15-Dec-2022: ISRO through its commercial arms has successfully launched 177 foreign satellites belonging to 19 countries during the last five years

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, ISRO through its commercial arms has successfully launched 177 foreign satellites belonging to 19 countries during the last five years.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, from January 2018 to November 2022, ISRO has successfully launched 177 foreign satellites belonging to countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Finland, France, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and USA, on-board PSLV and GSLV-Mk III launchers under commercial agreement.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed that Forex generated through launching of these 177 foreign satellites from January 2018 to November 2022 is approximately 94 million USD and 46 million Euro.

On the subject of Space Reforms, Dr Jitendra Singh said, far-reaching reforms in the sector were announced in June 2020, with an intent to enhance participation of Non-Government Entities [NGEs] in the sector and bring in a commerce-oriented approach to space activities – all steps towards enhancing the nation’s share in the global space economy.

The result of these reforms was reflected with the heaviest commercial launch by India in the form of LVM3, carrying 36 Oneweb satellites and the recent suborbital launch by an Indian Private entity – M/s Skyroot Aerospace – which was the first such instance.

Moreover, the creation of IN-SPACe as a single-window agency for the promotion and handholding of Non-Government Entities in conducting end-to-end space activities has resulted in a remarkable interest in the Start-up community, with 111 space-startups registered, as on date, on the IN-SPACe digital platform.

Over the last five years, Government has taken several steps to strengthen space program and take it to greater heights. Significant progress has been made in the development and realization of space systems catering to earth observation, satellite communication and space science. Multiple successful flights of operational launch vehicles, along with development, realization and testing of major technology elements of future launch vehicles, was seen during this period.

15-Dec-2022: Technical Training Program to skill ISRO employees in latest trends in space industry gets underway in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Trivandrum

The National Skill Training Institutes, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), have initiated the ISRO Technical Training Programme in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Trivandrum. In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Karmayogi Mission, it is a capacity-building initiative aimed at upgrading the skills of government personnel and further contributing to increasing India's share in the global space industry. Shri Sudheer Kumar, Director, CBPO, ISRO HQ, inaugurated the training programme at NSTI Bangalore.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to upskill technical employees at the Department of Space (ISRO), and with this collaboration, the ISRO Technical Training Program was established. The programme intends to establish a formal framework for short-term courses to provide training to ISRO technical employees in order to increase their capacity and develop their skills according to the latest trends and requirements in the country's space industry. Over the next five years, more than 4000 ISRO technical staff members will receive training in the programme at several NSTIs located across India.

The training programme at NSTI Bangalore begins with the course ‘Industrial Hydraulic & Controls’ on the subject of hydraulics. This course covers topics such as fluid power systems, the difference between hydraulics and pneumatics and basic hydraulic laws, hydraulic system components, hydraulic symbols, flow control valves, the concept of pressure regulation, pressure-controlled valves, hydraulic accumulators and practical demonstrations. NSTI Mumbai commences the programme with the course ‘Industrial Automation,’ and NSTI Trivandrum with ‘Software Development’. The duration of the course is 5 days, with 20 trainees in each NSTI receiving training.

Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said that India's space ecosystem is rapidly growing with the advent of emerging technologies, and capacity-building programmes such as these are highly significant. Through these training programmes, the employees at ISRO will be able to integrate and understand the evolving technologies in addition to staying updated with industry trends, benefiting not only the employees but also helping India maintain its competitive edge in the global space race. These programmes are essential to continuing the growth of the space industry, and they will become increasingly significant as more and more technologies are developed, he added.

Till date, six training programmes have been completed at NSTI Bengaluru under the guidance of Shri BN Sridhar, Regional Director, RDSDE. The courses covered under this training programme are aerospace CNC machining, quality inspection, advanced welding techniques, PLC automation, electro-pneumatics, engineering inspection, quality control, operation and maintenance of pumps and valves, and manufacturing processes and techniques in production technologies.

14-Dec-2022: ISRO has taken initiatives for feasibility studies on missions to Venus as well as Aeronomy studies

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today informed that ISRO has taken initiatives for feasibility studies on missions to Venus as well as Aeronomy studies.

The term “aeronomy,” coined and introduced about 60 years ago, refers to the scientific study of the upper atmospheric regions of the Earth and other solar system bodies. It covers the chemistry, dynamics and energy balance of both neutral and charged particles.

5-Aug-2022: Indian Navy on 05 Aug 22 signed a MoU with the Space Applications Centre (ISRO)

Indian Nav signed a MoU with the Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad on data sharing and cooperation on Satellite based Naval Applications in Oceanology and Meteorology.

With this initiative, both the organisations will have a common platform of mutual cooperation, wherein the scientific advancements by SAC would be synergised into the Indian Naval efforts to keep the nation's defence in step with rapid development in the field of Satellite Data retrieval and applications. This MoU is an extension of previous MoU signed in 2017 and will further the collaboration between two organisations.

The broad area of cooperation includes sharing of non-confidential observational data, operation exploitation of SAC generated weather products and provisioning of Subject Matter Experts (SME) towards processing of satellite data towards development of new tools, calibration and validation of ocean models.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by SAC and Indian Navy to further meaningful interactions and professional exchanges in future.

3-Aug-2022: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, six start-ups were selected and supported by ISRO with a grant-in-aid of maximum of Rs 50 lakhs each in areas like geo spatial information, propulsion and Robotics/ AR/VR

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today informed that six start-ups were selected and supported by ISRO with a grant-in-aid of maximum of Rs 50 lakhs each in areas like geo spatial information, propulsion and Robotics/ AR/VR.

In Reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO along with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog launched ANIC-ARISE-1.0 program that aims to seek, select, support and nurture technology-based innovations that solve sectoral challenges of national importance. The Minister said that twenty-Four start-ups submitted their proposals, out of which six start-ups were selected and supported with a grant-in-aid of maximum of Rs 50 lakhs each.

ANIC-ARISE-1.0 has following three space sector challenges to get project proposals from start-ups: (i) geo spatial information, (ii) propulsion and (iii) Robotics/ Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality.

ANIC-ARISE-2.0 has been launched with four space sector challenges: (i) GIS solutions, (ii) Propulsion, (iii) Navigation & (iv) AI/ML modelling for space applications, seeking project proposals from start-ups in these areas. Selected start-ups will be supported with a grant-in-aid of maximum of INR 50 lakhs each.

21-Jul-2022: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, ISRO is in the process of developing indigenous capabilities towards space tourism through the demonstration of human space flight capability to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO is in the process of developing indigenous capabilities towards space tourism through the demonstration of human space flight capability to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) also seeks to promote active participation of private sector in carrying out end-to-end space activities, which includes space tourism as well.

With regards to question on space diplomacy, the Minister said, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) pursues international cooperation and relations with 61 countries in varied domains of space activities.

It may be recalled that the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre [IN-SPACe] has been created as a single window agency, under Department of Space, to promote, handhold and authorize the activities of private sector in space domain, including those by young entrepreneurs and students interested in the field of Space Science.

IN-SPACe will come up with mechanisms to enable sharing of technical facilities and expertise available across ISRO Centres with private entities.

In a related question, Dr Jitendra informed that Department of Space (DOS) is in the process of drafting a comprehensive, integrated Space Policy, which shall provide direction to the activities of private Indian space industry.

11-Jul-2022: Around 60 StartUps have registered with ISRO since "unlocking" of the Indian Space sector recently by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Around 60 Start-Ups have registered with ISRO since "unlocking" of the Indian Space sector recently by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and quite a few of them are dealing with projects related to Space debris management. The other Start-Up proposals vary from nano-satellite, launch vehicle, ground systems, research etc.

This was stated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh while speaking after inaugurating the "ISRO System for Safe & Sustainable Operation" (IS4OM) at ISRO Control Centre, in Bengaluru today.

Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that only last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, during inauguration of IN-SPACe headquarters at Ahmedabad, said, “When the strength of government Space institutions and the passion of India’s private sector will meet, not even the sky will be the limit”.

The Minister reiterated that the passion of private players and innovative Start-Ups will augment the role of the Department of Space in protecting India’s interests in Space by developing all-round capabilities in the domains of space transportation, debris management, infrastructure and applications.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, IS4OM facility will aid India in achieving its SSA (Space Situational Awareness) goals by providing a comprehensive and timely information of the Space environment to users. This multi-domain awareness platform will bring a prompt, accurate and efficient information on on-orbit collision, fragmentation, atmospheric re-entry risk, space based strategic information, hazardous asteroids and space weather forecast.

The Minister emphasized that the facility is conceived with a holistic approach towards ensuring safety and sustainability while reaping the benefits of sustainable utilization of outer space for national development.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO has been taking necessary measures to safeguard all its Space assets from intentional and accidental close approaches by space objects including operational spacecraft and space debris objects. He added that Space Situational Awareness activities have many strategic implications such as identifying and monitoring other operational spacecraft with close approaches, having overpass over Indian region, intentional manoeuvres with suspicious motives and re-entry within the Indian region.

The Minister further elaborated that IS4OM facility can support all routine operations safeguarding Indian space assets, mitigating collision threats from space objects through specific collision avoidance manoeuvres, information required for strategic purposes and research activities in Space Debris and Space Situational Awareness.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the importance of radars and optical telescopes as the main ground-based facilities for tracking space objects including space debris needs to be highlighted, as accurate orbital information from such ground-based sensors is a prerequisite for mitigating any collision threats to an operational space asset from other objects. The backbone of the SSA system is the network of observational facilities in which the nation is lagging behind other space faring nations. It is required to set up necessary Indian observational facilities for a meaningful and value added SSA system development and alerts generation, the Minister added.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, given the ubiquitous applications of Space technology in day-to-day life, the Long-Term Sustainability (LTS) of Outer Space activities is of paramount importance to ensure that the outer Space remains utilizable to the future generations of mankind. He added that effective management of safe and sustainable operations in outer Space entails a holistic approach encompassing multiple areas related to observation and monitoring of space objects and space environment, processing observations for orbit determination, object characterization and cataloguing, analysis of evolution of space environment, risk assessment and mitigation, data exchange and collaboration.

Secretary, Department of Space S. Somnath said, infrastructure for Space Weather monitoring and forecast plays a critical role in protecting space based as well as ground-based infrastructure from critical Solar activities. On an equal footing, detection and prevention of asteroid impacts are essential for human welfare. Vision of IS40M towards space weather services and planetary defence initiative are also to be important areas of SSA.

Ever since the inception of the Indian space programme, space-based assets have played a pivotal role in nation building by providing crucial services in the field of communication, weather and resource-monitoring, navigation, etc. However, the ever-growing space object population including that of operational satellites and orbital debris and the associated collision risks pose a serious threat to the safe and sustainable use of outer space. He said, the increasing congestion of Earth orbits pose a looming threat of collisions among larger debris that could trigger a self-sustained cascading process of further collisions, known as the Kessler syndrome. This could result in a drastic increase in the density of space debris population, rendering outer space inaccessible for future generations.

It may be recalled that for protection of Indian satellites and other equipment in orbit, ISRO actively participates in all international efforts to contain the space debris growth for the long-term sustainability of outer space. He informed that ISRO is an active member of Inter Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IDAC), IAF Space Debris Working Group, IAA Space Traffic Management Working Group, ISO Space Debris Working Group and UNCOPUOS long term sustainability Working Group – all international organisations contributing to the space debris studies and space situational awareness.

1-Jul-2022: PM congratulates IN-SPACe and ISRO for successfully launching two payloads of Indian Start-ups in Space by PSLV C53

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated IN-SPACe and ISRO for successfully launching two payloads of Indian Start-ups in Space by PSLV C53 mission.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;

"The PSLV C53 mission has achieved a new milestone by launching two payloads of Indian Start-ups in Space. Congratulations @INSPACeIND and @isro for enabling this venture. Confident that many more Indian companies will reach Space in near future."

18-May-2022: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, over 55 Start-ups registered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, in just about two years

Over 55 Start-ups have registered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, in just about two years since the Indian Space Department and the ISRO were opened to the private sector, on the personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition, 75 Students' satellites are scheduled for launch this year to coincide with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75th year of India’s Independence.

This was informed here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh while chairing the 4th joint meeting of all the Science Ministries and departments.

The Minister said, this in itself is a great and a pathbreaking progress considering the fact that for all these years, the Department of Space and the ISRO were working without being accessible to others and over two years back, the announcement to open them to private players was hailed by the media as “Unlocking" of the Indian Space sector. This, he said, could be possible only because PM Modi has the courage and the conviction to take out of the box decisions in the interest of the nation and to break the obsolete taboos of the past.

Dr Jitendra Singh further informed that out of 55 proposals, 29 are Satellite related, 10 for Space Applications and Products, 8 related to Launch Vehicle and 8 about Ground Systems and Research. He said, 9 proposals from the Start-ups are expected to be completed by 2022-23.

Secretary, Department of Space, S. Somnath gave details of 75 Students' satellites and Azadisat that are scheduled for launch this year to coincide with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75th year of India’s Independence.

Dr Jitendra Singh also informed in the joint meeting that priority implementation of S&T solutions to 204 odd problems from 38 Line Ministries received for Scientific Applications and Technological Solutions by all the six S&T departments coordinated by CSIR. He said, inputs have been received on areas of participation from all departments, while DBT and ISRO have submitted their preference for leading in solution development/deployment for few challenges. He said, different scientific applications for sectors like agriculture, food, education, skill, railways, roads, Jal Shakti, power and coal to name a few are being worked out since the launch of the initiative in September last year.

Dr Jitendra Singh also informed that CSIR with the help of North Eastern Council (NEC) has identified 50 problem requiring S&T intervention in North Eastern States and the same has been shared with DST and is being shared with the Ministry of DONER. 5 out of 8 NE States have already initiated STI policy formulation. As far as STI Mapping of States and UTs is concerned the exercise is over in all 28 States and 6 UTs, the Minister informed.

On the issue of unified portal for all fellowship and scholarship schemes, the Minister was informed that a preliminary meeting of Members of Working Group from DST and DBT was held on 4 April and mapping of Scholarship/Fellowship schemes under Ministry of Science & Technology has been initiated on the lines of recommendation of the Committee chaired by DGCSIR.

Dr Jitendra Singh also proposed a Science Media Centre, which will function as an inter-ministerial integrated media Cell for all S&T departments and Vigyan Prasar will be merged into it. He asked the departments and officials present to showcase success stories of departments and start-ups and to promote them wherever possible. He also directed that workshop on success stories must be organized at regular intervals.

During the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh conducted a thorough review of draft agenda of the State S&T Ministers Conference to be held in near future and venues like Srinagar, Shimla, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad were discussed for the first ever National Science Conclave. The Minister suggested that thematic and state-specific discussions could be included in the Conclave involving states, industry representatives and other stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Secretary, D/o Space, Secretary, M/o Earth Sciences, Secretary, D/o Biotechnology, Secretary, Technology Development Board and representatives and senior officials of other science departments.

30-Mar-2022: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh says, 7 satellites are likely to be launched by ISRO during the current year

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that 7 satellites are likely to be launched by ISRO during the current year.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO has successfully launched the earth observation satellite EOS-4 onboard PSLV-C52 on 14th February, 2022 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, along with INS-2TD & INSPIRESat-1 as co-passengers. The Satellites were injected into the polar sun synchronous orbit at 524.84 km altitude.

He said, EOS-4 is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging satellite for Earth Observation, operating in C-band at 5.4 GHz frequency, for applications in the domains of agriculture, disaster management, water resources and forestry.

INS-2TD is the first satellite of the 2nd generation nanosatellites intended to demonstrate indigenously developed Nano systems for in-orbit performance.

INSPIRESat-1 is a student satellite of the class 9U, jointly developed by Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, India and Laboratory of Space Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, the USA, to study the Ionosphere dynamics and sun’s coronal heating processes.

The Minister said, currently, the satellites are undergoing various in-orbit tests and calibrations and subsequently, the data available from the satellites will be used for achieving the mission objectives, during the designated mission life. The total time taken to realize the satellite is 63 months from date of financial sanction and the expenditure towards realization of satellite is nearly Rs. 490 crore.

23-Mar-2022: Protecting India's interest in space

Government of India through Department of Space has been proactive in protecting and augmenting India’s interests in space by developing all-round capabilities in the domains of space transportation, infrastructure and applications.

Further, for protection of Indian satellites and other equipment in orbit, ISRO actively participates in all international efforts to contain the space debris growth for the long term sustainability of outer space.

ISRO is an active member of Inter Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee(IDAC), IAF Space Debris Working Group, IAA Space Traffic Management Working Group, ISO Space Debris Working Group and UNCOPUOS long term sustainability Working Group – all international organisations contributing to the space debris studies and space situational awareness.

10-Feb-2022: ISRO has launched a total of 129 satellites of Indian Origin and 342 foreign satellites belonging to 36 countries since 1975

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said, ISRO has launched a total of 129 satellites of Indian Origin and 342 foreign satellites belonging to 36 countries of which nearly 39 satellites are commercial satellites and rest are nano-satellites since 1975.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, today India has a total of 53 operational satellites in space providing various identified services to the nation. 21 of these are communication satellites, 8 are Navigation satellites, 21 are Earth Observation Satellites and 3 are Science Satellites.

The satellite enabled data and services are being used for the benefit of various sectors of the country. These include Television broadcasting, Direct-to-Home, ATM, Mobile communication, tele-education, tele-medicine and advisories on weather, pest infestation, agro-meteorology and potential fishing zones. Satellite data is also used for crop production estimation, crop intensification, and agricultural drought assessment, wasteland inventory, identifying ground water prospect zones, inland aquaculture suitability and disaster risk reduction. ISRO has plans to launch more number of satellites to further enhance operational applications and cater the needs of emerging applications and user ministerial requirements in the country.

Many of the applications have been effectively adopted by stakeholder departments for operational use. A few of such applications include: Potential Fishing Zone Forecast & Ocean State Forecast by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, (MoES), Crop Acreage and Production Forecasting & National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System by Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre, (MoA&FW), Biennial Forest Cover Assessment by Forest Survey of India (MoEF&CC), Irrigation Infrastructure Assessment by Central Water Commission (Ministry of Jal Shakti), Weather forecasting by India Meteorological Department (MoES), Ground Water Prospect and Suitable Recharge Locations' mapping (Ministry of Jal Shakti), Integrated Watershed Management Programme & MGNREGA by MoRD.

16-Dec-2021: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh says, ISRO has signed six agreements with four countries for launching foreign satellites during 2021-2023

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO has signed six agreements with four countries for launching foreign satellites during 2021-2023.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that about 132 Million Euros would be earned through launching of these foreign satellites on a commercial basis.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) through its commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL), a Govt. of India company under Department of Space (DOS), has been launching satellites belonging to other countries on-board Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), on a commercial basis.

NSIL as on date has signed six Launch Service Agreements with customers from four countries for launching foreign satellites into space on-board PSLV during 2021-2023.

A total number of 124 indigenous satellites have been put into Earth's orbit including 12 student satellites.

In another written reply to a similar question in the Rajya Sabha today, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that starting from 1999 till date, a total of 342 foreign satellites belonging to 34 countries have been successfully launched on board Indian Polar satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on a commercial basis.

The Minister said that through launching of foreign satellites on-board Indian launch vehicle, India has earned a Foreign Exchange revenue of approx. 35 Million USD and 10 Million Euros during last 3 years (i.e., 2019- 2021).The type of foreign satellites that were launched through Indian Launch Vehicle includes satellites primarily for Earth Observation, Scientific and Technology demonstration purposes.

8-Dec-2021: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, ISRO has the requisite technologies to help protect small island states from inundation due to rising temperatures

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that ISRO has the requisite technologies and expertise to provide information on advance warning of cyclones, monitoring of coast lines and coral reefs using space based inputs to support small island states to help them protect from inundation due to rising temperatures.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, the Minister said, ISRO is gearing up to provide such information to some of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Indian Ocean Region. He said, India, UK, Australia, Fiji, Jamaica and Mauritius jointly launched an initiative, Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) to provide technical support on disaster resilience of infrastructure systems to SIDS, during the 26th Conference of Parties held in Glasgow, UK by United Nations.

The Minister said, IRIS, will also support SIDS by facilitating access to existing financial mechanisms for resilient infrastructure development. IRIS will extend its support on demand basis to 58 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across geographic regions.

ISRO carries out prediction of track, intensity, landfall time and location of all cyclones originated in Indian Oceans using space based inputs. While India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the mandated agency to provide the Cyclone forecast advisories, ISRO supports IMD in improving the prediction methodologies and publish the R&D outputs for the help of all.

ISRO has carried out vulnerability assessment of the selected states along the Indian coastal region and has identified coastal stretch that are susceptible due to sea level rise. ISRO provides near real time prediction of storm surge and surge induced inundation for Indian coast during cyclone using satellite observations and numerical model. Maps of coral reefs of Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have been published and are updated regularly.  A region-specific Coral Bleaching Monitoring System based on sea surface temperature data is hosted on ISRO’s VEDAS geoportal.

22-Nov-2021: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurates ISRO's 5-day Technology Conclave-2021, where Futuristic and Disruptive Technologies will be showcased

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today inaugurated ISRO's 5-day Technology Conclave-2021 and highlighted the Futuristic and Disruptive Technologies to be developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO. The Conclave is being organised by the Directorate of Technology Development & Innovation (DTDI) under the aegis of ISRO.

Addressing the Conclave, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Directorate of Technology Development & Innovation (DTDI) based at ISRO Headquarters is an important link for Industry, Innovators and Academia for Research and R&D. He said, ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge, he has been giving special impetus to Space Technology and for the first time in 70 years, the sector has been unlocked for private participation to make India a competitive Space market, besides taking the benefits of the Space programme to the poorest in the country.

Dwelling on some of the Futuristic and Disruptive Technologies, Dr Jitendra Singh said, development of Satellite Based Quantum Communication will enable unconditional data security to the country’s communication network. He said, the recent demonstration of quantum communication in free space, over a distance of 300 m by ISRO, in Ahmedabad is a major milestone towards the development of Satellite Based Quantum Communication, which our country is trying to demonstrate in near future. He said that each of the futuristic technology has potential spin-off applications and these must be implemented in focused areas and government flagship programmes, which touch the life of every citizen.

The Minister congratulated ISRO for choosing Big Data Analytics as another area of investment as ISRO generates enormous amount of data from its various satellite missions and ground-based systems. He said, the investment of ISRO in terms of its intellectual and financial resources has resulted into the plethora of futuristic technologies for the space sector. He called upon the scientists to focus on thrust areas such as Artificial intelligence/Machine learning, Space Debris, Global climate study, cost effective technology access to space, indigenous manufacturing of components & parts for space systems, and green propellants. He reiterated that ISRO needs to develop mechanism to proliferate the utilizations of the futuristic technologies towards achieving Prime Minister’s vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission.

Dr Jitendra Singh underlined that in the post space reforms period, the space technology landscape has changed and it must enable the participation of industries, private entities, towards the development of futuristic and disruptive technologies, besides Research and Development for innovative technologies. He urged the ISRO to bring the synergy of the efforts for inclusive development and make contributions to vibrant global economy and reap the opportunity derived from the futuristic technologies which are going to be the game changers for the space sector.

Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that a gamut of futuristic and disruptive technologies being undertaken by ISRO include quantum radar, self-eating rocket, self-healing spacecraft and space vehicle, self-destructive satellites, photon thruster, Space-Based-Solar-Power, a bunch of Artificial Intelligence models that range from agriculture, Land use Land Cover to planetary and deep space exploration.

15-Sep-2021: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, India is fast emerging as World Space Hub for launch of satellites in cost-effective manner

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that India is fast emerging as World Space Hub for cost-effective launch of satellites.

Speaking at the India Leads-2021 Summit organized by FICCI here, he said, India has earned worldwide recognition for launching lunar probes, building satellites, ferrying foreign satellites up and has even succeeded reaching Mars with Mangalyaan being there continuously for a number of years.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, over the past few years, Space Industry is emerging as one of the most lucrative industries globally and demand for Nano, micro and mini satellites and re-usable and small satellite launch vehicle systems are anticipated to drive the market. He informed that ISRO has forged a strong relationship with many industrial enterprises, both in the public and private sector, to implement its space projects. With the ISRO undertaking the development of cutting-edge technologies and interplanetary exploratory missions, there is a tremendous scope in contributions to the realization of operational missions and new areas such as satellite navigation.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, while India is becoming a major player in the world comity of nations, it is a matter of pride that India’s ascent to the top will be contributed to a large extent by its superiority in the Space capabilities. World today is enamored of Chandrayaan, Mars mission and upcoming Gaganyaan, the Minister added.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, ever since Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister, India’s Space Technology is being applied in diverse fields and sectors to bring “ease of living” for common man. He said, Space and satellite technology is today being extensively used in railways, road and bridge construction, agriculture, soils, water resources, forestry and ecology, housing, tele-medicine, disaster management and accurate weather forecast to name a few.

Referring to the topic of the Summit “Future of India-Oceania Space Technology Partnerships”, Dr Jitendra Singh said, India is all set to become the hub for the small satellite launch market, which is estimated to be valued at around $38 billion by 2027. He added that Australia and New Zealand on the other hand have emerging capabilities in design and manufacture of nano- and micro-satellites including high performance optics, radio communications systems, optical communications systems and on-board data handling maneuvering. He said, other Oceania countries such as New Zealand and Pacific island countries can collaborate with India and can jointly develop and identify space technological solutions and innovative products to explore partnerships and joint ventures. The Minister emphasized that there is an opportunity for both regions to collaborate and work on joint projects in some of these areas, with the involvement of academia, industry and the startup community forming an ecosystem for enhanced engagement. Such partnerships can also help global defence companies expand their businesses, he added.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, while Australia is a world leader in the use of remote sensing technologies, India and Oceania countries can collaborate by conducting regular training courses by several training institutions in both regions and share best practices with each other in this technology. He said, Australia and India have been partnering since 1987 to support data calibration and laser raging for Indian satellites, launching Australian satellites, and conducting joint research. The Minister also noted with satisfaction that the Australian Space Agency is working closely with the ISRO on India’s first manned mission into space, Gaganyaan, sprucing up its temporary ground station tracking facilities in Australia for the mission.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed that India has signed various cooperative agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with other countries and organizations as an initiative to expand its international outreach. He said, the areas of cooperation are mainly concerned with remote sensing of the earth, airborne synthetic aperture radar, maritime domain awareness, satellite communication, launch services, space exploration, space law and capacity building.

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted some of the key achievements of Indian Space industry like India's first space observatory, ASTROSAT four years in space and has more than 900 registered users from 24 countries, a major milestone in 2017 with a successful record-setting launch of 104 satellites on a single rocket, India's most powerful launch vehicle, GSLV-MK III capable of launching 4 tons of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) was successfully launched in July, 2019. He also pointed out that India has launched several space missions and explorations. The country has to its credit - 109 spacecraft missions, 77 launch missions, 10 student satellites, 2 Re-entry missions and 319 foreign satellites, he added.

Dr Sangita Reddy, Immediate Past President, FICCI and Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head, Australian Space Agency, Australia, Jason Held, CEO, Saber Astronautics, Australia, Dr D Radhakrishnan, CMD, New Space India Limited (NSIL), Professor Andy Koronios, CEO & Managing Director, SmartSat CRC, Australia and Vikram Chandra, Founder Editorji Technologies graced the occasion.

9-Jun-2021: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, ISRO will assist development projects in the Northeast through Space Technology

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) will assist development projects in the Northeast through Space Technology and will contribute by offering optimum utilization of Satellite Imaging and other Space Technology applications for better accomplishment of infrastructural projects in all the eight States of the North Eastern Region.

Chairing a high level meeting with senior officers of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and ISRO scientists, the Minister said that six out of the eight States of Northeast have already sent their specific proposals for execution by ISRO, while the remaining two States of Sikkim and Assam will send their proposals soon.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed that ISRO is already monitoring and Geo-tagging 67 projects at 221 sites in all the 8 States funded by MDoNER/NEC. He said, this is first of its kind in the whole country, where there is an institutionalised involvement of ISRO in mapping and sharing of data for developmental projects and can become a model for other States too.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that one of the major highlights of the Modi government has been that in the last seven years, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is no longer confined mainly to the launching of satellites, but it has been constantly enlarging its role in development activities, thus contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of "Transforming India".

North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) at Shillong has received a number of proposals from North Eastern states. It would be discussing the feasibility and desirability of all such projects, one by one with each of the States in the next fortnight. Once identified, all such projects are likely to be funded jointly by respective States and NESAC.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah visited Shillong and held a meeting with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) society in January this year, where major projects to be taken up had been flagged. Some of the important projects on which work is under progress are like the mapping of forest gap areas, expansion of land area for horticulture development, Identification and rejuvenation of wetlands and diversion of floodwater, assessment of Bamboo resources for livelihood needs. The Minister said that the Home Minister is likely to visit the centre again in July to review the progress of the projects. He said that despite the crippling effects of the COVID, much headway was made in execution of these projects.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that in North Eastern Region, space technology is now being used in diverse sectors including agriculture, railways, roads and bridges, medical management/telemedicine, procurement of timely Utilization Certificates, disaster forecast and management, weather/rain/flood forecast, etc.

Senior officials from ISRO informed the Minister that seven projects from Arunachal Pradesh in areas like dam construction and flood mitigation, three model villages, horticulture and border fencing at zero level are nearing completion. Similar projects from other states are also on way to achieve target.

The North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) is an autonomous organisation under Department of Space at Shillong and provides dedicated service to the North Eastern Region (NER) of India comprising of eight states viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The Centre was set up with a vision to play the catalytic role in holistic development of North Eastern Region of India by providing Space Science and Technology support on natural resource management, infrastructure planning, healthcare, education, emergency communication, disaster management support, and space and atmospheric science research.

11-Jan-2021: ISRO to adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Labs across the country for mentorship and promoting STEM and Space Education

In an exciting online event today, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced that ISRO will be adopting 100 Atal Tinkering Labs across the country to promote education in the field of STEM, Space education and space technology related Innovations for school students.

Addressing the virtual event through a special message, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar said, “I am extremely elated that different departments and ministries of the Government of India are working in synergy to create an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The collaboration between NITI Aayog and Indian Space Research Organization is one of the prime examples of such effort.

This is a great opportunity for our young budding space researchers and astronauts to learn from the best minds of our country, and become living inspirations for their school, families and local communities.”

Gracing the occasion, ISRO Chairman Dr K. Sivan expressed hope that the step shall help promoting innovation and the spirit of experiential learning among the school kids compared to traditional learning. He also opined that this project based learning will improve the attitude towards research right from the school days. With today’s adoption of 100 ATLs, distributed geographically in line with ISRO’s presence across the country, the organization is taking a small step in engaging with the students, towards giving them direction in pursuing their space dreams as a part of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’. Scientists and engineers from ISRO centers, in close coordination with Capacity Building Program Office, ISRO Headquarters, shall actively mentor the kids as well as interact with teachers in these ATLs for encouraging experiments, brainstorming ideas and spreading awareness in space activities. Dr. Sivan also announced invitation to the students associated with these Atal Tinkering Labs, to one of the launches as guests, to witness the launch from Sriharikota.

An Atal Tinkering Lab provides a makerspace where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode; and learn innovation skills. To foster entrepreneurship and innovation, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog has established over 7000 ATLs across the country so far enabling over 3 Million+ students between Grade VI to Grade XII acquire a problem solving, tinkering and innovative mindset. Through this collaboration, ISRO will facilitate coaching and mentoring of students in advanced cutting-edge technologies of the 21st century including those related to space. The students will not only gain only theoretical but also practical and application-based knowledge of STEM and Space Education related concepts such as Electronics, Physics, Optics, Space Technology, Material sciences and many more.

“I am proud to share that NITI Aayog is collaborating with ISRO to make advancements in space technology via Atal Innovation Mission and its initiatives, such as ARISE, Atal Incubation Centers, Atal Community Innovation Centers, and Atal Tinkering Labs.

I am glad that to nurture our future space scientists, ISRO in collaboration with their regional research centers are adopting 100 Atal Tinkering Labs, where ISRO scientists and researchers will personally guide and mentor the young innovators in the field of STEM education and Space technology.”, added NITI Aayog CEO Shri Amitabh Kant.

“We currently are witnessing an extremely exciting time in Space Technology. ISRO has been a global pioneer and innovative leader in this area with many crucial landmark achievements for India in the recent past. Recently ISRO has also opened up to startups and private players pitching in, and the future of space industry is very promising. This collaboration with ISRO will add great impetus to the opportunities provided by ATLs to young school students to learn in space technologies and innovate for the country” said Mr. Ramanathan Ramanan, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, adding “By providing access to the latest technologies, it not only aligns with the vision of the NEP 2020 but also paves the way for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

Atal Innovation Mission had earlier collaborated with ISRO for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC Initiative along with four other ministries to spur applied research and innovation in Indian MSMEs and startups.

4-Jan-2021: ISRO in collaboration with private sector will boost “AatmaNirbhar Bharat”: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated here today that ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) in collaboration with private sector will boost “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

In a brief about some recent achievements of ISRO and India’s space programme, Dr. Jitendra Singh gave full credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose personal intervention had made it possible to arrive at the historic decision to open up India’s Space sector for participation by private players. He said, the decision to create Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) will provide a level playing field for private companies as well as Start-Ups.  The proposed range of space activities includes Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, Geospatial services, Satellite Constellation, Application products, etc., he added.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the move to open up the Space sector for private participation was a path-breaking step taken by Prime Minister Modi  and has been widely welcomed by leading private players across the country. He quoted the Prime Minister's words that through these reforms, the endeavor is not only to ensure that India becomes a competitive  Space market, but also to ensure that the benefits of the Space programme reach out to the poorest. This is in keeping with the Modi Government's principle of planning every reform with the aim to benefit the poorest of the poor and to make India self-reliant through consistent endeavour in the direction of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he said.

Besides enhancing the capacity and resources of the Space sector, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, increased participation of private players will also discourage the brain-drain of talented Space scientists and experts who were otherwise moving out of India in search of a break. He further informed that more than 25 industries have already approached the Department of Space for undertaking space activities as per the guidelines.

Under the Modi government, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the applications of Space technology had, in the last six years, been extended to different areas of infrastructure development as well as to bring ease of living for the common citizen. The Space and satellite technology is today being extensively used in railways, road and bridge construction, agriculture sector, housing, tele-medicine, etc., besides disaster management and accurate weather forecast, he added.

9-Jun-2020: Private sector will be allowed to use ISRO facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said here today that private sector will be allowed to use Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities.

Briefing about India's achievement in the field of Space Technology during the first year of the 2nd term of the Modi Government, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that the Modi Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ roadmap towards self-relied India, as spelt out by Finance Minister, envisages the initiative to boost private participation in Space activities. Indian private sector will be a co-traveller in India's Space sector journey.

Private companies to be provided level playing field in satellites, launches and Space based services. Future projects for planetary exploration, outer space travel will be open for private sector.

Updating about India's first ever Human Space Mission ‘Gaganyaan’ to be undertaken by ISRO, Dr Jitendra Singh said the selection of the astronauts was accomplished and their training in Russia had also started but got interrupted because of the Corona pandemic.  He said the project would be followed up soon.

Inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said that in the year that has just gone bye, ISRO launched a special programme for young school children called ‘Young Scientists Programme - YUVIKA’. The programme is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology and its applications to the younger generations, he said.

Even during the Corona pandemic, ISRO scientists have been engaged in search of the best methods to provide essential medical devices, protective kits and other equipment.

5-Jun-2020: MoU between ISRO and ARIES

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Bengaluru and Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital for cooperation in the field of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Astrophysics was signed by Shri. R. Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO and Prof. (Dr.) Dipankar Banerjee, Director, ARIES through video at ISRO Headquarters and ARIES Headquarters on 4th June 2020.

Dr. A. K. Anilkumar, Director, Directorate for Space Situational Awareness & Management (DSSAM), Dr. P. Sreekumar, Satish Dhawan Professor, ISRO, Shri. Deva Arul Daniel, Associate Director, DSSAM, Ms. Bulbul Mukherjee, Associate Director, DSSAM, Dr. V. Girish, Deputy Director, Space Science Programme Office (SSPO) and Shri. C. V. S. S. Sowmitra, Deputy Programme Manager, DSSAM were present from ISRO side. Faculty members, chairs and co-chairs of ARIES, Dr. Brijesh Kumar, Dr. Amitesh Omar, Dr. Kuntal Misra, Dr. Manish Naja, Dr. T. S. Kumar and Dr. Santosh Joshi were present from ARIES side.

Space objects orbital tracking, analysis and space weather studies are important aspects in Space Situational Awareness & Management to safe guard Indian space assets from critical conjunction threats from space debris. Future endeavors in space exploration depends on R&D in Astrophysics, solar sciences and space environment. Self-reliance in these areas is key to the progress of Indian space arena.

This MoU will pave the way for future collaborations between ISRO and ARIES in establishing optical telescope observational facilities for space object tracking, R&D studies in space weather, astrophysics and Near Earth Object (NEO).

17-Sep-2019: ISRO and DRDO ink MoUs to provide technologies for human centric systems for Human Space Mission

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has joined hands with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for development of human centric systems for the Human Space Mission to demonstrate its human space flight capabilities. A delegation of ISRO scientists, led by Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair, signed a set of MoUs with various DRDO labs to provide technologies for human centric systems and technologies specific to the Human Space Mission.

The MoUs were signed by Directors of Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), Defence Laboratory (DL) Jodhpur, Centre for Fire, Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES), Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS) and Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS) in the presence of Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy and Scientist & Director General (Life Sciences), Dr A K Singh.

The technological capabilities existing in DRDO laboratories for defence applications will be customised to meet the requirements of the human space mission of ISRO. Some of the critical technologies to be provided by DRDO to ISRO include space food, space crew health monitoring and emergency survival kit, radiation measurement and protection, parachutes for safe recovery of crew module and others.

DRDO is committed to provide all necessary support to ISRO for the human space flight and customisation of the required technologies has already been initiated to meet the stringent timelines. ISRO aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability before the 75th anniversary of India’s independence in 2022.

31-Jul-2019: Cabinet approves ISRO Technical Liaison Unit at Moscow

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) at Moscow, Russia.

Financial Implications: An average annual expenditure of about Rs. 1.50 crore per annum is anticipated to be incurred at ITLU in Moscow, Russia towards salary, office expenses, rent, taxes etc.

Details: The ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) at Moscow will enable effective technical coordination for timely interventions on diversified matters with Russia and neighbouring countries for realization of the programmatic targets of ISRO. The Liaison Officer, deputed at ITLU from ISRO provides technical information about the developments in research and technology and inputs arising from their meetings with researchers, government agencies and industries in the respective countries. They also support the ongoing bilateral programmes of cooperation in space technology and act on behalf of ISRO on the matters referred.

Benefits:

• ISRO will be able to collaborate with Space agencies/industries in Russia and neighbouring countries for mutually synergetic outcomes.
• ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme requires development of some of the key technologies and establishment of specialized facilities, which are essential to support life in space.
• Keeping in view the 15th August, 2022 timeline for realization of the Gaganyaan human space programme, it is prudent to avail technical cooperation from International space agencies, who have already demonstrated their technical capabilities in specific areas.  Russia, being one of the space faring nations, it is envisaged to collaborate with Russia extensively in various fields of relevance.

Implementation Strategy: The ITLU Moscow office would be managed by an ISRO Scientist/Engineer designated as “Counsellor (Space)” on deputation, deputed from ISRO and supported by a staff locally sourced. The process is planned to be completed within six months from the date of approval.

Impact: The Liaison Officers provides technical information about the developments in research and technology and inputs arising from their meetings with researchers, government agencies and industries in the respective countries. They also support the ongoing bilateral programmes of cooperation in space technology and act on behalf of ISRO on the matters referred.

Background: Department of Space has instituted technical Liaison Units, namely ISRO Technical Liaison Units (ITLU) at Washington, USA and Paris, France with the prime objective to liaise with various Government and space agencies in USA and Europe, respectively. Space cooperation has been one of the major links between India and Russia almost from the beginning of the space era and currently both sides are actively pursuing interactions in diversified areas of space programme. Apart from intensifying cooperation with Russia, India has expanded its space cooperation with countries near to Russia. This calls for extensive uninterrupted coordination & interface support for increased level international technical collaboration.

18-May-2019: ISRO plans to conduct seven mega missions over next 10 years

ISRO is planning to accomplish six mega missions over the next 10 years, apart from Chandrayaan-2. Of these, only two have been defined — XPoSat and Aditya-L1 missions.

The four other undefined missions, which are in the planning stage, are: Mangalyaan-2, Venus mission, Lunar Polar Exploration and Exoworlds. The XPoSat, or the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, is a dedicated mission to study polarisation. It is scheduled for launch next year.

The payload was developed by Raman Research Institute. The spacecraft will carry Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) payload which will study the degree and angle of polarisation of bright X-ray sources in the energy range 5-30 keV. The satellite has a mission life of five years.

ISRO had already prepared a roadmap for the next 30 years. Aditya-L1 is an important mission planned for 2021, to study the solar corona. The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1), about 1.5 million km from the Earth. This will help understand how solar flares originate.

India’s much-delayed second moon mission, Chandrayaan-2, will be flight ready by this month end. ISRO declared that the spacecraft will be launched in July. Orbiter, Rover and Lander are ready. Last phase of testing is going on. By this month end, it will be ready for launch. But, there is a window launch between July 9 and July 16, considering factors like eclipse and other aspects.

India is landing in South polar region on Moon, which is an unexplored place as some new things might emerge which would be useful for science research. Payloads will analyse the composition of atmosphere, lunar sub-surface and mapping. Chandrayaan-2 will carry 13 Indian payloads and one passive experiment from NASA.

Some of the payloads are new and improved versions of the payloads flown earlier on Chandrayaan-1 orbiter. Some of them include Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer (CLASS) from ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bengaluru and Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM) from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, for mapping the major elements present on the lunar surface, L and S band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad for probing the first few tens of metres of the lunar surface for the presence of different constituents including water ice. SAR is expected to provide further evidence confirming the presence of water ice below the shadowed regions of the moon.

There will be Imaging IR Spectrometer for the mapping of lunar surface over a wide wavelength range for the study of minerals, water molecules and hydroxyl present.

Neutral Mass Spectrometer from Space Physics Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram to carry out a detailed study of the lunar exosphere. SAC has also provided Terrain Mapping Camera-2 for preparing a three-dimensional map essential for studying lunar mineralogy and geology. Two payloads on rover are Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope from Laboratory for Electro Optic Systems, Bengaluru and Alpha Particle Induced X -ray Spectroscope from PRL, Ahmedabad. Both instruments are expected to carry out elemental analysis of the lunar surface near the landing site.

Chandrayaan-2 costs about `800-crore. It’d orbit around the moon and perform the objectives of remote-sensing the moon. The payloads will collect scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice.

Timing of landing is crucial. When the Lander makes touchdown on a pre-determined site on the moon’s surface, there should be sunlight. In a month, moon sees sunlight for 14 days only. After that, the Lander will deploy a 6-wheel robotic Rover which will move around the site in semi-autonomous mode. The instruments on the rover will observe the lunar surface and send back data, which will be useful for analysis of the lunar soil.

1-Jan-2019: ISRO launches Samwad with Students on New Year Day

As part of the enhanced outreach programme of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a new platform named “Samwad with Students” (SwS) was launched in Bengaluru. Through the SwS initiative, ISRO aims to constantly engage youngsters across India to capture their scientific temperament. The new conversation mission will inspire students cutting across schools and colleges. The first SwS event saw 40 wards and 10 teachers from select schools interact with ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan at the Anthariksh Bhavan.

During the three-hour stay at ISRO HQ, the students were first briefed about Indian space programme and their benefits to the common man. In his opening remarks Dr Sivan said the SwS aims at drawing inspiration and motivation from young India. “All of you with your boundless energy and endless curiosity are going to be my biggest source of inspiration and motivation. With so many challenging on hand this year, I thought it is important to seek the well wishes of students who are the future of this country,” Dr Sivan said.

The Q&A session that followed saw Dr Sivan engaging students on a series of topics ranging from rockets, satellites, Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan and various space applications. When an 8th Standard student asked about whether ISRO was his first choice as a youngster, Dr Sivan said: “I was very shy when I was young. And, as far as college and career goes, I was always denied my first choice. After high school, I wanted to study Engineering but ended up studying B.Sc. Mathematics. Later, I got into Engineering and wanted to join ISAC (now URSC) Bengaluru, instead joined VSSC at Thiruvananthapuram. At VSSC, I wanted to join the Aerodynamics group, but was part of PSLV project instead.”

To another query from a 10th Standard student, - How scientists cope up with failures, Dr Sivan said the biggest lessons in life are often derived when the plans go astray. “Space missions are very complex in nature and totally different from terrestrial systems. They have to work in extreme environments more often. Our forefathers have shown us path to take failures in our stride and take on the challenges with a positive mindset,” he said.

When a student was keen to know how they could contribute to ISRO’s missions, Dr Sivan said: “When you complete your studies with focus on fundamentals of science, you could get back to us and help us solve our problems. We need solutions to many complex problems and you could be giving us answers to them in future.”

Dr Sivan explained to the students the importance of Indian space programme and its benefits to the society at large. He wanted them to take up science and mathematics with absolute seriousness which would enable them to take up challenging careers. “Whenever, we are short of ideas or inspiration, we will look for you. We will be ever ready to answer your questions related to India’s space missions,” Dr Sivan added.

On the sidelines, the students and teachers also interacted with ISRO scientists and engineers.

7-Feb-2018: ISRO sets up 473 Village Resource Centres for rural development through satellite technology

To demonstrate the potential of satellite technology for development of rural areas, ISRO established Village Resource Centres (VRCs) on a pilot scale, in association with selected NGOs, Trusts and State Government Departments.

VRCs have provided various space technology enabled services such as tele-healthcare, tele-education, natural resources information, advisories related to agriculture, career guidance to rural students, skill development and vocational training etc.

About Rs 18 crores was spent for establishing 473 VRCs.