note: India is still in the process of filing its nomination to IDSA.
  • Who is developing India’s first Dark Sky Reserve?
    • The Ladakh UT administration is leading the efforts to establish the country’s first Dark Sky Reserve. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and experts from Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, are providing scientific and technological support in developing this first of its kind facility. The formal decision to set up this Dark Sky Reserve was made through a MoU signed between officials from the IIA, Bengaluru, the Ladakh UT and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in June 2022.
    • It will be situated at a height of 4,500 metres above sea level, the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) will come up within the Changthang WLS.
    • The IIA already manages the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) complex at Hanle, Ladakh. Here scientists have been carrying out astronomical observations using the existing gamma ray, an infrared and an optical telescope to study exoplanets, galaxies, and stars through the pristine skies of Hanle.
    • For Dark Sky Reserve, in the pilot phase, IIA has procured ten small and easy to handle telescopes and light reflecting shields. IIA’s scientific and outreach experts will identify locals and train them to use these telescopes. This will include basic sky gazing, identification of constellations, and locating the pole star, among others. These telescopes will be installed at the homestays, which is a popular option for tourist accommodation in Ladakh.
  • Why was Ladakh chosen for the project?
    • It is a unique cold desert located about 3,000 metres above sea level with high mountainous terrains. Very cold temperature and long and harsh winter makes the UT very inhabitable. This aridity, limited vegetation, high elevation, and large area with sparse populations – all make it the perfect setting for long-term astronomical observatories and dark sky places.
  • Promotion of Astronomy Tourism in an environment friendly and sustainable manner is one of the primary objectives of the proposed reserve. Scientific methods would be used here to keep light pollution under control.
A)  The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO)
  • The Indian Astronomical Observatory, the high-altitude station of IIA, is situated to the north of Western Himalayas, at an altitude of 4,500 meters above mean sea level.
  • It is located atop Mt. Saraswati in the Nilamkhul Plain in the Hanle Valley in Changthang, it is a dry, cold desert with sparse human population and has the Hanle monastery as its nearest neighbours.
  • The cloudless sky and low atmospheric water vapor make it one of the best sites in the world for optical, infrared, sub-millimeter, and millimeter wavelengths.
  • Prominent Telescopes located at the Hanle Observatory:
    • The Himalayan Chandra Telescope
    • High Energy Gamma Ray Telescope (HAGAR)
    • The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment Telescope (MACE)
    • Growth-India
4) Space Infrastructure in India
  • Background:
    • Space activities in India began with the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962. In the same year, work on establishment of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram was also started.
    • ISRO was formed on 15th Aug 1969, and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role. In 1972, Space Commission and Department of Space (DOS) were constituted by the GoI, and ISRO was brought under DOS.
      • ISRO is the space agency of India. It is involved in science, engineering, and technology to harvest the benefits of our space for India and mankind. It has established major space systems for communication, television broadcasting, and remote sensing. It has also developed satellite launch vehicles like PSLV, GSLV, LVM-3 It also contributes to science and science education in the country. It has launched Indian’s NAVIC, Chandrayaan, MOM-1, Aditya-L1 and several other incredible missions.
      • Space Commission formulates the policies and oversees the implementation of the Indian Space Program to promote development and application of space science and technology for the socio-economic benefit of the country.
      • DOS implements these programs through ISRO and other associated organizations:
  • The Major establishments of DOS and their area of activities are:

A)  Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC):

  • Located in Thiruvananthapuram, it is responsible for design and development of launch vehicle (rocket) technology. Its major programs include, PSLV, GSLV, LVM-3, RLV, Rohini Sounding Rockets etc.

B)   UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)

  • Located in Bengaluru, it is the lead centre for design and development of satellites including communication, navigation and remote sensing satellites. These satellites provide applications in the areas of telecommunication, television broadcasting, VSAT services, tele-medicines, tele-education, navigation, weather forecasting, disaster warning etc.

C)   Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)-SHAR

  • It is the ‘Spaceport of India’. It is the backbone of the ISRO in providing launch base infrastructure for the Indian Space Program.
  • It is located at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

D)  Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)

  • It is the lead centre of ISRO for the design, development, and realization of advanced propulsion systems for launch vehicles.
  • It is primarily responsible for developing and deploying earth storable, cryogenic, semi-cryogenic, and electric propulsion systems for ISRO’s launch vehicles and satellites.
  • Its activities are spread across its two campuses, namely, LPSC, Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, and LPSC, Bengaluru.

E)   Space Application Centre (SAC)

  • Located in Ahemdabad, it’s a major R&D centre of ISRO.
  • It develops space borne and air-borne instruments and payloads and their applications for national development and societal benefits.
  • For e.g., the communication transponders developed at this centre for the INSAT and GSAT series of satellites are used by the government and private sector for VSAT, DTH, Internet, broadcasting etc.
  • It also designs and develops optical and microwave sensors for satellites, signal and image processing software, GIS software, and many applications for Earth Observation Program of ISRO.

F)   Human Space FLight Centre (HSFC)

  • Set up in 2019, it is the lead centre for ISRO’s Human Spaceflight program.
  • It undertakes multidisciplinary R&D activities in new domains of human science and technology while conforming to high standards of reliability and human safety.
  • It is currently focused on Gaganyaan mission and is working on end-to-end mission planning, development of orbital module, life support systems, selection and training of astronauts
  • It is currently operating from ISRO-HQ campus, Bengaluru.

G)  National Remote Sensing Centre

  • It is responsible for establishment of ground centres for receiving satellite data, generation of data products, aerial remote sensing data acquisition, dissemination to the users, development of techniques for remote sensing applications including disaster management support, geospatial services

H)  ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC)

  • Located in Mahendragiri, it is responsible for assembly, integration and testing of liquid propulsion systems for operational and developmental launch vehicles.
  • It is also responsible for qualification, testing and acceptance of liquid engines, cryogenic engines, spacecraft engines

I)    ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC)

  • It is responsible for providing telemetry, tracking and command (TTC), and mission control services to major launch vehicle, laboratory for electro-Optics Systems (LEOS) and Interplanetary Spacecraft missions of ISRO.
  • It is also responsible for operating the complex ground segment of NaVIC.

J)    Master Control Facility (MCF)

  • It is responsible for on-orbit Operations (OOP) and Launch & Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) operations of geostationary/geosynchronous & IRNSS class of spacecrafts of ISRO.
  • It is located at Hassan in Karnataka.

K)   ISRO INtertial Systems UNIT (IISU)

  • Located in Thiruvananthapuram, it is responsible for design and development of inertial systems for launch vehicles and satellites. These include mechanical and optical gyros, Altitude reference systems, accelerometer packages

L)   Laboratory for Electro Optics Systems (LEOS)

  • Located in Bengaluru it is responsible for design, development and production of altitude sensors, high resolution imaging optics, and special purpose science instruments for several spacecrafts.

M) Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS)

  • IIRS, Dehradun, is a premier institute with primary aim to build capacity in Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics and their applications through education and training programs at the postgraduate levels.

N)  Development and Educational Communication Unit (DECU)

  • Located in Ahemdabad, it is responsible for implementation of satellite-based societal applications in the country.
  • It is involved in the system definition, planning, implementation, and social research & evaluation of such applications.

O)  National atmospheric Research Laboratory

  • Located in Gadanki near Tirupati, it is an autonomous organization engaged in cutting edge research in atmospheric and space sciences with the vision of developing capability to predict the behaviour of the earth’s atmosphere through observations and modelling.

P)   NORTHEASTERN-Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC)

  • It is an autonomous organization under DOS and Northeastern Council (NEC). It has the mandate of providing space-based governance and development by taking up projects in the fields of natural resource management, infrastructure planning, healthcare, education, emergency communication etc.
  • It also conducts training and capacity building in the field of geospatial technology and UAV based remote sensing applications.

Q)  Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology

  • Established in 2007 at Thiruvananthapuram, it is Asia’s first Space University. It aims to provide high quality education in Space S&T to meet the demands of the Indian Space Program. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral programs.

R)   Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL)

  • It is a GoI company under the administrative control of DOS.
  • It is engaged in providing space sector products and services worldwide ranging from supply of hardware and software, earth observation and scientific missions, transponder lease services, launch services etc.
5) Important Personalities

A)  Dr Vikram Sarabhai (12th Aug 1919 – 30th Dec 1971)

  • Vikram Sarabhai, father of Indian Space Program, was born on 12th of Aug,1919 in Ahmedabad.
  • Key contributions
    • He was a great institution builder and established or helped to establish a large number of institutions in diverse fields. He established Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in 1947. PRL was the cradle of space sciences in India. PRL had a modest beginning at his residence, the RETREAT, with research in cosmic rays. It was formally established at M.G. Science Institute, Ahemdabad, on 11th Nov 1947
    • He played an important role in establishment of a number of institutions including IIM Ahemdabad.
    • The establishment of ISRO was one of his greatest achievement He successfully convinced the government of the importance of space program after the Russian Sputnik launch.
      • He was the first chair of Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) which was predecessor to ISRO (established in its current form in 1969).
      • He also contributed in the setting up of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station at Thiruvananthapuram, with its inaugural flight in 1963.
  • He was also chairperson of Atomic Energy Commission.
    • Recognition
      1. He received Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Medal in 1962
      2. Was awarded Padma Vibhushan (posthumously) in 1972. Earlier was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1966.
  • Other Key Positions held:
    1. President of the Physics Section, Indian Science Congress (1962)
    2. President of General Conference of the I.A.E.A, Vienna (1970)

B)  S Somnath

  • Sreedhar Panicker Somanath is the current chairperson of the ISRO. Earlier he has served as the chairperson of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram and Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Thiruvananthapuram.
  • He was associated with the PSLV project during its Initial days. He was also the project director of the GSLV-MK-III launch vehicle in from 2010 to 2014.
6) Commercialization and Privatization in Space Sector

A)  Prarambh Mission

  • Why in news?
    • Launch of Vikram-S (i.e., Vikram Suborbital) rocket by Skyroot Aerospace is being hailed as an important milestone in India’s outer space journey (Nov 2022)
  • Details:
    • Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian private sector space enterprise, created history by launching India’s first privately developed rocket Vikram-S.
    • Vikram-S is a single stage rocket. It is India’s first privately developed cryogenic hypergolic-liquid and solid fuel-based rocket engine. It was developed using advanced composite and 3-D printing
    • It carried three customer payloads in a sub-orbital flight. It was launched from the sounding rocket complex of the ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
    • The rocket reached a peak-altitude of 89.5 kms and has met all flight parameters.
    • More About Skyroot:
      • It is a relatively new entity that was set up in 2018. In 2020, after government announced opening up of space sector for private entities, it became the first startup to sign an MoU with ISRO to launch a rocket.
      • It is producing a series of Vikram Satellite, named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai. The goal is to launch small satellites using this rocket.
    • Future Plans of SkyRoot:
      • Vikram-1 is being developed to carry 480 kg payload to Low inclination Orbit.
      • Vikram-2 which will follow Vikram-1, will carry 595 kg to low inclination orbit.
      • Vikram-3 will carry 815 kg to Low inclination orbit.
      • Skyrocket also says that the rockets will be able to undertake multi-orbit insertion ans inter-planetary missions as well as offer “customized, dedicated and ride share options covering a wide spectrum of small satellite customers needs”.
7)  New Institutions

A)  New Space India Limited (NSIL)

  • NSIL is a wholly owned government of India undertaking/CPSE, under the administrative control of Department of Space (DOS). It was established in March 2019 to commercially utilize the R&D work of ISRO Centers and other constituent units of DOS.
  • Roles and Functions:
    1. Small Satellite technology transfer to Industry, wherein NSIL will obtain license from ISRO/DOS and sub-license it to industry.
    2. Manufacture of SSLVs in collaboration with Private sector.
    3. Productionization of PSLV through Indian Industry.
    4. Productionization and marketing of space-based products and services, including launch and applications
    5. Transfer of technology developed by ISRO Centres and constituent units of DOS
    6. Marketing spin-off technologies and product/services, both in India and abroad.
    7. Any other subject which GoI deems fit.
  • As part of the space sector reforms announced by GOI in June 2020, NSIL was mandated to build, launch, own and operate satellites in “Demand-driven mode” to meet the service needs of the user.
  • The launch of Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite in March 2021, was the first dedicated communication mission of NewSpace India Limited. Earlier launches facilitated by NSIL were piggybacked with ISRO’s primary satellites.
    1. Launch of GSAT-24 in June 2022 was the first demand driven satellite mission undertaken by NSIL. The capacity onboard the satellite was fully secured by TataPlay.
    2. Presently (Jan 2024) NSIL owns and operates 11 communication satellites in India.
    3. On similar lines, in 2024, NSIL will be undertaking the GSAT-20 satellite mission to offer cost-effective Ka-Ka band HTS capacity primarily for meeting the Broadband. The bulk of the capacity onboard GSAT-20 have already been secured by Indian Service Providers.
  • Significance of NSIL:
    1. Meet the ever-increasing demands of Indian Space Program.
    2. Commercially exploit the emerging global space sector.
    3. Spur the growth of Indian Industries in the space sector and enable Indian industries to scale up manufacturing and production base.

B)   In-Space (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre)

  • It is an independent nodal agency under Department of Space (DoS). It was set up in 2020 to boost commercialization of Indian Space Activities and encourage private sector participation.
  • It will permit and oversee the following activities of non-Government Private Entities (NGPEs):
    • Building of launch vehicles and satellites and providing space-based service as per the definition of space activities.
    • Sharing ISRO infrastructure/premise etc.
    • Establishment of temporary facilities within the premise of ISRO
    • Establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities, by NGPEs, in pursuance of space activities based on safety norms and other statutory guidelines and necessary clearance.
    • Building of Spacecrafts by NGPEs for registration as Indian satellites and all associated infrastructure
    • Using of spacecraft data and rolling out of space based services and all other associated infrastructure for the same.
  • It will draw up integrated launch manifest – considering the needs of ISRO, NSIL, and NGPEs based on priorities and readiness.
  • It will draw up suitable mechanism for promotion, handholding, infra-sharing to encourage participation of NGPEs.
  • The decision of IN-SPACe shall be final and binding on all stakeholders including ISRO, NSIL etc. NGPEs will not be required to seek separate permission from ISRO.
  • Structure of In-SPACe – It has a chairman, technical experts for space activities, safety experts, experts from academia and industries, legal and strategic experts from other departments, members from PMO and MEA of GoI.
  • Monitoring and Promotion Directorate of IN-SPACe will have the oversight of the activities as per IN-SPACe decisions and shall report back to IN-SPACe for corrective actions and resolutions if any.

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