ISRO General News and Updates

[airtel]

Photo clicked by mangalyaan ..................

 

[Indx TechStyle]

On January 15, 2017, ISRO is planning to launch 82 satellites in one go in one rocket.

ISRO

Delayed, will occur around February (guessing) amid requirement of GSLV Mk3.
As the assembly of LVM3 has already started on second launch pad, it will be launched in late December, to put C37, some weeks later.

Photo clicked by mangalyaan ..................

Second Mars mission between 2018 and 20.
Officially confirmed.
http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/threads/indian-mission-to-mars.35020/page-41#post-1192025
For more photos

I have done a lot more on this thread. You can watch more photos.
http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/threads/indian-mission-to-mars.35020/page-40

 

[Akask kumar]

On January 15, 2017, ISRO is planning to launch 82 satellites in one go in one rocket.

ISRO

greater feat will be the launch of my night time fascination-- GSLVnext month.... i may change my profile pic as "Big Boy" GSLV..

 

[Chinmoy]

Photo clicked by mangalyaan ..................

Proud to see photo clicked by MOM on NGM cover page. Have to get the edition fast

 

[Indx TechStyle]

2 Launch Missions by ISRO left for this year:

November 28, 2016
ResourceSat-2A on PSLV C-36

December, 2016
GSAT 19E on GSLV Mk3 D1

 

[republic_roi97]

ResourSat-2A is going to happen in a weak's time. And then Holy LVM3

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Story of the Week - Indian Space Research Organization
ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) Celebrates Ruby Year

ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) was established on September 06, 1976 for facilitating to-and-fro communication conduit for launch vehicles and satellites of ISRO, in addition to carrying out satellite mission operations. Since then, its growth is in tune with the developments around the world. ISTRAC made a humble beginning from TERLS to support RH-series missions in 1970 and Aryabhata in 1975 through P/VHF bands from SHAR. Today, ISTRAC has emerged as a world class ground support provider, having a state-of-the-art TTC Network, Deep Space Network (DSN), TTC Network Control Centre, Mission Operations Complex and Space Science Data Centre. It is also responsible for operating the ISRO Navigation Centre, Search and Rescue - Disaster Management (SAR-DMS) operations, Hub for Space-based services, Radar Development for launch vehicle tracking and Weather Forecasting.

Car Nicobar down range station was established in 1975 and successfully supported all SLV missions. During 1976, a Satellite Tracking And Ranging Station (STARS) was established at Kavalur with Ruby Laser Radar and an Optical Tracking Camera. In 1978, a VHF system was established at Ahmedabad to support Bhaskara missions that provided additional data for updating the orbital elements. The launch of APPLE in 1981 brought in a major improvement in TTC and mission support. New C-Band terminals were realised at SHAR and Ahmedabad to support the normal phase of the mission. In order to have additional contact with the satellites, as well to obtain more tracking data, external network station of RSA, CNES and DLR were utilised.

A major decision was taken in 1982 to shift the frequency of operations for both the launch vehicles and satellites to S-Band. Towards catering to ASLV / PSLV / IRS Projects, ISTRAC proposed and augmented the TTC network under ISTRAC Expansion Project, namely, launch base TTC station with redundancy at SHAR, a down range station at Car Nicobar , intermediate down range station at Thiruvananthapuram, a down range station at Mauritius and a station at Lucknow, specifically to support IRS Missions.

In 1984, ISTRAC became a unit of ISRO and shifted to Bangalore towards establishing a Spacecraft Control Centre with associated TTC stations and computer systems for supporting the IRS missions. This major task was undertaken by ISTRAC and established in time for the launch of IRS-1A on March 17, 1988. Also, a station for South-bound PSLV launches was established at Mauritius in 1986. To take care of flame attenuation at the SHAR station, an 8 Meter S-Band antenna was established at Thiruvananthapuram in 1987. Also, 2 x 10M S-band terminals were established at Bangalore and Lucknow each and one at Mauritius. The Car Nicobar station was shifted to Port Blair during 1995 after closure of the ASLV project.

ISTRAC could establish eight S-band TTC stations at geographically spread locations in a period of ten years. Today, ISTRAC has become a repository of domain knowledge and ready to take up various diversified activities. Also, during 1997, ISTRAC facilitated satellite-based communication DAMA network, interconnecting various units of ISRO.

In order to meet the continuous Telemetry requirements of GSLV, an intermediate down range station at Brunei and a down range station at Biak (Indonesia) were established during 1998 that continued to serve all East-bound PSLV/GSLV Missions. As Biak station has some exclusive passes that are not visible to Indian stations, it is optimally utilised to support the satellite operations as well. The initiation of ISTRAC Network Modernisation (in 2 phases) during the year 2000, brought in the state-of-the-art systems with miniaturisation and multi-functional capabilities, paving the way for automated network control. The second S/C-Band terminal was put up at Biak during 2005 to support LEOP operations of GEO Missions. Also, during this period, fully automated VHF terminals were established at low-cost to support HAMSAT Mission. In 2006, the upgradation of Bangalore and Lucknow S/X terminals from 3.7 M to 11 M terminal was completed. And, a new 11 M S-Band TTC terminal was established in MOX complex during 2007 towards support of Cartosat missions.

Establishing the ground segment for Chandrayaan-1 mission was the biggest challenge for ISTRAC. An 18 metre S-Band DSN antenna was installed to support Chandrayaan-1 mission during 2007 and the indigenous 32 meter S/C-Band deep space antenna was realised in 2008 with a record time of just two years. The Indian Space Science Data Centre became the focus of all lunar science activities. A 11 M S/X-Band antenna has been established for the exclusive support of ASTROSAT Mission in the IDSN complex during the same period. 2009 saw an S/X second terminal at Mauritius for payload data reception and SHAR / Thiruvananthapuram antennas were upgraded with 11 M antennas. ISTRAC Transportable Terminals supported PSLV-C19/RISAT (2012), PSLV-C25/MOM (2013) and PSLV-C34/Cartosat-2 series satellite mission (2016) from Rodrigues / Pacific ocean / Rodrigues respectively. In both Chandrayaan-1 and MOM missions, the man – machine endurance was successfully tested.

The existing Spacecraft Control Centre of the 80s was configured to support a main satellite and a co-passenger. As the satellites grew with complexity and in quick succession, new control centres had to be established and thus sophisticated MOX-1 (2008) and MOX-2 (2010) were realised in a separate campus which can support dual launch missions simultaneously. The automation of satellite operations has brought in a sense of secured monitoring and control of the satellites. Currently, ISTRAC handles 15 satellites and ensures their services. And to take care of any exigencies ISTRAC has established an alternate control centre at Lucknow and IDSN.

ISTRAC has so far supported 64 of launch vehicle/satellite missions. ISTRAC provided TTC support for EUTELSAT Mission in 1990/91. It also contributed to the business of ANTRIX by providing TTC support to external agencies and supported two dozen missions so far.

On the RADAR front, Doppler Weather Radars and C/S-Band tracking radars were designed, developed and operationalised by ISTRAC. The IRNSS Ground Segment consists of INC-1 and 2, Timing Facility, IRDCN, 14 IRIMS and 4 IRCDR stations are maintained by ISTRAC, helping to enable the critical IRNSS services. The search and rescue and disaster management facility at ISTRAC is providing reliable services to people under distress. The LEOLUT was augmented with GEOLUT and currently, work related to MEOSAR has begun. The hub for the space-based services supports various societal applications such as Tele-Education, Tele-Medicine and VRC.

Reliability and Quality Assurance (REQA) Group has focused its attention towards achieving high reliable operational support of the ISTRAC Ground Segment. It has established a Test Instrument facility at Bangalore for calibration of test instruments. It has achieved its excellences in providing calibration, incoming inspection and in-process inspection support for the various mission critical processes of ISTRAC.

ISTRAC Celebrated the Ruby Year today (November 21, 2016) after completing 40 years of its existence. The evolution of ISTRAC from being a tracking station for the SLV/Aryabhata mission to a state-of-the-art ground support centre, capable of supporting complex missions like GSLV and Mars Orbiter Mission, is noteworthy. Prof Dhawan initiated the process of forming ISTRAC and subsequent Chairmen of ISRO and Directors nurtured ISTRAC in to a world-class TTC service Facility and Satellite Operations Centre. At the Ruby day function organised at MOX, ISTRAC today, Mr A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman ISRO and Secretary DOS delivered the Presidential Address and relived the Souvenir. Mr KVVSSSR Anjaneyulu, Director, ISTRAC welcomed the invitees. Former Directors of ISTRAC, Mr K V Venkatachary, Dr. S Rangarajan, Dr S K Shivakumar and Mr. B S Chandrashekhar shared their experiences during the function.

Celebration of Ruby Year at ISTRAC

Apple Control Centre

Honourable PM Addressing ISRO after witnessing the historic successful insertion of Mars Orbiter Mission into Martian Orbit

Downrange Station at Biak (Indonesia)

ISTRAC Antenna at Mauritius

Story of the Week - Archive
Nov 21, 2016 : ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) Celebrates Ruby Year
Nov 14, 2016 : Indigenous Bus Bar Development for GSAT-19
Nov 07, 2016 : Asia-Pacific Space Leaders Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction
Oct 31, 2016 : SCATSAT-1 Wind Products (BETA Version) Released
Oct 24, 2016 : NARL MST Radar observes echoes from the Moon
Oct 17, 2016 : INSAT-3DR Augments INSAT-3D for Improved Weather Monitoring and Prediction
Oct 10, 2016 : Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) - Gateway to India's Space Science Data

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[Indx TechStyle]

Mid of the week and no official declaration of launch date (C-36 on November, 28th), I was feared that it may not be delayed.

And look, it happened. Due to some technical problems, new launch date is there in December, 7th now. Most likely, LVM3 D1 may be pushed for next month.

డిసెంబర్ 7న మరో ఉపగ్రహ ప్రయోగం

డిసెంబర్ 7న మరో ఉపగ్రహ ప్రయోగం
భారత అంతరిక్ష పరిశోధన సంస్థ (ఇస్రో) మరో ఉపగ్రహ ప్రయోగానికి సిద్ధమవుతోంది. పిఎస్ఎల్వీ-సి36ను డిసెంబర్ 7వ తేదీన ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ లోని శ్రీ పొట్టిశ్రీరాములు నెల్లూరు జిల్లాలో గల షార్ నుండి ప్రయోగించాలని ఇస్రో వర్గాలు నిర్ణయించాయి. ఈ రాకెట్ ద్వారా 1225 కిలోల బరువు గల రిసోర్స్ శాట్-2ఎ ఉపగ్రహాన్ని కక్ష్యలో ప్రవేశపెట్టనున్నారు. ఈ మేరకు షార్ లోని కల్పన సమావేశ మందిరంలో ఇస్రో ఉన్నతాధికారులు వీడియో కాన్ఫరెన్స్ నిర్వహించారు. ఈ కాన్ఫరెన్సులో షార్ డైరెక్టర్ కున్హికృష్ణన్, ఉపగ్రహ డైరెక్టర్, పి.ఎస్.ఎల్.వి. ప్రాజెక్ట్ డైరెక్టర్ మహేశ్, తిరువనంతపురంలోని విక్రమ్ సారా భాయ్ అంతరిక్ష కేంద్రం, ఇస్రో ప్రధాన కార్యాలయపు శాస్త్రవేత్తలు పాల్గొన్నారు. ఈ సందర్భంగా పలు అంశాలపై వారు చర్చలు జరిపారు. వాతావరణ పరిస్థితులను బట్టి రాకెట్ ను నింగిలోకి లాంచ్ చేయాలని నిర్ణయించారు. ప్రస్తుతానికి ప్రయోగ తేదీని మాత్రం నిర్ణయించారు. ఏ సమయంలో ప్రయోగించాలనేదానిపై ఇంకా నిర్ణయానికి రానప్పటికీ ఉదయం పది గంటల లోపు ప్రయోగాన్ని పూర్తిచేయాలని భావిస్తున్నారు.

http://m.telugu.samayam.com/latest-...pslv-c36-on-december/articleshow/55427951.cms

 

[Akask kumar]

Mid of the week and no official declaration of launch date (C-36 on November, 28th), I was feared that it may not be delayed.

And look, it happened. Due to some technical problems, new launch date is there in December, 7th now. Most likely, LVM3 D1 may be pushed for next month.

http://m.telugu.samayam.com/latest-...pslv-c36-on-december/articleshow/55427951.cms

but a delayed launch is better than a failed launch...:biggrin2:

 

[G10]

Well Still ISRO is much better than DRDO HAL ADE etc.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Well Still ISRO is much better than DRDO HAL ADE etc.

No, all are in the same league in their way.

DRDO and ADE lags against most of their counterparts from stronger countries and so is ISRO. Though, under new government, ISRO's frequency has been improved but again, even DRDO and ADE are doing better. The reasons ISRO.gets always more attention:

1. ISRO doesn't have so many competitors. Very few countries have active launch oriented space programs. Fortunately, we are one of them. But even today, we brutally lag behind them in capacity and still catching up. DRDO and HAL are insulted for slow progress to tackle decades old western agencies, but that ISRO lags behind even China and Japan, the countries who started space programs together with India.
2. The stupidity touches it's extreme when people say ISRO must help in Kaveri because it has rocket engines but aircraft engines are far more complex than rocket/missile engines. Unlike single use engines in missiles/LVs, they have to be used again and again. DRDO also has a stellar record in ballistic missile technology. In fact, I believe that DRDO can even make powerful rockets than ISRO.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Press Information Bureau​

Government Of India​

Department of Space​

(23-November, 2016 18:22 IST )​

Funds for Space Technology​

The amount of funds allocated to Department of Space for the development of space technology during the last three years are given below:

(Rs. in crore)


Financial Year

Budget Allocated

2013-14

5172.00

2014-15

5826.00

2015-16

6959.44

During last financial year, the Department of Space has utilized funds to the extent of 99.43% w.r.t. to RE allocations. The details of amount utilized and that has remained unspent during the last financial year is given below:

(Rs. in crore)


Financial

Year

Revised

Estimates

Actuals

Amount

unspent

% utilisation

wrt RE

2015-16

6959.44

6920.00

39.44

99.43%

The requirement of funds for Space Technology is driven by the programmatic targets envisaged during coming years. It is proposed to increase the budget allocations in 2016-17 for Space Technology compared to RE allocation made during previous financial year. The increased allocation is proposed to be utilized for meeting the programmatic targets such as supporting space based information technology connectivity in the country through first generation high throughput communication satellite like GSAT-11 operating in Ka/Ku band; development of Advanced Launch Vehicle Technology; high-resolution imaging system; Satellite Navigation System; and Space Science & Planetary Exploration.

This information was provided by the 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 in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Press Information Bureau​

Government Of India​

Department of Space​

(23-November, 2016 18:23 IST )​

Bilateral Agreements​

Government of India and its national space body, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) of Department of Space (DOS) has signed MoU/ bilateral agreements with 39 foreign countries on peaceful uses of outer space viz. Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Norway, Peru, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, The Netherlands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Vietnam. The scope of cooperation under these MoUs include - Joint development of scientific instruments; joint realization of satellite missions; joint calibration and validation experiments; development of advanced technologies for building and launching of spacecrafts for earth observation and space science exploration.

The outcomes expected from various new space projects in the next two years include – (i) continuity of data and services for natural resources monitoring, all weather imaging, oceanography, disaster management support; (ii) enhancing remote sensing capability with high resolution data; (iii) augmentation of INSAT/GSAT capacity; (iv) enhancing communication capability with high throughput satellites; (v) building indigenous capability for launching 4 ton class communication satellites; (vi) building operational applications of indigenous navigation system NavIC.

This information was provided by the 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 in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Nov 23, 2016
ISRO/DOS community grieves the passing away of Prof. M G K Menon

Prof. M G K Menon, who headed the Indian Space Programme as Chairman, ISRO during a brief yet crucial period in 1972, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. This is a great loss for Indian Science and Technology.

Though trained as a high energy physicist, Prof. Menon made rich contributions to both scientific and technological domains of independent India as a prominent science administrator.

Prof. Menon was associated with Indian Space Programme right from its inception. He was a member of Indian National Committee on Space Research (INCOSPAR), a national body of eminent scientists chaired by Dr Vikram Sarabhai set up by the Government of India in February 1962 to oversee the space programme of India. Prof. Menon was a close associate of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the architect of Indian Space Programme and was involved in many critical decisions taken during the Genesis and early evolutionary years of Indian Space Programme.

Following the sudden death of Dr. Sarabhai on December 30, 1971, the Indian government asked Prof. Menon to head the Indian Space Programme. In spite of his other significant responsibilities like the head of Electronics commission, Director, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Director, PRL, Prof. Menon accepted this formidable challenge and steered the Indian Space Programme during January-September 1972.

His decisions as chairman, ISRO facilitated the later rapid and orderly progress of Indian Space Programme and its entry into the domain of satellites and Launch Vehicles during 1970s.

It was during the chairmanship of Prof. Menon the agreement between India and Soviet Union on the launch of India's first satellite Aryabhata by a Soviet Rocket was signed in May 1972. Prof. Menon also took the important decision to amalgamate various entities involved in Space Research work at Thumba and Veli Hills into a single large entity which later achieved fame as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Later, Prof Menon served as a member of space commission.

Though the period during which Prof. Menon steered the Indian Space Programme was brief, nevertheless it was a momentous time and the decisions which he took during that period had a profound influence on the expansion and sustenance of Indian Space Programme resulting in India achieving the status of a key player in the domain of space.

The ISRO/Department of Space community grieves the passing away of Prof MGK Menon and remembers with gratitude his precious contributions to the Indian space programme.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Somewhere around 70s and 80s:

Dr Vikram A Sarabhai

Dr M Annadurai
Director, ISAC
"There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the comity of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society."
- Dr Vikram A Sarabhai

But this is 21st Century now.
Time has changed, we are also an economically and militarily advanced nation, trying to be more advanced and prosperous in upcoming decades. So, we will not only screw everyone up in path of our progress but will try to outshine leading ones too.
:biggrin2::biggrin2:
Indian Lunar Space Probes and Exploration

ISRO - Reusable Launch Vehicle

India's Deep Space Exploration Observatories (Orbital)

India's Solar Exploration Probes

Indian Mission to Mars

Indian Human Spaceflight Program (HSP)

ISRO's low-cost launch service irks US companies

 

[Indx TechStyle]

ISRO in global competition to cut cost of satellite launch

(File photo)

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When space faring nations are focused on innovative cost-effective launches, ISRO with its commercial arm, Antrix Corporation is set on its challenge of developing low-cost reliable space launch vehicles. Now, with increasing global competition, India needs to focus on cost effective space launches by re-engineering the production models of space vehicles and design manufacturing to drive down the cost of space launches, Antrix chairman and managing director (CMD) S Rakesh said.

"At the global level, lot of developments are happening in terms of small satellite launches and some low cost space launch vehicles are coming up. In about three to five years, globally it is aimed at reducing the space launch costs further. Many countries, including US, Ukraine, Russia, China and New Zealand are developing it. We are seeing threats from different quarters of the world and India should gear up to meet the challenges of global competition," Antrix CMD S Rakesh told TOI.

Further he said, "I am cautioning our community that, PSLV has an edge, as it is a sought-after launch vehicle in the global market and should keep it that way. All other launch vehicles should be made cost-effective". He was speaking on the side lines of the tenth National symposium and exhibition on Aerospace and Defence related Mechanisms seminar (ARMS 2016) that began here on Friday. He also inaugurated the aerospace expo here that will be wound up on Saturday.

According to ISRO sources the cost of SAARC satellite launch in March 2017 is estimated at Rs 236 crore and PSLV launch pegged at Rs 90 to Rs 100 crore, the European space agency's Ariane-5 rocket launch incurs Rs 721 crore and the US space manufacturer Space X's Falcon-9 incurs around Rs 500 crore. Yet, they are set to reduce the costs further by recovering and reusing the boosters.

"US space venture such as Space X are into recovery and re-use of boosters after the launch and it reduces the cost by 40 per cent. India has developed the technology demonstrator of Reusable Launch Vehicle and is yet to attain the stage of recovery of the launch vehicle after it lands, so that it can be re-used to reduce the cost of launches. We are trying to keep pace with the world and it's a major challenge," VSSC former director S Ramakrishnan told TOI. Lowering the costs further calls for high-end innovative space technology, he said.

While, inaugurating ARMS through video conference, ISRO chairman AS Kiran Kumar emphasized that young engineers should concentrate more on the modelling and analysis of the complex systems for better prediction of flight performance. He said the seminar is attended by more than 300 technocrats, engineers, scientists and industry specialists.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director K Sivan in his presidential address stressed that cost-effective, autonomous and Reliable space systems are the need of the hour and asked the scientific community to strive towards this aim. He also spoke of the vital role that the mechanisms play for the future missions like the Human in Space program and other interplanetary missions that are in the pipeline.

Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre director S Somnath spoke of the important role that various Deployable and Hold down mechanisms need to play in the advanced satellite systems and in various docking, rendezvous activities that are going to the part and parcel of future space missions. He also released the souvenir. Indian National Society for Aerospace and Defence Related Mechanisms (INSARM) National Council president AM Datar released the seminar proceedings.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) signs Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to Promote Collaboration in the Space Field
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) signs
Memorandum of Understanding
with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to Promote
Collaboration in the Space Field
November 11, 2016 (JST)
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

On 11 November 2016, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote collaboration in the space field in the presence of the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Damodardas Modi, at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office.

Japan and India aim to deepen their collaboration cooperation in the space field since the bilateral talk between the two leaders held in September 2015. Under this MoU, JAXA and ISRO intend to strengthen the bilateral cooperation, and identify and carry out mutually beneficial and strategic cooperative projects on space applications, space exploration, space science, R&D and promotion of the space industry.

The MOU was signed by Naoki Okumura, President of JAXA, and Sujan R. Chinoy, Ambassador of India to Japan, on behalf of the Chairman of ISRO, A. S. Kiran Kumar.

JAXA President Naoki Okumura(right) and Ambassador Sujan R.
Chinoy(left) shakes hands after the MOU exchange ceremony, in the
presence of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Story of the Week - Indian Space Research Organization
Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based Remote Sensing in NE Region

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), popularly known as Drone, is an airborne system or an aircraft operated remotely by a human operator or autonomously by an onboard computer. UAV based Remote Sensing (UAV-RS) is the new addition to the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) for large-scale mapping and real time assessment and monitoring activities of various applications.

NE-SAC has taken the initiative for design and assembling of UAVs for various applications. Different components of the UAV are selected based on the design parameters (Table 1) and assembled as per the requirements. A Hex Copter was designed and assembled by NE-SAC, which can carry maximum payload up to 2.5 Kg of different sensors such as thermal, multispectral, optical, hyperspectral or LIDAR. The centre is also equipped with a Ready-to-fly Quad Copter with an integrated optical sensor, which can capture high-resolution geo-tagged aerial photos and high-definition videos.

In addition, NE-SAC has also indigenously developed a Fixed Wing UAV and the flight test was successfully carried out on November 01, 2016 at NE-SAC. The design parameters along with flight test results are given in the Table 2.

The multi rotor based UAV has been flown in different areas of NE states by NE-SAC as part of technology developmental activities. Few tests were made based on the demands from the respective District Administrations of NE region. Some of the important case studies made by the centre are highlighted below:

1. Mapping of Landslide Affected Area: Mapping of landslide affected area was taken at the request of District Disaster Management Authority of Nongpoh, Meghalaya. The NH-40 connecting Guwahati to Shillong city is considered to be the life line of Meghalaya State. A number of landslides had occurred there which caused loss of life and properties.

   
   3D View of Landslide

2. Infested Crop Damage Assessment:Naramari village of Morigaon District, Assam, India had been reported severe infestation of Boro Paddy by Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) insect. As per the request from officials from State Government of Assam, an UAV flight was conducted in the affected area and a total area of 0.55 sq. km was covered with a 15 minutes flight. Figure shows the categorisation of BPH infested rice fields.

   
   
   
   Infested Fields in Naramari Village, Morigaon District, Assam
   
   Categorisation of BPH Infested Rice Fields

3. Large Scale Mapping of Nongpoh Town of Meghalaya: A flight was performed at 120 m height along the NH-40 for a period of 12 minutes covering an area of 0.84 Sq. Km. The image was acquired with a ground pixel resolution of 5 cms.

   
   Nongpoh Town as viewed from UAV
   
   
   
   Large Scale Land Use Map of Nongpoh Town
   
   

4. 3-Dimensioinal Terrain Model Construction: The realistic and aesthetically pleasing 3D mesh models, accurate 3D models for volumetric analysis etc.,can be generated from the UAV imagery. Figure shows the 3D reconstruction of Municipal Urban Development Authority (MUDA) shopping complex of Nonghpoh town using the UAV images with a ground pixel resolution of 5 cms.

   
   3D Reconstruction: MUDA Shopping Complex, Nongpoh

NE-SAC organised a two weeks advance course on "UAV Remote Sensing – Technological Advances and Applications", during October 31 – November 11, 2016 to provide in-depth understanding and knowledge in the field of UAV remote sensing and its relevant technologies and applications. A total of 26 participants from different parts of the country attended the training programme.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Operational Challenges and Issues

The imagery obtained from UAVs can immensely support in many applications ranging from large scale mapping, urban modelling to vegetation structure mapping. However, there are restrictions like – i) limitation in the size of the study area, ii) constraint in processing of large volume of data, iii) requirement of large scale processing and large storage space, etc. In addition, existing features capturing and extraction techniques need to be improved for processing of high dimensional UAV data. UAVs can perform efficient surveys for disaster prone or physically inaccessible areas, quick damage assessment of landslides, floods and earthquakes for enabling relief measures.

Table 1: Test Flight Results of Hex Copter

Sl. No.

Design Criterion

Design Parameter

Test Flight Results


1

Payload capacity

Up to 2.5 kgs

A maximum of 1.5 kgs was tested


2

Flight endurance

Up to 30 mins

15 mins for 1.5 kgs payload and 25 mins for GoPro/YI action camera (weight less than 100 gms)


3

Fly options

Manual, GPS aided, Autonomous

All tested successfully


4

Fly height

Up to 2 Kms

Tested up to 500 m which was good enough for required applications


5

Fly range

Up to 2 Kms

Tested up to 1.8 kms with clear line of sight





Table 2: Test Flight Results of Experimental Fixed Wing UAV

Sl. No.

Design Criterion

Design Parameter

Test Flight Results


1

Payload capacity

Up to 0.5 kgs

A maximum of 0.2 kgs was tested


2

Flight endurance

Up to 30 mins

Tested up to 20 mins with 0.2 kgs of payload


3

Fly options

Manual

Tested successfully


4

Fly height

Up to 0.5 Kms

Tested up to 300 m


5

Fly range

Up to 1 Kms

Tested up to 0.5 kms with clear line of sight

The Customisable Hex Copter Ready to Fly Quad Copter

Flight Test of Fixed Wing UAV carried out successfully at NE-SAC

Story of the Week - Archive

Nov 28, 2016 : Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based Remote Sensing in NE Region
Nov 21, 2016 : ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) Celebrates Ruby Year
Nov 14, 2016 : Indigenous Bus Bar Development for GSAT-19
Nov 07, 2016 : Asia-Pacific Space Leaders Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction
Oct 31, 2016 : SCATSAT-1 Wind Products (BETA Version) Released
Oct 24, 2016 : NARL MST Radar observes echoes from the Moon
Oct 17, 2016 : INSAT-3DR Augments INSAT-3D for Improved Weather Monitoring and Prediction

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[Indx TechStyle]

It seems to be the NOTAM for C-36.
@kurup

Credit: tehwkd