ISRO news and views

[Sridhar]

CFRP PLF Functional Test
Indigenously developed Advanced Mission Computer (AMC) packages, RESINS Mk IV package, Composite 4m payload fairings, Piston type EGC actuators for L40s and Advanced Telemetry System (ATS) packages will be inducted in the vehicle systems in GSLV-D3 flight.
The flight stage integration of the indigenous cryogenic upper stage is in the final stage and the maiden launch of GSLV with indigenous cryo stage is planned in 2009.
Cryogenic Upper Stage Project
The indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) which has been realised, will be flight tested in GSLV-D3 Mission. The full duration (720 s) stage level hot test was successfully completed on November 15, 2007.
The Flight Acceptance Hot Test of Indigenous Cryogenic Engine was successfully conducted at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre’s (LPSC) Mahendragiri facilities on December 18, 2008.
The indigenous cryogenic engine develops a thrust of 73 kilo Newtons (kN) in vacuum with a specific impulse of 454 seconds and provides a payload capability of 2200 Kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) for GSLV. The Engine works on ‘Staged Combustion Cycle’ with an integrated turbo pump running at around 42,000 rotations per minute (rpm). It is also equipped with two steering engines developing a thrust of 2 kN each to enable three-axis control of the launch vehicle during the mission. Another unique feature of this engine is the closed loop control of both thrust and mixture ratio, which ensures optimum propellant utilisation for the mission.
The indigenous Cryogenic Engine is being integrated with propellant tanks, stage structures and associated feed lines to realise the first fully integrated indigenous flight Cryogenic Stage.
GSLV-Mk III
GSLV-Mk III is envisaged to launch a four tonne satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. GSLV-Mk III is a three-stage vehicle with a 110 tonne core liquid propellant stage (L-110) and a strap-on stage with two solid propellant motors, each with 200 tonne propellant (S-200). The upper stage will be cryogenic with a propellant loading of 25 tonne (C-25). GSLV- Mk III will have a lift-off weight of about 629 tonne and will be 42.4 m tall. The payload fairing will have a diameter of 5 metre and a payload volume of 100 cubic metre.

L-110 engine test at liquid propulsion test facilities, Mahendragiri​

Efforts to develop various subsystems are progressing satisfactorily with the establishment of necessary infrastructure at ISRO centres such as the propellant casting facility for 200 t solid boosters etc. GSLV-Mk III uses new propulsion stages such as 200 tonne solid boosters, 110 tonne liquid stage and 25 tonne cryogenic upper stage. The launch of GSLV-Mk III is scheduled during 2009-10. A Solid Propellant Plant (SPP) for manufacturing S-200 solid boosters for GSLV-Mk III was successfully commissioned at SDSC SHAR. Casting and curing of one of the live S-200 segments was completed successfully achieving excellent propellant properties. The facilities have undergone rigorous test and evaluation at various levels and many trials were carried out using inert propellant to obtain safety clearance from the review committees. The new S-200 SPP is provided with automation and remote operation features to reduce manpower and improve safety.
GSLV-Mk III programme is presently in the hardware testing and qualification phase. Subsystem level development tests have been completed in most of the areas. The Project is entering into the phase of stage level tests for propulsion modules and vehicle level tests like Ground Resonance Test (GRT).
For C25, subsystem level tests are nearing completion and engine tests are planned during 2010. Majority of the facility realisation across different launch vehicle centers and industries have been completed.
Some of the major accomplishments include Solid Propellant Plant (SPP) commissioning, S200 Flex Nozzle Control (FNC) system integrated tests, L110 engine qualification, Cryo Engine subsystem tests and sub assembly acoustic tests.

 

[Sridhar]

Advanced Technology Vehicles
Research and development activities in semi-cryogenic propulsion stages, air breathing propulsion and re-usable launch vehicle technology are also being pursued vigorously in an effort towards reducing the cost of access to space.
Air Breathing Rocket Systems are the one that use atmospheric oxygen from the surroundings and burn it with the stored on-board fuel for producing the forward thrust in contrast to the conventional chemical rocket systems, which carry both the Oxygen and fuel on board. As a result, air-breathing systems become much lighter and more efficient leading to reduced overall costs.
Air Breathing Propulsion, along with Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology will lower cost of space access drastically. Scramjet engine with supersonic combustion is identified the most critical element in Air Breathing propulsion technology. Computational flow simulation and supersonic combustion in ground testing have been successfully achieved.
Hypersonic air intake models are studied in wind tunnels simulating high flight velocities. Computational Fluid Dynamics play an important role in understanding the complex flow field involved.
Scramjet engine modules (passive) for the DMRJ flight demonstration were realised and alignment / integration with the test vehicle is progressing. Real time decision based ignition of second stage, a first of its kind is ready for implementation in the test flight.
Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD)
As a first step towards realising a Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) fully re-usable launch vehicle, a series of technology demonstration missions have been conceived. For this purpose a Winged Reusable Launch Vehicle technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) has been configured. The RLV-TD will act as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies viz., hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air breathing propulsion. First in the series of demonstration trials is the hypersonic flight experiment (HEX).

An artist’s view of RLV-TD​

Towards this, Airframe Engineering model, axisymmetric proto nose cap after graphitisation (C-C) and slow burn rate propellant were realised. Aerodyanamic charcterisation of technology demonstration vehicle was completed at NAL, VSSC and IIST.
Semi Cryogenic Engine Development (SCED)
Semi-Cryogenic Engine development envisages the development of a high thrust engine producing 2000 kN (Vacuum) thrust with Liquid Oxygen and kerosene propellant combination for the Common Liquid Core in Unified Launch Vehicle (ULV). As part of semi-cryo engine development pre-project activities, five designs of single element pre-burner injector were realised and tested. Semi-cryo Project Report was prepared and clearance obtained. Conceptual design of the semi cryo engine has been completed.
Launch infrastructure
SDSC SHAR supported two launches of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C9 on April 28, 2008 for launching ten satellites including CARTOSAT-2A and IMS-1 and PSLV-C11 on October 22, 2008 for launching CHANDRAYAAN-1.

An S200 segment under preparation at
SDSC SHAR​

Indigenous CUS Stage fluid mockup trials were completed using filling software developed in house.
State of the art S-200 Solid Propellant Plant (SPP) with built in automation and safety features was commissioned at SDSC SHAR during the year. This includes full commissioning of facilities for Hardware Insulation and Lining, Raw Material Preparation, Premix, Mixing and Bowl cleaning, Casting, Curing and Post Curing like Propellant Machining, Inhibition and Tilting and NDT. Vehicle Assembly and Test Facilities (VATF), Range Instrumentation and Computer Systems (RICS) and Propellant Servicing Facilities (PSF) required for GSLV-Mk III project are nearing completion.

 

[Sridhar]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]International Cooperation[/FONT]​

As ISRO has continued to forge ahead in the demonstration of capabilities in the areas of space science, technology and applications, and also indicated its long term plans for the years ahead, many countries have come forward to work together with India in these fields. While developed countries have recognised the opportunities for enhancing the scope of their activities along with the sharing of budget requirements with India, developing countries look to India for assistance in building up their capabilities in the form of training and consultancies.
Formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) or Agreements are in place with Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, EUMETSAT, European Space Agency (ESA), France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Russia, Sweden, Thailand, U.K., Ukraine, U.S.A and Venezuela.
Agreements signed during the year were: 1) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang di-pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on cooperation in the operation of telemetry tracking and telecommand station for satellite and launch vehicles and for cooperation in the field of space research, science and applications 2) Framework Agreement between The Government Of The Republic Of India And The Government Of The French Republic On Cooperation In The Peaceful Uses Of Outer Space 3) Agreement between The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation Concerning Cooperation in JAXA/SELENE project and ISRO/Chandrayaan-1 project 4) Memorandum Of Understanding between The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) And The Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI) regarding Cooperation In Flying ROSA Instrument on Megha-Tropiques Satellite.
Chandrayaan-1, launched on October 22, 2008, apart from the main Indian instruments on board, hosts two instruments from USA and four from Europe. This was an excellent example of international cooperation. Chandrayaan-2 will be jointly developed with Russia and will have an orbiter and lander/rover. There would also be opportunities for scientific instruments from third countries in Chandrayaan-2 mission.
The Indo-French joint satellite mission called Megha Tropiques for the study of the tropical atmosphere and climate related to aspects such as monsoons, cyclones, etc., is making steady progress. The major instrument on the satellite called MADRAS will be jointly developed by ISRO and CNES, and two other instruments called SCARAB and SAPHIR will be provided by CNES. ISRO will use the well-proven IRS satellite bus, provide a PSLV launch, operate the satellite, collect and distribute the data. There will also be scientific cooperation in validating and calibrating the instruments and analysing the data. ISRO and CNES have also started a joint satellite mission called SARAL for which CNES will provide a radar altimeter instrument called ALTIKA and an onboard relay instrument for the international ARGOS data collection system. ISRO will provide the satellite platform, launch and operations.
Work on ISRO’s Oceansat-2 satellite has made progress which will also carry an atmospheric sounder called ROSA from Italy apart from the main payloads, namely, Ocean Colour Monitor and imaging scatterometer. Another ROSA will be flown on Megha-Tropiques also.
ISRO and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) continued with the development of scientific and technical interfaces for flying an ultraviolet astronomy telescope from Israel called TAUVEX on ISRO’s GSAT-4 experimental geostationary satellite.
ISRO and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) are working on the development of the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) planned on ISRO’s multi wavelength astronomy satellite Astrosat.
India and Russia have completed agreements relating to cooperation in the development and use of the Russian GLONASS navigation satellites. ISRO and the Federal Space Agency have agreed to develop an experimental satellite called YOUTHSAT in which students from universities on both sides will be involved in developing scientific instruments and analysing the data. ISRO has provided an X-ray astronomy instrument for the Russian satellite called CORONAS-PHOTON.

ROSA payload of Oceansat-2​

India played an active role in several international bodies such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), international COSPAS-SARSAT system for search and rescue operations, International Astronautical Federation (IAF), Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), Inter Agency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG), Coordinating Group on Meteorological Satellites (CGMS), International Global Observing Strategy (IGOS), International Space University (ISU), Asian Association for Remote Sensing (AARS), International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), etc. After becoming a partner in the International Charter for Space and Major Disasters along with CNES, ESA, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NOAA, ISRO is working together with the other partners in planning to provide satellite data for the management of natural disasters.
Sharing of Experience in Space (SHARES) is a scheme initiated by ISRO under which training in different applications of space technology is being provided to scientists from other developing countries. According to the general arrangement under this scheme, selected candidates will be provided with living expenditure and allowances by DOS, while the international travel will have to be borne by the sponsoring country.
The Centre for Space Science and Technology Education for Asia and the Pacific (CSSTE-AP) has been set up in India under the initiative of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN OOSA) and offers nine month post graduate diploma courses in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (every year starting in October), Satellite Communication (every alternate year starting in August), Satellite Meteorology and Global Climate (every alternate year starting in August) and Space and Atmospheric Science (every alternate year starting in August). After completion of the course, students have an opportunity to carry out research in their own country for one year leading finally to the award of a Master’s Degree from Andhra University. There are several international agencies apart from the Government of India providing support for students participating in the CSSTE-AP courses.

An artist’s view of Youthsat​

​

 

[venom]

Raytheon wins ground station deal from India


India has awarded Raytheon an $82 million contract to deploy a GPS-aided geosynchronous augmentation system (GAGAN) that should allow the country to begin using satellite-based instrument landing capabilities in the 2014 timeframe.

In the US, such approaches are known as lateral precision with vertical guidance (LPV).

The system will use two geosynchronous satellites to be built and launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the equivalent of NASA in the US, and one master station and eight ground reference stations to be provided by Raytheon.

Raytheon is leveraging its knowledge in building, deploying or developing four other GPS augmentation systems to date, including the wide-area augmentation system (WAAS) in the US, Japan's Multi-Function Transport Satellite Augmentation System and the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System for the US military.

Augmentation systems gather positioning information from existing global positioning networks like GPS or Galileo, calculate signal corrections to account for accuracy-reducing atmospheric perturbations, and retransmit modified signals to GPS-receiving equipment onboard aircraft.

As in the US, GAGAN will be designed to provide a guaranteed "uncertainty bound" of 50m (164ft) worst case, a specification set by ICAO to ensure that an aircraft will have adequate ground clearance at the decision height of 250ft above the ground on an LPV approach. Worst case conditions are expected to occur on an extremely rare basis.

In general, the Indian augmentation system will provide positional accuracies of roughly 3m, the same as for the US.

Raytheon in 2007 completed a $25 million technology demonstration of the system in India, proving out the ground station and communication strategy.

Raytheon will begin deploying the GAGAN ground infrastructure in 2012, with plans to make the system operational in 2013. Airlines will begin equipping aircraft with global positioning system receivers in 2014.

 

[prahladh]

this one posted 3 times today.

 

[Sridhar]

ISRO receives clearance for GSAT-11 communication satellite

24 July 2009

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet today approved design and development of GSAT-11, an advanced communication satellite, at a total cost of Rs500 crore. The GSAT-11 will be a high capacity, multi-beam, Ku/Ka-band satellite.

The launch of GSAT-11 will considerably augment Ku-band capacity for telecommunication services in the country. With 16 beams in Ku-band and frequency reuse factor of 4, it can provide 10 GHz effective bandwidth equivalent to about 220 transponders of 36 MHz.
GSAT-11 employs a new 1-4K Bus.
This craft is configured with two sided, large solar array panels generating around 11 KW of DC power. The craft structure is designed for a lift-off mass of about 4,500kg with a dry mass of 2100kg.

It is expected that the GSAT-11 will be made ready within 30 months and provide telecom links with small Ku-band terminals operating all over India.

domain-b.com : ISRO receives clearance for GSAT-11 communication satellite

 

[nitesh]

smilar article:

Isro to launch GSAT-11 with 40 transponders in 2012 - Technology - livemint.com

 

[Gladiator]

---------- Post added at 12:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:02 PM ----------

Chandrayaan sends photos of total solar eclipse​

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Bangalore (IANS): India's first lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 has captured the shadow of the moon on the earth's surface during the July 22 total solar eclipse, an Indian space agency official said on Tuesday.

The images were captured by the special terrain mapping camera (TMC) on board the spacecraft.

"Chandrayaan tracked the movement of shadow of the moon on the earth's surface during the total solar eclipse. The high resolution images shot by the TMC from 7.45 am shows the moon's shadow spreading from north-eastern China to northern parts of Australia," Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Director S. Satish told IANS here.

The dark shadow of the umbra region can be clearly seen in the series of images the space agency has released after they were received at ISRO's deep space network (DSN) at Baylalu, about 40 km from this tech hub.

"The digital images were processed and scanned at our space applications centre in Ahmedabad and telemetry, tracking and command network (Istrac) in Bangalore. The capturing of the celestial event confirms that the spacecraft is satisfactorily orbiting the moon at 200 km with all its payloads," Mr. Satish said.

The nine-month-old mooncraft suffered a setback in April-May when its star sensor malfunctioned and it lost orientation due to excessive radiation of the sun when it was orbiting at 100 km above the lunar surface.

ISRO scientists overcame the disorientation by using antenna-pointing mechanism and gyroscope on board the spacecraft, which is orbiting around the moon at a height of 200 km.

The Hindu News Update Service

 

[Sridhar]

Review of Chandrayaan’s future in September: Nair Staff Reporter
Bangalore: India’s lunar probe Chandrayaan-I, which suffered a set back after its star sensors failed, will be subject to a review in September to analyse the space craft’s functioning and its future, G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation has said.
The space craft is "doing fine" as is evident from the pictures taken recently by the Terrain Mapping Camera on board, he told reporters on Wednesday after launching an "Integrated GIS and Image Processing Software" (IGIS) developed by ISRO, Antrix corporation and Scanpoint Geomatics Ltd.
TSA
When asked about the benefits of the new Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) with the United States, he said that the agreement would smoothen launching of US satellites, or satellites with US components, from India. "Satellites will be brought here and we will provide launch services on mutually agreeable commercial terms." While India earlier needed clearance from the US government case by case, TSA enables ISRO to directly deal with the user, he added.
Final tests are underway for Oceansat II – envisaged to assist in sea state forecasting, coastal zone studies and provide inputs for climatic studies – and the launch is likely to take place in the first week of September. The satellite will be launched by a PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle).
GSLV Mark II
It has taken "longer than expected" to develop the cryogenic phase of launch vehicle GSLV Mark II, which is scheduled to launch communications satellite GSAT 4 later this year, said Mr. Nair. The final tests of the indigenously developed cryogenic engine are taking place now at Mahindragiri in Tamil Nadu and the launch vehicle will go to Sriharikota end of August. GSAT 11 which aims at providing advanced telecom services will be launched in three years, said Mr. Nair.
The IGIS package launched here allows users to visualise and manipulate the spatial data geographically and to create maps and images. It also provides tools needed to place the data on a map, display it in an effective manner and create interactive displays that link reports, graphs, tables, imagery and other elements to the data.

The Hindu News Update Service

 

[Sridhar]

India to launch US-made satellites on commercial terms




Tags: Bangalore
Buzz up!

vote now​

(Source: IANS)
Published: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 at 17:59 ISTF Prev Next L

Bangalore: The technology safeguard agreement (TSA) signed recently paves the way for India to launch US-made satellites from its spaceport at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, a top space agency official said Wednesday."Space cooperation with the US has been high on the government agenda. We have negotiated and signed the TSA with the US State Department to enable us launch US-made satellites and satellites carrying US components on commercial terms," Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman G. Madhavan Nair told IANS here.

The TSA was signed July 20 in the presence of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna in New Delhi.

Prior to the agreement, users of non-commercial satellites had to wait for clearance by the US administration case-by-case.

"The TSA will smoothen the arrangement now. The satellites will be brought to India and we will provide the launch services on mutually agreeable commercial terms," Nair said on the margins of a launch event.

Antrix, the Rs. 10-billion commercial and marketing arm of the space agency, will enter into commercial terms with users for launching their satellites.

In the non-commercial satellite space, users in diverse areas will be able to put medium to lightweight satellites in lower orbits for various applications.

ISRO can launch such spacecraft as a piggyback onboard its polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) and geo-synchronous satellite vehicle (GSLV).

Though the TSA creates opportunities for the Indian space agency to get more foreign non-commercial satellites for launch from its spaceport, the proposed commercial space launch agreement (CSLA) with the US government will enable India compete in the international market for launching heavy commercial satellites.

"Heavy commercial satellites also could be considered on a case-by-case once we have the CSLA in place," Nair pointed out.

Official sources hinted that the CSLA would be signed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visit to Washington in November.

The state-run ISRO has two launch pads at Sriharikota, about 90 km north of Chennai, for putting communication and remote-sensing satellites in polar and geo-synchronous orbits on board PSLV or GSLV.

Allaying fears of global meltdown impacting space industry, Nair said the demand for communications, direct-to-home services, earth observation and scientific experiments had remained steady.

"We are finding that demand for communications, broadcasting and remote-sensing satellites or transponders is going (steady) much more than we have anticipated. Our target is how to bridge the demand-supply gap by putting more resources," Nair noted.

ISRO plans to increase the number of launches per year making optimal utilisation of resources available at its spaceport.

"We have increased the number of launches from hardly one to three or four every year. We have already launched two satellites this year and two more, Ocenasat and GSAT-4, are due by this year-end."

Clarifying that there was no end-user agreement with the US in space cooperation, Nair said half of ISRO's centres were not under the US sanctions anymore though some of them are still under the entity list requiring clearance by the US Commerce Department for using technologies and products manufactured by American firms.

India to launch US-made satellites on commercial terms :: Samay Live

 

[Sridhar]

India unveils its first software for satellite image analysis By siliconindia news bureau
Wednesday,29 July 2009, 17:46 hrs


Bangalore: India has got its first Integrated GIS and Image Processing Software (IGiS) developed by Scanpoint Geomatics, a software development firm in partnership with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Though, India has launched a number of satellites that transmit images from space, there was no software developed within the country to analyze these images. "The development of this software can result in tremendous cost savings," said Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary of Department of Space.


Scientists and researchers have been depending on software developed in other countries to interpret the images sent by the satellites, which is expensive. Ramesh Sojitra, Managing Director of Scanpoint said, "By using the IGiS, a cost saving of up to 40 percent can be achieved." According to Sojitra, the price of the software would be Rs. 12 lakh.

According to Nair, demand for data from satellites have multiplied manifold over the years. IGiS is a completely indigenous seamless geomatics application, which includes geographical information system (GIS), image processing and its integration with the real time information, using the global positioning system (GPS).

Elaborating the challenges faced during the development of the software, Nair said, "Developing a software is not an easy job especially for a niche segment like space." The software is a result of more than seven years of extensive research and rigorous testing, by Scanpoint and ISRO. IGiS has been tested by scientists and experts at more than 12 centers of ISRO.

According to Nair, images from not only Indian satellites but also from foreign satellites can be analyzed by using IGiS. Sectors like defense, telecommunication, urban planning, disaster management and resource exploration can be benefited from this software. "Earth observation was never thought to become as popular as it is today," Nair says, "This is a good segment for entrepreneurs to cash in on the potential."

India unveils its first software for satellite image analysis

 

[Pintu]

ISRO still over the moon

ISRO still over the moon
Express News Service
First Published : 29 Jul 2009 04:58:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 29 Jul 2009 09:21:07 AM IST
BANGALORE: Almost a week after doubts were raised about the future of India’s unmanned mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-1, following the failure of a crucial sensor on board the spacecraft, its satellite terrain mapping camera (TMC) captured the shadow of the moon on the earth’s surface during the July 22 total solar eclipse. The images were captured by the TMC onboard the 514-kg spacecraft, which is orbiting at 200 km above the lunar surface. The images were released by ISRO on Tuesday.

The TMC transmitted the pictures to the space agency’s Deep Space Network at Byalalu. The high resolution images from 7.45 IST, show the lunar shadow spreading its footprint from north-eastern China to northern parts of Australia.

ISRO had announced that it planned to study in detail the effects of the total solar eclipse.

 

[nitesh]

hmmmmmmmm

US pact not yet a launchpad for ISRO

One beneficiary would be the Indo-French meteorology satellite, Megha-Tropiques, with such components. Due in 2010, it may not need to seek US clearance.

The TSA, he said, should smoothen the way for governments and universities to look at ISRO to launch small experimental satellites.

While the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre and launch port Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota remain blacklisted by the US as ‘entities’, the TSA’s benefits are anyone’s guess. Asked about this, the ISRO Chairman, Mr G. Madhavan Nair, said on Wednesday, “it’s a process which goes on [for removing them.]”

The pact limits ISRO to some of the 25-30 small satellites that are said to be coming up.
The operator of the Italian satellite `Agile' that went on a PSLV in 2007 reportedly got the clearances as a one-off. At least one contract was reportedly lost for the same reason.

Mr K. R. Sridhara Murthi, Executive Director of ISRO's business arm, Antrix Corporation, said, "[The pact] won't suddenly change our business. Third parties can now come to us for a launch with less uncertainty and more comfort. They do not have to wait for US export control clearance."

One refrain is: "It is difficult to find satellites without US components."

 

[RPK]

ISRO co-develops image processing software for satellite data

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has partnered with Ahmedabad-based Scanpoint Geomatics Ltd to develop an integrated geographic information system and image processing software (IGiS) to analyse satellite pictures and data.

The low-cost software is an indigenous seamless geomatics application for geographical information system (GIS), image processing and its integration with the real-time information using the global positioning system (GPS).


'It is the first indigenous software which integrates satellite images with information. We have demonstrated our capability to develop IGiS in a niche area for our use, which is the need of the hour,' ISRO chairman G. Madhavan Nair said while launching the software product here.


The unique software can be used to scan, process and study the images and spatial data relayed by the space agency's communication and remote-sensing satellites in the polar and geo-synchronous orbits.


'Our Insat and remote sensing satellites transmit digital images to earth stations containing spatial data for drought or flood monitoring, forestry, fisheries and agriculture activity. Demand for data from satellites and usage have multiplied. We need more transponders, train skilled manpower and infrastructure to meet the country's requirements,' Nair said.


The bug-free, versatile and easy-to-use enterprise software (version 1.0) has been tested at the ISRO centre by space scientists and geo-informatics experts along with Scanpoint engineers.


'All analytical features come as standard with the software. A suite of tools are provided to customise the product for image processing, terrain analysis, 3D modelling, ICR (intelligent character reading), decision support and uncertainty management,' Scanpoint director A.R. Dasgupta said.


Priced at Rs.1.2 million, the proprietary software can be used under licence for defence, telecom, transportation, infrastructure, urban planning, resource exploration, forestry, agriculture, environment, energy, disaster management and healthcare.

 

[RPK]

Review of Chandrayaan’s future in September: Nair

Bangalore: India’s lunar probe Chandrayaan-I, which suffered a set back after its star sensors failed, will be subject to a review in September to analyse the space craft’s functioning and its future, G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation has said.

The space craft is "doing fine" as is evident from the pictures taken recently by the Terrain Mapping Camera on board, he told reporters on Wednesday after launching an "Integrated GIS and Image Processing Software" (IGIS) developed by ISRO, Antrix corporation and Scanpoint Geomatics Ltd.

TSA

When asked about the benefits of the new Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) with the United States, he said that the agreement would smoothen launching of US satellites, or satellites with US components, from India. "Satellites will be brought here and we will provide launch services on mutually agreeable commercial terms." While India earlier needed clearance from the US government case by case, TSA enables ISRO to directly deal with the user, he added.

Final tests are underway for Oceansat II – envisaged to assist in sea state forecasting, coastal zone studies and provide inputs for climatic studies – and the launch is likely to take place in the first week of September. The satellite will be launched by a PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle).

GSLV Mark II

It has taken "longer than expected" to develop the cryogenic phase of launch vehicle GSLV Mark II, which is scheduled to launch communications satellite GSAT 4 later this year, said Mr. Nair. The final tests of the indigenously developed cryogenic engine are taking place now at Mahindragiri in Tamil Nadu and the launch vehicle will go to Sriharikota end of August. GSAT 11 which aims at providing advanced telecom services will be launched in three years, said Mr. Nair.

The IGIS package launched here allows users to visualise and manipulate the spatial data geographically and to create maps and images. It also provides tools needed to place the data on a map, display it in an effective manner and create interactive displays that link reports, graphs, tables, imagery and other elements to the data.

 

[venom]

ISRO can now put US satellites into space

BANGALORE: India’s position as a leading space power received a major boost following the technology safeguard agreement (TSA) between India and the US.

The recently signed pact paves way for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch USmade satellites from India.

ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair told reporters after launching the Integrated GIS and Image Processing Software on Wednesday that the TSA, which was signed between the two countries during US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent visit to India, will enable US-made satellites carrying US components to be launched from ISRO’s launchpad in Sriharikota.

“Previously, we had to wait for clearance by the US government case-bycase, but now, the agreement will smoothen the launch,” he said.

He added that the TSA gives an opportunity for the launch of foreign built non-commercial satellites and not the heavy commercial ones which will require the two countries to sign the commercial space launch agreement (CSLA).

CSLA is likely to be signed between India and US during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit US.

Nair also said the recent agreement signed between Clinton and External Affairs Minister S M Krishna during the former’s visit to India, does not dwell on the controversial end-user monitoring pact and the space agency does not have an end-user agreement with the US in space cooperation as half of ISRO’s centres were not under the US sanctions.

ISRO can now put US satellites into space

 

[venom]

ESRI Lauds Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan for Making a Difference

Redlands, California—July 29, 2009—Many people in India know Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan as an esteemed space scientist who spearheaded the development and use of the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites. Others know him as a Member of Parliament.

But few may realize his contributions in bringing agencies the technology needed to help estimate crop yields in the world's most populous nation, identify new groundwater sources, monitor and manage forests, and plan where to build housing developments and roads. These represent only a handful of the many applications for the mapping and analysis conducted in India and several other countries using satellite imagery and geographic information system (GIS) software, an integration of technologies that Kasturirangan championed. Kasturirangan believes the technologies must bring value and benefit to society and individuals.

For these achievements, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) received a Making a Difference Award at the 2009 ESRI International User Conference, held July 13–17 at the San Diego Convention Center in California.

"He makes an enormous difference because of the integration of remote sensing into GIS and also the tremendous focus he has created on applications," ESRI president Jack Dangermond said, presenting the award.

Kasturirangan spent many years working in the space program, serving as project director for his nation's first two experimental earth observation satellites, Bhaskara I and II. He also headed ISRO's Satellite Center, where he supervised the development of the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-2) and four of India's civilian IRS satellites.

Kasturirangan later became chairman of the ISRO and the country's Space Commission, a position he held for nine years. He was then named a Member of Parliament, serving until early July 2009, when Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh appointed him to India's Planning Commission. As a member of the commission, he will oversee planning and program development in science and technology. He will work with agencies that use satellite imagery and GIS data and applications.

"Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan is going to be a master of bringing geography to virtually everywhere in India and will be an example for all of us. Thank you," Dangermond said as he handed him the award.

In an interview after the ceremony, Kasturirangan said he accepted the Making a Difference Award on behalf of the dedicated team at the ISRO, the GIS and remote-sensing technology agencies and users throughout India, and government and other leaders who, as far back as the 1980s, could see how the combination of GIS and remote sensing could benefit Indian society.

"They had tremendous foresight into what imagery and GIS could do for the country in the context of development," he said.

To watch a video of Kasturirangan receiving the Making a Difference Award, visit 2009 ESRI User Conference.

About ESRI
Since 1969, ESRI has been giving customers around the world the power to think and plan geographically. The market leader in GIS, ESRI software is used in more than 300,000 organizations worldwide including each of the 200 largest cities in the United States, most national governments, more than two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. ESRI applications, running on more than one million desktops and thousands of Web and enterprise servers, provide the backbone for the world's mapping and spatial analysis. ESRI is the only vendor that provides complete technical solutions for desktop, mobile, server, and Internet platforms. Visit us at ESRI - The GIS Software Leader.

The American Surveyor Magazine - Land Surveying and Mapping Online

 

[venom]

ISRO launches top notch GIS software

BANGALORE: India’s first Integrated GIS and Image Processing Software (IGiS) that provides a range of powerful tools for a deep and thorough exploration of the world was launched by ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair on Wednesday.

The IGiS, developed by Scanpoint Geomatics Limited in partnership with ISRO is a completely seamless Geomatics application which includes Geographical Information System, Image Processing and provides realtime information using Global Positioning System.

A product of more than seven years of extensive research and rigorous testing, by Scanpoint and ISRO, the IGiS has been tested by scientist and experts at more than 12 ISRO centres.

The defence, telecommunications, transportation, infrastructure, urban planning, economic development, real estate, resource exploration, agriculture, forestry, environment, power, disaster management and healthcare sectors will benefit from the software.

ISRO launches top notch GIS software

 

[venom]

Mopping floors to mapping India

AHMEDABAD: As a teenager living in a small Saurashtra town, Ramesh Sojitra was fascinated by colour prints
. Such was his passion that at the age
of 22, he ran away from Dhoraji to Mumbai, leaving behind tracts of land his father wanted him to farm.

He mopped floors at a printing studio in Mumbai and worked as a office boy so that he could learn the tricks of the trade. Soon, along with his friends he started a small printing business in Mumbai.

Two decades later, Sojitra, 44, is close to redefining Indian GIS (Geographic Information Systems) segment. Jointly with Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), Ahmedabad-based Scanpoint Geomatics Ltd, a BSE-listed company promoted by Sojitra, has developed an integrated GIS and image processing software, which will help prepare better maps.

This has applications in sectors like defence, telecom, infrastructure, urban planning, agriculture, environment, power, disaster management and health care.

“This is first of its kind of a project in GIS space in India,” said Sojitra, a commerce graduate. The software will be launched by Isro chairman G Madhavan Nair in Bangalore on Wednesday.

After a three-year stint in Mumbai, Sojitra returned to Ahmedabad and floated his company in 1986. He could convince his family to invest in the venture. “We started off as an offset studio but modified our model with changing times and forayed into GIS,” said Sojitra, who got Scanpoint listed on the bourses in 1994.

His big day came when Isro decided to develop an indigenous GIS software in 2003. Sojitra outbid 13 big companies, including some multinationals, to bag the project.

“Isro preferred an Indian company as it wanted the software to be developed indigenously. It took us over six years to develop the software along with Isro,” he said. Scanpoint will commercially market the product and pay Isro a royalty.

Mopping floors to mapping India - Ahmedabad - City - NEWS - The Times of India

 

[Sridhar]

US satellites to use ISRO platform

Posted July 30th, 2009 by Pankaj Lakhotia

India's technology safeguards agreement signed with US during the recent state visit of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New Delhi will soon yield fruitful results for the space research program of the country. It will enable India to launch smaller satellites for United States at much competitive prices using indigenously developed rockets.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman, Madhavan Nair said, "Space cooperation with the US has been the agenda of the government. The pact will enable US made satellites or with components of US to be launched from India."
He said that the space body is already providing satellite launching services to various nations at very economical prices and more countries to avail the service on mutually agreeable terms. Country has been developing heavier rocket GSLV-MKIII that will help to further reduce the cost of sending a satellite to space.
Mr. Nair, while launching an indigenous GIS mapping software in Ahmadabad, added, "We will have more opportunities to get foreign satellites for launch from India. Prior to the agreement, users had to wait for clearance for every case."
Meanwhile, ISRO will hold a review of country's first unmanned moon mission, the Chandrayaan, in September to set its operations in order.




US satellites to use ISRO platform | Stock Watch