ISRO General News and Updates

[Gautam Sarkar]

Astronomy and not astrology.

Oh yes.....my bad.

 

[Gautam Sarkar]

 

[Gautam Sarkar]

India Develops Unique Model to Hit Enemy Targets Without Positioning Error

19:47 GMT
21.04.2020

New Delhi: Due to the unavailability of a reliable model to predict the electron density of the ionosphere, navigation errors remain, creating technological hurdles. A new model developed by Indian researchers has potential applications in calculating these Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning errors.

In a major development that could have a wider impact, ranging from accurate aiming on enemy targets to scientific research in space weather, scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), have developed a global model to predict ionospheric electron density with larger data coverage. The ionosphere is a major source of error in GPS/GNSS-based positioning and navigation networks.

“Better ionospheric modelling will yield better accuracy of positioning in satellite based navigation. The current ionospheric model accuracy is significantly better compared to other ionospheric models used in single frequency GPS users,” said Dr. S. Tulasiram from IIG, one of the two primary researchers, to Sputnik.​

Named as an 'Artificial Neural Networks-based global Ionospheric Model' (ANNIM), the development uses long-term ionospheric observations to predict electron density and peak parameters of the ionised part of the Earth's upper atmosphere, between 46-621 miles above the surface. The model successfully reproduced large-scale anomalies in the ionosphere caused by solar and cosmic radiation.

“This model can be applied for all kinds of GNSS based positioning, aviation and navigation applications,” Tulasiram noted, when asked whether this model will be beneficial for armed forces in aiming at enemy targets.​

The development is crucial for armed forces as, over the past few years, Indian armed forces have, like all militaries, sought pinpoint accuracy to minimise collateral damage in targeting enemy positions.

Although several fighter jet and other missile systems have been fitted with highly-accurate navigation systems, few weapons in service can yet take advantage of this model.​

It was noted that the model can also be used for scientific investigations into space weather.

Scientists have previously modelled the ionosphere using theoretical and empirical techniques, but an accurate prediction of electron density remains the holy grail for precise positioning.

ANNIM replicates the processes the human brain uses to solve problems including pattern recognition, classification, clustering, generalization, linear and nonlinear data fitting, and time-series predictions. Very few attempts have been made to model global ionosphere variability using ANNIMs.

“The model can minimize positioning errors in navigation. It may not be possible to eliminate the errors completely,” Tulasiram emphasised.

https://sputniknews.com/world/20200...-hit-enemy-targets-without-positioning-error/

 

[Karthi]

Airbus to develop thermal instrument to support Franco-Indian climate satellite

Airbus Defence and Space has entered an agreement with the French Space Agency, Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), to develop a thermal instrument for the TRISHNA satellite which will monitor climate change. TRISHNA will be the latest satellite in the joint Franco-Indian satellite fleet dedicated to climate monitoring and operational applications – in order to develop an observation system with high thermal resolution CNES and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have joined forces.

Observations from the new satellite are expected to enhance the understanding of the water cycle, improve management of the planet’s water resources and better define the impacts of climate change, especially at local levels. Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, said: “France’s world-leading expertise in the Earth observation export market, combined with the unmatched efficiency and ambition of the Indian Space industry is going to bring thermal infrared imagery to a new level. “This will enable breakthrough applications in agriculture, urban and coastal zone management, meteorology, climate science and many commercial applications.”

 

[Karthi]

Fire broke out at ISROs Ammonium Perchlorate grinding facility , an electrical fault caused the fire . Some equipments are damaged .


There were many fire incidents in ISRO facilities in the last five years

 

[Karthi]

The Luxembourg based Kleos Space, a space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service company on Thursday said it is waiting for Indian space agency”s announcement for launch of its rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle – C49 (PSLV-C49). In a statement the company said it had shipped the four Kleos Scouting Mission satellites to the Indian satellite integration and rocket launch site at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh in February 2020. Shipment occurred on schedule, in preparation for launch activities.

Kleos Space said it eagerly awaits announcement of the launch date for PSLV-C49 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The launch is currently delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions outside its control. The company said the satellites once launched will cover crucial shipping regions for defence and security customers including the Strait of Hormuz, South China Sea, Australian coast, Southern US coast as well as the East and West African coast. When launched, Kleos” Scouting Mission satellites will form the foundation of a constellation that delivers a global picture of hidden maritime activity, enhancing the intelligence capability of government and commercial entities when the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is defeated, imagery unclear or targets out of patrol range, the statement said.

Idrw.org

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Will COVID-19 delay ISRO’s Aditya, Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-3?
ISRO chief says decision can be taken only after lockdown is lifted
By Rekha Dixit

ISRO had planned a busy calendar, with around two dozen launches | PTI

Three astronauts docked at the International Space Centre (ISS) on Thursday after taking off on a six-hour flight from Russia's Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The flight went as per schedule, though because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there were tweaks in the protocol, with the traditional pre-flight family meeting and press conference being modified to just an email presser.

However, the pandemic might cast a doubt on the dates of India's ambitious human space flight programme—Gaganyaan.

The first of three flights in the mission is slated for this December. The first two flights are unmanned, only the last, scheduled for 2022, will be a human flight.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been in lockdown since March 25, like the rest of India. "We, too, are working from home," ISRO Chairman K. Sivan told THE WEEK. "We cannot take any decision at this stage. We will have to wait for the lockdown to be lifted," he said.

Sivan added that all research and development and manufacturing were at a standstill, and only the work that is possible to be done from home, and through video conferencing, was being carried out.

Even the astronaut training of the four test pilots of the Indian Air Force has stopped in Russia because of pandemic restrictions.

ISRO had planned a busy calendar, with around two dozen launches, including Gagagyaan flight 1 in December 2020 and Aditya, India's first solar probe, scheduled for a summer launch. Also, Chandrayaan-3, though pushed to 2021, would have required a lot of work, both at the technical end, as well as the manufacturing.

Over 100 manufacturing units, big and small, in the private sector, are contracted to manufacture components for ISRO’s missions. All of them are shut. The manufacturing is massive, with rockets, satellites and scientific instrumentation having to get ready.

For Gaganyaan, there is a lot more work. Apart from R&D in every department, from space food to landing parachutes, a lot of which the Defence Research and Development Organisation has been doing, these components have to be manufactured, too.

It isn't just the delay due to lockdown. With the country pressing all available funds into dealing with the economic impact of the pandemic, there might be a recalibration of what is absolutely necessary right now. The country's strategic sector has never lacked for want of funds in the past, and ISRO is the master of the game when it comes to frugality.

But in the light of the extraordinary situation created by pandemic, the call to review expenditure is getting loud. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh recently said the country should put on hold projects like Gaganyaan and the Central Vista redevelopment.

Meanwhile, the GISAT-1 launch, which was mysteriously called off on March 4, a day before take-off citing an ambiguous "technical reason", appears to be postponed indefinitely. The rocket was rolled out of the launch pad to the Vehicular Assembly Building, and its satellite removed from it.

 

[Karthi]

India’s Space technology startup VestaSpace raises $10 mn from America.

Indian space technology startup VestaSpace Technology has received $10 million in funding from American investment and advisory firm Next Capital LLC, which specialises in making small satellite platforms for commercial and scientific applications.

The money will enable VestaSpace Technology expand the reach of its innovative solutions across India and the world. VestaSpace was founded in 2018 by a space engineer, Arun Kumar Sureban, as an off-beat venture, to help startups and mid-size businesses access the benefits of using small satellites, satellite communication, sensors, and connected devices.

The firm is capable of building small satellite platforms for applications such as communications and earth observation missions, among others. The company has already been working with ISRO and has aggressive strategic plans to expand globally. Sureban, who has worked on a series of CubeSat and nanosatellite projects through the venture, is optimistic that the funding will enable the startup to scale up significantly and estimates a growth boost of up to 300 per cent due to the funding. “This deal is going to be a great financial booster for VestaSpace Technology and will allow us to expand and scale up our operations and expand our footprint globally.

VestaSpace technology is aiming to acquire greater momentum by enabling businesses to leverage the potential of small and nanosatellites in India. Being a pioneer in this domain, we are also positioned to lead others. I strongly believe that India has tremendous intellectual capital for our innovative ventures to work,” said Arun Kumar Sureban. Next Capital LLC offers holistic service built around the investor and world-class advice at reasonable prices. Their associates range from the low balance startup investors to the sophisticated high-networth investors. The deal comes at just the right time for VestaSpace as the company was looking to expand operations after having established itself as a pioneer in its field.

 

[fire starter]

finally space sector is open for private companies .

 

[Karthi]

Pressure vessel for VSSCs new trisonic wind tunnel arrived at Kollam , Kerala . Pressure vessel's are developed Arkson Engineering , Nashik.


Trisonic means , Sub, Trans and Super Sonic . Hypersonic Wind tunnel is already in VSSC . Which is the third largest Hypersonic Wind tunnel in the world

 

[Karthi]

Aditya L1 India’s First Sun Mission

Introduction Aditya-L1 is a spacecraft mission of ISRO to study the Sun. It has been designed and will be built in collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and...

fullafterburner.weebly.com

A nice article on India's First Solar Mission Aditya . Give away a read

 

[Karthi]

ISRO to make 'Moon Soil' in India with a patent in hand; says it will aid Moon travel

ISRO has received a patent to replicate Moon Soil in India. ISRO Chief says it was important as it will assist Chandrayan-3's mission on Moon. Read more.

www.republicworld.com

ISRO to make 'Moon Soil' in India with a patent in hand; says it will aid Moon travel.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has obtained the patent for its extraordinary process of manufacturing artificial Moon Soil on Earth. The Lunar soil or the moon soil is called as 'Regolith' and making it on Earth will not only facilitate the study of the mobility of lunar rovers but it will help in anticipating the Moon surface before sending rovers. ISRO's application revealed that the method can effectively replicate lunar soil and it is also cost-effective.

ISRO procures patent for producing Moon Soil on Earth

Gaining the patent was amongst the few essential things required to begin with producing Regolith on Earth. All the required procedures have been fulfilled to start with the process of creating and producing the lunar soil simulant. ISRO has also found all the necessary factors such as mineralogy, grain size distribution, bulk chemistry and geo-mechanical properties, as per the patent application.

According to the recent reports, this patented process has enabled the Indian Space Research Organisation to replicate the highland lunar soil. The replicated soil will aid ISRO to perform tests and observations before sending the rovers on Moon's surface. The reports revealed that Moon's surface comprises 80 per cent of 'Highlands' which are the treacherous areas on the surface of the moon with craters, cavities and mountains.

Many other space organisations from several countries have failed to replicate lunar soil simulant and its behaviour on Earth. The difference between ISRO's lunar soil simulant and other agency's simulants is that ISRO has successfully found a way to replicate highlands where others created moon soil which is generally found in the flat regions of the Moon.

 

[Karthi]

Pressure vessel for VSSCs new trisonic wind tunnel, on the way to VSSC . Picture taken at a small town in Kerala .

 

[Karthi]

Made in India ‘moon soil’: ISRO gets patent.

The lunar soil simulant can be used for scientific studies of lunar terrain relating to mobility/trafficability of rover for scientific explorations or for the study of geo-technical/mechanical properties of lunar soil for understanding the engineering behaviour of lunar regolith or to carry out fundamental research work (theoretical and experimental) to postulate a broad design philosophy for realising civil engineering structures on the Moon surface, and to make a pathway to lunar locomotive engineering. Lunar exploration requires a full understanding of the physical and chemical properties of lunar surface soil as most of the building materials have to be produced out of the regolith for human settlement on the Moon.

As per the papers filed by ISRO, compositionally, the lunar soils fall into two broad groups: The highland soils, which are developed on anorthositic bedrock, and mare soils, which are developed on basaltic bedrock. Mare soils can be further sub-classified as to high or low titanium content soils. Highland soils are relatively enriched in aluminium and calcium, while mare soils are relatively enriched in iron, magnesium and titanium. The use of lunar simulants is focused on physical characteristics of the lunar regolith for undertaking landing and transportation activities. “There are more than 30 lunar simulants that have been produced to date, some of which have been exhausted,” ISRO said.

Most of the countries produced simulants representing the lunar mare region. The lunar highland crust occupies 83 per cent of the lunar surface. However, only limited number of simulants represent the regolith of the lunar highland region, ISRO said. According to the Indian space agency, most of the future missions propose for soft landing on the lunar highland region. Hence, there is an urgent need for a bulk quantity of lunar soil simulant, which represents the highland lunar crust. The lunar soil simulant of the present invention is exclusively manufactured to represent the lunar highland region. The regolith of the lunar highland region is mainly derived from anorthositic rock formation. The present simulant produced and manufactured in bulk quantity exactly from similar rock samples identified and picked out from the Sittampundi Anorthosite Complex, India. Moreover, the invention satisfied all aspects, including mineralogy, bulk chemistry, grain size distribution and geo-mechanical properties.

 

[Akula]

 

[fire starter]

future road map of isro

 

[Indx TechStyle]

ISRO turnover to zoom if units converted into separate entities: Official

Behemoths like ISRO with multiple focus points will be resistant to innovations owing to inertia and occupation of leaders' mind, to run the behemoth industry itself in the present avatar, said Tapan Misra, Senior Advisor, ISRO,

The sum of the turnover of Indian space agency's various divisions if spun off into different business entities will surpass that of its behemoth parent owing to focused leadership and innovation, said a senior official of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

He said the best of the efforts in innovation in such a large industry, the conversion in product outputs are meagre to the extent of 5 to 10 per cent.

"If ISRO is restructured in terms of smaller single-focus business entities like payload, satellite, rocket engine production, launcher integration and launch services, tracking and satellite maintenance services, the sum of turnovers of these individual entities will surpass substantially in comparison to the same by the ISRO behemoth," said Tapan Misra, Senior Advisor, ISRO and former Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO.

"The reason for improvement will be the encouragement of innovation by single focus leaderships. Many mammoth MNCs like Google, Microsoft, Space X, Boeing, and many others co-opt or fund or usurp innovative startups to create and absorb innovations. In India to reach this level, we may have to wait a few more years," Misra said.

He said every industry will come to a saturation point in terms of product output and even an increase in input resource-capital and manpower, there will be hardly any increase in output beyond saturation point.

"Innovation in business processes or manufacturing methods and strategies can improve efficiency. It means the saturation point can be achieved with lesser input resources. On the other hand, innovation on simplification of product design or bringing in more productive capital goods, i.e., the more efficient machinery to manufacture the products will raise the saturation output at same or lesser resources," Misra said.

Behemoths like ISRO with multiple focus points will be resistant to innovations owing to inertia and occupation of leaders' mind, to run the behemoth industry itself in the present avatar, he added.

Pointing out technology will become stagnant and innovations discouraged in the absence of competition, Misra said that monopoly does not incentivise the emergence of capable, forward-looking and risk-taking innovative leadership.

According to him, many of the monopolies were established, with sagacious minds as leaders, with an aim to bring the country in the front line of strategic sectors.

"Unfortunately, many wise men prefer less competent subordinates and successors in order to satisfy their desire of stranglehold in the organisation when in service and out of service. This leads to the gradual degradation of the leadership quality with successive transitions, leading to stagnation in technology and services," he said.

Market forces can play a role in promoting effective leadership as the profit and expansion are the prime motivation. It leads to re-emphasis of merit and leads to a better innovative environment.

 

[Akula]

I think this is a valid criticism of ISRO regarding their launch coverage.

 

[Assassin 2.0]

Amid Covid, India-Japan Moon mission takes shape, Isro to lead lander tech
Chethan Kumar | TNN | Updated: Jun 13, 2020, 09:52 IST

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BENGALURU: Even as both the countries continue to battle Covid-19 pandemic, Japan, which will be launching a joint lunar mission with India — Lunar Polar Exploration (LPE) — that hopes to put a lander and rover on Moon’s surface has, for the first time, spelled out details of the project that will see Isro lead the lander development.
As per details shared by Japanese space agency JAXA, the mission will be launched after 2023 — Isro currently has its human spaceflight programme (Gaganyaan) scheduled for 2022 — and will involve a lander and a rover. JAXA diagrams show that the Japanese would be building the overall landing module and the rover, while Isro would develop the lander system.
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The mission will be launched from Japan, and the designated launch vehicle is the H3 rocket, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Capture

The first thinking of this mission was made public in 2017, during a multi-space agencies’ meeting in Bengaluru and it was then also part of the inter-governmental discussions during PM Modi’s visit to Japan in 2018. TOI had reported in September 2019, that the project had since moved forward and both agencies were keen on landing on Moon together.
Now, a pre-project team established earlier this year is working on developing a comprehensive management plan for the collaborative mission; investigate the spacecraft system requirements and the various interface specifications in collaboration with Isro.
JAXA ISRO LUNAR MISSION PIC 1 Lunar Polar Exploration Mission Overview

Lunar Polar Exploration Mission Overview | Credit: JAXA
“...Analysis of observational data suggests the existence of water in the polar regions of Moon. JAXA is working with Isro to plan an international collaborative mission to obtain data on the quantity and forms of water resources present, in order to determine the feasibility of utilizing such resources for sustainable space exploration activities in the future,” JAXA said.
The mission’s aim is to obtain actual data regarding the quantity of water from in-situ observations of areas where water is anticipated to exist, based on the available past observational data. It also seeks to understand the distribution, conditions, form and other parameters of the lunar water resources in the polar regions.

Lunar Polar Exploration Mission | Credit: JAXA
“Through this mission, we also seek to improve the technology needed to explore the surface of low-gravity celestial bodies in order to support future lunar activities. These advancements include technology for mobility, lunar night survival and mining excavation,” JAXA added.
While recent observational data suggests that it is highly likely that water does not sublimate at ‘permanently shadowed regions’ (PSRs) — an example of a PSR would be an area that is lower than the surrounding ground, such as the inside of a crater — and remains near the lunar surface, the details about the water quantity, distribution and its form are still a mystery.

Investigation Sequence | Credit: JAXA
The investigation area and observation points (waypoints) with unique environmental and geological conditions will be selected prior to landing. The lander will land at a location near the investigation area that has long sunlit hours, and deploy the rover.
During operation, the rover will observe up to 2m underground, allowing the detection of possible water resources in the area. The rover will simultaneously observe the Moon surface.

Expected Results of Lunar Polar Exploration Mission | Credit: JAXA
“Rover will be equipped to conduct observations of the chemical elements present in areas where water may possibly be distributed. If hydrogen is detected, the rover will mine the surface to collect samples. Samples will then be heated to vaporize the volatile substances in order to determine the chemical composition, analyze the quantity of water and conduct isotopic analysis,” JAXA added.

 

[fire starter]