ఇస్రో ,ఇస్రో కేంద్రాలు , ఉపగ్రహ నౌకలు, ఉపగ్రహాలు, గగన్ , భువన్ chandrayaan

ISRO

pace activities in the country started during early 1960s with the scientific investigation
of upper atmosphere and ionosphere over the magnetic equator that passes over Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram using small sounding rockets Realising the immense potential of space technology for national development, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary leader envisioned that this powerful technology could play a meaningful role in national development and solving the problems of common man.
Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), a few meters from the coastline,St Mary Magdalene Church
Thus, Indian Space programme born in the church beginning, space activities in the country, concentrated on achieving self reliance and developing capability to build and launch communication satellites for television broadcast, telecommunications and meteorological applications; remote sensing satellites for management of natural resources.
The objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks. ISRO has established two major space systems, INSAT for communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services, and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) system for resources monitoring and management. ISRO has developed two satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place INSAT and IRS satellites in the required orbits
Accordingly, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully operationalised two major satellite systems namely Indian National Satellites (INSAT) for communication services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for management of natural resources; also, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launching IRS type of satellites and Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching INSAT type of satellites.
The Space Commission formulates the policies and oversees the implementation of the Indian space programme to promote the development and application of space science and technology for the socio-economic benefit of the country. DOS implements these programmes through, mainly Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), North Eastern-Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) and Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL). The Antrix Corporation, established in 1992 as a government owned company, markets the space products and services





From the beginning, space activities in the country, concentrated on achieving self reliance and developing capability to build and launch communication satellites for television broadcast, telecommunications and meteorological applications; remote sensing satellites for management of natural resources.
Accordingly, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully operationalised two major satellite systems namely Indian National Satellites (INSAT) for communication services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for management of natural resources; also, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launching IRS type of satellites and Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching INSAT type of satellites.
 Satellites
 INSAT
 IRS
 Launch Vehicle
 PSLV
 GSLV
 Satellite Applications
 SatCom Applications
 Remote Sensing Applications
 VRC
Indian National Satellite (INSAT) System
The INSAT series, commissioned in 1983, has today become one of the largest domestic satellites systems in the Asia, pacific region comprising Eleven satellites in service.

1. INSAT-4CR
Launched on Sep 02, 2007
2. INSAT-4B
Launched on Mar 12, 2007
3. INSAT-4A
Launched on Dec 22, 2005
4. EDUSAT
Launched on Sep 20, 2004
5. INSAT-3E
Launched on Sep 28, 2003
6. GSAT-2
Launched on May 08, 2003
7. INSAT-3A
Launched on Apr 10, 2003
8. KALPANA-1
Launched on Sep 12, 2002
9. INSAT-3C
Launched on Jan 24, 2002
10. INSAT-3B
Launched on Mar 22, 2000
11. INSAT-2E
Launched on Apr 03, 1999
Indian Remote Sensing Satellites System (IRS)
The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite system is one of the largest constellations of remote sensing satellites in operation in the world today. The IRS programme commissioned with launch of IRS-1A in 1988 and presently includes Ten satellites that continue to provide imageries in variety of spatial resolutions from 1 metre to 180 metres.

1. OCEANSAT-2
Launched on Sept 23, 2009 by PSLV-C14
2. RISAT-2
Launched on Apr 20, 2009 by PSLV-C12
3. CARTOSAT-2A
Launched on Apr 28, 2008 by PSLV-C9
4. IMS-1
Launched on Apr 28, 2008 by PSLV-C9
5. CARTOSAT - 2
Launched on Jan 10, 2007 by PSLV-C7
6. CARTOSAT-1
Launched on May 05, 2005 by PSLV-C6
7. RESOURCESAT-1
Launched on Oct 17, 2003 by PSLV-C5
8. TES
Launched on Oct 22, 2001 by PSLV-C3
9. OCEANSAT-1
Launched on May 26, 1999 by PSLV-C2
10. IRS-1D
Launched on Sep 29, 1997 by PSLV-C1
Launch Vehicles
Today, Indian space programme has become self-reliant with the operationalisation of two satellite launch vehicles, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), mainly for launching IRS class of satellites in polar orbits and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching communication satellites into geo-synchronous transfer orbit. GSLV can carry 2- 2.5 tonne satellite in to 36,000 Kilometer range for geo stationery transfer orbit and India was the sixth country in the world to have this capability.
So far ;
 PSLV has fifteen consecutively successful flights out of sixteen launches
 GSLV has four successful flights of five launches
Satellite Applications
Space has become the mainstay of national infrastructure providing vital services. INSAT with more than 210 transponders, is providing tele-communications, television broadcasting, weather forecasting and societal application services such as tele-medicine and tele-education IRS System with Nine satellites in operation is providing data for a variety of application programmes such as Groundwater Prospects Mapping, Crop Acreage and Production Estimation, Potential Fishing Zone Forecast, Biodiversity Characterisation etc., In order to reach space-based services directly to the rural population, nearly 500 Village Resource Centres (VRCs) have been set up in association with NGOs, Institutes and Government Agencies.
INSAT Applications
The telephone circuit devices through INSAT connect remote inaccessible areas to major cities in India. The launch of INSAT-4A during December 2005, INSAT-4B in and INSAT- 4CR in 2007 have ushered in Direct To Home (DTH) television services in the country. Television reaches 85 percent of India's population via INSAT. Over 200 AIR stations are linked via INSAT network. In the recent years, Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) have revolutionised our telecommunications sector. INSAT supports over 20,000 VSATs for e-commerce and e-governance. National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange use VSAT technology across the country for instantaneous transactions. Today exclusive channels are provided for interactive training and Developmental communication including distance learning.
India has an exclusive meteorological satellite Kalpana - 1. The imaging instruments (VHRR) & (CCD) collect meteorological data and provide timely warnings on impending cyclones. The data relay transponder in the INSAT system is used for collect real time hydro meteorological data for river monitoring flow forces.
The launch of EDUSAT on September 20, 2004 heralded new era in the field of distance education and today, about 35,000 class rooms are in the EDUSAT network providing services at primary, secondary and university levels.
The satellite based telemedicine network has expanded its network connecting 375 hospitals (305 remote and rural hospitals including those in Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern region and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 13 mobile units and 57 super specialty hospitals in major cities).
IRS Applications
Imagery taken by Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellite System has found application in diverse fields ranging from agriculture to urban planning. Crop health monitoring, crop yield estimation and drought assessment are the significant areas of application in the agriculture and the allied fields. Soil mapping at different scales with relative ease has become a reality.
IRS data has also been used for Ground Water potential zone mapping and mineral targeting tasks. The ocean applications of IRS data include potential fishing zone identification and coastal zone mapping.
Forest cover mapping, biodiversity characterisation and monitoring of forest fire is now carried out using IRS imagery. IRS spacecraft provide timely inputs to Flood and earthquake damage assessment thereby providing the necessary supportive strength to disaster management. Even in the field of Archaeological survey, the utility of IRS imagery has been well established.
The judicious combination of information derived from space based imagery with the ground based socio economic data is leading to a holistic approach for resource monitoring and its management.
Village Resource Centre (VRC)
Combining the services offered by INSAT and IRS satellites, a new concept namely Village Resource Centre (VRC) to provide information on natural resources, land and water resources management, tele-medicine, tele-education, adult education, vocational training, health and family welfare programmes has been established. Nearly 500 such VRCs have been established in the country.







The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle,usually known by its abbreviation PSLV is the first operational launch vehicle of ISRO. PSLV is capable of launching 1600 kg satellites in 620 km sun-synchronous polar orbit and 1050 kg satellite in geo-synchronous transfer orbit. In the standard configuration, it measures 44.4 m tall, with a lift off weight of 295 tonnes. PSLV has four stages using solid and liquid propulsion systems alternately. The first stage is one of the largest solid propellant boosters in the world and carries 139 tonnes of propellant. A cluster of six strap-ons attached to the first stage motor, four of which are ignited on the ground and two are air-lit.

The reliability rate of PSLV has been superb. There had been 15 continuously successful flights of PSLV, till September 2009. With its variant configurations, PSLV has proved its multi-payload, multi-mission capability in a single launch and its geosynchronous launch capability. In the recent Chandrayaan-mission, another variant of PSLV with an extended version of strap-on motors, PSOM-XL, the payload haul was enhanced to 1750 kg in 620 km SSPO. PSLV has rightfully earned the status of workhorse launch vehicle of ISRO.

Typical Parameters of PSLV
Lift-off weight 295 tonne
Pay Load 1600 kg in to 620 km Polar Orbit,
1060 kg in to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
Height 44 metre




PSLV Milestones

PSLV-C14 launched Oceansat - 2 and Six Nanosatellites on September 23, 2009 (Successful)
PSLV-C12 launched RISAT-2 and ANUSAT on April 20, 2009 (Successfully)

PSLV-C11 launched CHANDRAYAAN-I, on October 22, 2008 (Successful)

PSLV-C9 launched CARTOSAT-2A, IMS-1 and Eight nano-satellites on April 28, 2008 (Successful)
PSLV-C10 launched TECSAR on January 23, 2008 (Successful)

PSLV-C8 launched AGILE on April 23, 2007 (Successful)

PSLV-C7 launched CARTOSAT-2, SRE-1, LAPAN-TUBSAT and PEHUENSAT-1 on January 10, 2007 (Successful)
PSLV-C6 launched CARTOSAT-1 and HAMSAT on May 5, 2005 (Successful)

PSLV-C5 launched RESOURCESAT-1(IRS-P6) on October 17, 2003 (Successful)

PSLV-C4 launched KALPANA-1(METSAT) on September 12, 2002 (Successful)

PSLV-C3 launched TES on October 22, 2001 (Successful)

PSLV-C2 launched OCEANSAT(IRS-P4), KITSAT-3 and DLR-TUBSAT on May 26, 1999 (Successful)
PSLV-C1 launched IRS-1D on September 29, 1997 (Successful)

PSLV-D3 launched IRS-P3 on March 21, 1996 (Successful)

PSLV-D2 launched IRS-P2 on October 15, 1994 (Successful)

PSLV-D1 launched IRS-1E on September 20, 1993 (Unsuccessful)
















Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle(GSLV)-Mark I&II ,is capable of placing INSAT–II class of satellites (2000 – 2,500 kg) into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). GSLV is a three stage vehicle GSLV is 49 m tall, with 414 t lift off weight. It has a maximum diameter of 3.4 m at the payload fairing. First stage comprises S125 solid booster with four liquid (L40) strap-ons. Second stage (GS2) is liquid engine and the third stage (GS3) is a cryo stage. The vehicle develops a lift off thrust of 6573 kn.

The first flight of GSLV took place from SHAR on April 18, 2001 by launching 1540 kg GSAT-1. It was followed by four more launches , GSLV-D2 on May 8, 2003 (GSAT-2 1825 kg), GSLV-F01 on September 20, 2004 (EDUSAT 1950 kg), GSLV-F02 on July 10, 2006 and GSLV-F04 on September 2, 2007 (INSAT-4CR 2130 kg).
Typical Parameters of GSLV
Lift-off weight 414 tonne
Pay Load 2 to 2.5 Tonne in to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
Height 49 metre




GSLV Milestones

GSLV-F04 launched INSAT-4CR on September 2, 2007 (Successful)

GSLV-F02 launched INSAT-4C on July 10, 2006 (Unsuccessful)

GSLV-F01 launched EDUSAT(GSAT-3) on September 20, 2004 (Successful)

GSLV-D2 launched GSAT-2 on May 8, 2003 (Successful)

GSLV-D1 launched GSAT-1 on April 18, 2001 (Successful)


















The GSLV-III or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III , is a launch vehicle currently under development by the Indian Space Research Organization. GSLV Mk III is conceived and designed to make ISRO fully self reliant in launching heavier communication satellites of INSAT-4 class, which weigh 4500 to 5000 kg. It would also enhance the capability of the country to be a competitive player in the multimillion dollar commercial launch market. The vehicle envisages multi-mission launch capability for GTO, LEO, Polar and intermediate circular orbits.

GSLV-Mk III is designed to be a three stage vehicle, with 42.4 m tall with a lift off weight of 630 tonnes. First stage comprises two identical S200 Large Solid Booster (LSB) with 200 tonne solid propellant, that are strapped on to the second stage, the L110 re-startable liquid stage. The third stage is the C25 LOX/LH2 cryo stage. The large payload fairing measures 5 m in diameter and can accommodate a payload volume of 100 cu m. The development work on Mk III is progressing as per schedule for a launch in 2011.

Typical Parameters of GSLV Mark III
Lift-off weight 629 tonne
Pay Load 4 Tonne in to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
Height 49 metre












 Forthcoming Satellites
 Launch Vehicle / Forthcoming Launches
 Reusable Launch Vehicle
 Human Space Flights
 Space Science Missions
 Satellite Navigation (Gagan)
Forthcoming Satellites
RISAT - 1 Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) is a microwave remote sensing satellite carrying a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

The satellite is planned to be launched on board PSLV in 2009-10. The new technology elements in RISAT include 160 x 4 Mbps bit rate data handling system, 0.3 Nm reaction wheels, SAR antenna deployment mechanism, 70 V power bus, thermal control of SAR antenna and phased array antenna with dual polarization.
RESOURCESAT-2 Resourcesat-2 is a follow on mission to Resourcesat-1 to provide continuity of data. Compared to Resourcesat-1, LISS-4 multi-spectral swath has been enhanced from 23 km to 70 km based on user needs. Suitable changes including miniaturization in payload electronics have been incorporated in Resourcesat-2. Resourcesat-2 is slated for launch during 2009-10.
Megha-Tropiques ISRO and French National Space Centre (CNES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2004-05 for the development and implementation of Megha-Tropiques (Megha meaning cloud in Sanskrit and Tropiques meaning tropics in French). The launch of Megha-Tropiques is planned by 2009-2010.

Megha-Tropiques is aimed at understanding the life cycle of convective systems and to understand their role in the associated energy and moisture budget of the atmosphere in the tropical regions. The satellite will carry an Imaging Radiometer, a six channel Humidity Sounder and GPS Radio Occultation System.
GSAT-4 GSAT-4 is envisaged as a technology demonstrator. The communication payload consists of multi-beam Ka-band bent pipe and regenerative transponder and navigation payload in C-band, L1 and L5 bands.
INSAT - 3D INSAT-3D is a meteorological satellite planned to be launched in the 2010. The satellite has many new technology elements like star sensor, micro stepping Solar Array Drive Assembly (SADA) to reduce the spacecraft disturbances and Bus Management Unit (BMU) for control and telecomm and/telemetry function. It also incorporates new features of bi-annual rotation and Image and Mirror motion compensations for improved performance of the meteorological payloads.
SARAL The Satellite for ARGOS and ALTIKA (SARAL) is a joint ISRO-CNES mission, being slated for launch on board PSLV for the third quarter of 2009. The Ka band altimeter, ALTIKA, provided by CNES payload consists of a Ka-band radar altimeter, operating at 35.75 GHz. A dual frequency total power type microwave radiometer (23.8 and 37 GHz) is embedded in the altimeter to correct tropospheric effects on the altimeter measurement. Doppler Orbitography and Radio-positioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) on board enables precise determination of the orbit. A Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) helps to calibrate the precise orbit determination system and the altimeter system several times throughout the mission.
ASTROSAT ASTROSAT is a multi-wavelength space borne astronomy satellite to be launched during 2009-10. This will be the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission. ASTROSAT has wide spectral coverage extending over visible, UV, soft X ray and hard X ray regions. This spacecraft would enable observations on the celestial bodies in both X-ray and UV spectral bands simultaneously. The scientific payloads cover the Visible (3500-6000 Å), UV (1300-3000 Å), soft and hard X-ray regimes (0.5-8 keV; 3-80 keV).
GSAT-5 / INSAT-4D It is a C-band and Extended C-band satellite, carrying 18 transponders. Of these, 12 transponders will operate in the Normal C-band with wider coverage in uplink and downlink to cover Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe/Zonal coverage. 6 transponders will operate in Extended C-band and have India coverage. The option of incorporating L-band is under considerationIt will be launched onboard GSLV during 2010 and positioned at 82 deg E longitude.
GSAT-6 / INSAT-4E The primary goal of GSAT-6/INSAT-4E which is a Multimedia mobile S-band satellite is to cater to the consumer requirements of providing entertainment and information services to vehicles through Digital Multimedia consoles and to the Multimedia Mobile Phones. The spacecraft will be positioned at 83 degree East longitude with a mission life of 12 years. The satellite is planned to be launched during 2010 by GSLV.
GSAT-7 / INSAT-4F GSAT-7/INSAT-4F is proposed as a multi-band satellite carrying payloads in UHF, S-band, C-band and Ku-band
GSAT-8 / INSAT-4G GSAT-8/INSAT-4G is proposed as a Ku-band satellite carrying 24 transponders similar to that of INSAT-4A and INSAT-4B. It will also carry the second GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload. The satellite is expected to be launched during 2010 and positioned at 55 degree E longitude.

Launch Vehicle / Forthcoming Launches
GSLV-D3
Preparations for the next flight Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D3) carrying GSAT-4 is in advanced stage. The GSLV-D3 is expected to use indigenous cryogenic engine and will place the GSAT-4 in geosynchronous transfer orbit. GSLV-D3 is scheduled for launch during 2009.
GSLV-F06
Preparations for the next flight Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06) carrying INSAT-3D is in advanced stage of realisation. The GSLV-F06 is expected be launched during 2009-10.

GSLV-Mk III
GSLV-Mk III is envisaged to launch 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.
Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD)
As a first step towards realizing 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).
Human Space Flight Mission Programme
The department has carried out a detailed study on the feasibility of undertaking indigenous human space flight mission with an aim to build and demonstrate the capability for carrying humans to low earth orbit and their return to earth. The programme envisages development of a fully autonomous orbital vehicle carrying two or three crew members to 275 km low earth orbit and their safe return. It is planned to realise the programme in about seven years time frame.
Space Science Missions
Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-II)
The main objective of SRE II is to realize a fully recoverable capsule and provide a platform to conduct microgravity experiments on Micro-biology, Agriculture, Powder Metallurgy, etc.
Aditya-1
The First Indian space based Solar Coronagraph to study solar Corona in visible and near IR bands. Launch of the Aditya mission is planned during the next high solar activity period ~ 2012
Objectives:
 To study the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) and consequently the crucial physical parameters for space weather such as the coronal magnetic field structures, evolution of the coronal magnetic field etc.,
 Provide completely new information on the velocity fields and their variability in the inner corona having an important bearing on the unsolved problem of heating of the corona would be obtained.
YOUTHSAT
A joint scientific mission between India and Russia with participation of youth from both the countries to celebrate the golden Jubilee of the satellite era.

The second satellite in the micro satellite series proposed is YOUTHSAT which will carry payloads of scientific interest with participation of youths from Universities at graduate, post graduate and research scholar level. Youth from universities will participate from testing of the payloads in laboratory up to utilization of the data from payloads. Participation of youth will inculcate interest in space related activities and provide opportunities for realization of future payloads for scientific experiments. The micro satellite bus is planned and designed to carry different kinds of payloads like earth imaging, atmospheric applications, weather monitoring, stellar observations, scientific experiments etc.

YOUTHSAT is planned to be launched as auxiliary satellite along with any remote sensing satellite planned for launch during 2009-10 in a polar sun-synchronous orbit of local time of around 0900 to 1030 hrs.
Satellite Navigation
GAGAN
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to implement an indigenous Satellite-Based Regional GPS Augmentation System also known as Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) as part of the Satellite-Based Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM) plan for civil aviation. The Indian SBAS system has been given an acronym GAGAN - GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation. A national plan for satellite navigation including implementation of Technology Demonstration System (TDS) over the Indian air space as a proof of concept has been prepared jointly by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and ISRO. TDS was successfully completed during 2007 by installing eight Indian Reference Stations (INRESs) at eight Indian airports and linked to the Master Control Center (MCC) located near Bangalore.

The first navigation payload is being fabricated and it is proposed to be flown on GSAT-4 which is expected to be launched in 2009. Two more payloads will be subsequently flown, one each on two geostationary satellites GSAT-8 and GSAT-12.


For the past four decades, ISRO has launched more than 50 satellites for various scientific and technological applications like mobile communications, Direct-to-Home services, meteorological observations, telemedicine, tele-education, disaster warning, radio networking, search and rescue operations, remote sensing and scientific studies of the space.

ISRO has established two major space systems, the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) series for communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services which is Geo-Stationary Satellites, and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) system for resources monitoring and management which is Earth Observation Satellites. ISRO has launched many Experimental Satellites which are generally small comparing to INSAT or IRS and Space Missions to explore the space.
Geo-Stationary Satellities
Earth Observing Satellities

Space Missions

SATELLITES APPLICATIONS Experimental / Small Satellite


All Satellites

The services offered by Indian National Satellite (INSAT) System in the area of telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, tele-education and tele-medicine etc., are explained in the Satcom Applications. INSAT system is a joint venture of the Department of Space, Department of Telecommunications, India Meteorological Department, All India Radio and Doordarshan. Established in 1983, INSAT system is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia Pacific Region with eleven satellites in operation. These satellites carry more than 200 transponders in the C, Extended C and Ku-bands, besides meteorological instruments.

INSAT is used for a variety of societal applications and works through Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT), know for being a catalyst in the expansion of satellite television coverage in India. Today, more than 55,000 VSATs – both in private and government sectors – are operating through INSAT. INSAT has enabled the expansion of television coverage with more than 40 Doordarshan TV and 50 private TV channels operating through INSAT. DTH television services have become a reality.
More importantly, there have been several innovative applications of INSAT system. EDUSAT, launched in September 2004, is the first thematic satellite dedicated exclusively for educational services. EDUSAT is providing a wide range of educational delivery modes like one-way TV broadcast, interactive TV, video conferencing, computer conferencing, web-based instructions, etc. About 46 networks that utilise EDUSAT covering 23 states have been setup across the country. These networks connect more than 2500 interactive and about 31,000 receive-only nodes setup at different schools, colleges, training institutes and other departments.
Telemedicine is another important initiative to use space technology for societal benefits. It has enabled the population, even in the remotest parts, access to super specialty medical care. At present, the telemedicine network of ISRO has more than 300 installations of which about 45 are super specialty hospitals and 10 are mobile units. Till now, more than 3 lakh patients have been benefited annually through telemedicine system.

Meteorological data from INSAT is used for weather forecasting and specially designed disaster warning receivers have been installed in vulnerable coastal areas for direct transmission of warnings against impending disaster like cyclones.
Major applications of INSAT System are:
EDUSAT Programme
Special Networks
On-going Educational TV Services
Training and Developmental Communications Channel (TDCC)

GRAMSAT Programme

Telemedicine

Television

Satellite News Gathering and Dissemination

Radio Networking

Telecommunication

Mobile Satellite Services

Meteorology

Satellite Aided Search and Rescue

Satellite Navigation

Disaster Management Support

Village Resource Centres
GRAMSAT Programme
The Gramsat Programme (GP) is an initiative to provide communication networks at the state level connecting the state capital to districts and blocks. The networks provide Computer Connectivity, Data Broadcasting and TV Broadcasting facilities having applications like e-Governance, National Resource Information System (NRIS), Development Information, Tele-conferencing, Disaster Management, Tele-medicine and Distance Education.
The Gramsat networks are operational in Orissa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Rajasthan and West Bengal. Now, the plans are to provide the integrated services thro' a single hub for the state networks - i.e. a grid for diverse developmental services, with integration of Satcom networks with existing communication infrastructure for seamless information thro' hybrid systems.
Television
INSAT has been a major catalyst for the expansion of television coverage in India. Satellite television now covers 100% area and 100% population. The terrestrial coverage is over 65 percent of the Indian land mass and over 90 percent of the population. At present 40 Doordarshan TV channels including news uplinks are operating through C-band transponders of INSAT-3A, INSAT-4B, INSAT-3C and INSAT-2E (Additionally IS-10 & IS-906 INTELSAT leased). All of the Satellite TV channels are digitalized.
The following satellite television services are being operated by Doordarshan:
• National networking service (DD-1), DD News (DD-2), DD-Sports, DD-Urdu, DD-India DD-Bharati.
• Regional services in Sates of Kerala, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, UP, Assam, Maharashtra, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura, Orissa, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), Haryana, Mizoram, Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh.
As on Dec.,2008, 1412 transmitters of Doordarshan are working in INSAT system out of which 1133 transmitters (130 High Power Transmitters (HPT), 728 Low Power Transmitters (LPT), 257 Very Low Power Transmitters (VLPT) and 18 Transposers) are working in the DD-1 network and 167 TV Transmitters (73 HPTs, 78 LPTs and 16 VLPTs) are working in the DD-News network. 108 Regional service transmitters (6 HPTs, 8 LPTS and 94 VLPTs), 4 HPTs with digital transmissions are also operational in the Doordarshan Network. Out of these 4 transmitters one located at Delhi is carrying 16 mobile TV services for experimental purpose. 45 DD and Private TV channels are operational through DTH service ("DD Direct+"). 10 channel DTH planned in C-Band for Andaman & Nicobar islands is under installation.
INSAT provides bandwidth for DTH broadcasting service over Indian region. At present DTH service is operational through INSAT- 4 series. INSAT-4 series has high power transponders with 52 dBW EIRP (EOC) to support DTH service with 60/90 cm dish of TVRO at receive side, all over India.
TATA-SKY operates DTH service through INSAT-4A at 83 deg East with total number of 150 video channels. Doordarshan (DD-DIRECT) operates DTH service through INSAT-4B at 93.5 deg East with total number of 48 channels which are free to air. Other private DTH service providers like Sun Direct and Bharati Airtel have also started DTH service through INSAT-4B and INSAT-4CR which is at 74 deg East location.
In all, around 16.2 millions of TVROs are distributed and operational all over India by various service providers including DD DIRECT TVRO's number in excess of 10 millions.
Television
INSAT has been a major catalyst for the expansion of television coverage in India. Satellite television now covers 100% area and 100% population. The terrestrial coverage is over 65 percent of the Indian land mass and over 90 percent of the population. At present 40 Doordarshan TV channels including news uplinks are operating through C-band transponders of INSAT-3A, INSAT-4B, INSAT-3C and INSAT-2E (Additionally IS-10 & IS-906 INTELSAT leased). All of the Satellite TV channels are digitalized.
The following satellite television services are being operated by Doordarshan:
• National networking service (DD-1), DD News (DD-2), DD-Sports, DD-Urdu, DD-India DD-Bharati.
• Regional services in Sates of Kerala, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, UP, Assam, Maharashtra, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura, Orissa, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), Haryana, Mizoram, Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh.
As on Dec.,2008, 1412 transmitters of Doordarshan are working in INSAT system out of which 1133 transmitters (130 High Power Transmitters (HPT), 728 Low Power Transmitters (LPT), 257 Very Low Power Transmitters (VLPT) and 18 Transposers) are working in the DD-1 network and 167 TV Transmitters (73 HPTs, 78 LPTs and 16 VLPTs) are working in the DD-News network. 108 Regional service transmitters (6 HPTs, 8 LPTS and 94 VLPTs), 4 HPTs with digital transmissions are also operational in the Doordarshan Network. Out of these 4 transmitters one located at Delhi is carrying 16 mobile TV services for experimental purpose. 45 DD and Private TV channels are operational through DTH service ("DD Direct+"). 10 channel DTH planned in C-Band for Andaman & Nicobar islands is under installation.
INSAT provides bandwidth for DTH broadcasting service over Indian region. At present DTH service is operational through INSAT- 4 series. INSAT-4 series has high power transponders with 52 dBW EIRP (EOC) to support DTH service with 60/90 cm dish of TVRO at receive side, all over India.
TATA-SKY operates DTH service through INSAT-4A at 83 deg East with total number of 150 video channels. Doordarshan (DD-DIRECT) operates DTH service through INSAT-4B at 93.5 deg East with total number of 48 channels which are free to air. Other private DTH service providers like Sun Direct and Bharati Airtel have also started DTH service through INSAT-4B and INSAT-4CR which is at 74 deg East location.
In all, around 16.2 millions of TVROs are distributed and operational all over India by various service providers including DD DIRECT TVRO's number in excess of 10 millions.
Television
INSAT has been a major catalyst for the expansion of television coverage in India. Satellite television now covers 100% area and 100% population. The terrestrial coverage is over 65 percent of the Indian land mass and over 90 percent of the population. At present 40 Doordarshan TV channels including news uplinks are operating through C-band transponders of INSAT-3A, INSAT-4B, INSAT-3C and INSAT-2E (Additionally IS-10 & IS-906 INTELSAT leased). All of the Satellite TV channels are digitalized.
The following satellite television services are being operated by Doordarshan:
• National networking service (DD-1), DD News (DD-2), DD-Sports, DD-Urdu, DD-India DD-Bharati.
• Regional services in Sates of Kerala, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, UP, Assam, Maharashtra, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura, Orissa, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), Haryana, Mizoram, Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh.
As on Dec.,2008, 1412 transmitters of Doordarshan are working in INSAT system out of which 1133 transmitters (130 High Power Transmitters (HPT), 728 Low Power Transmitters (LPT), 257 Very Low Power Transmitters (VLPT) and 18 Transposers) are working in the DD-1 network and 167 TV Transmitters (73 HPTs, 78 LPTs and 16 VLPTs) are working in the DD-News network. 108 Regional service transmitters (6 HPTs, 8 LPTS and 94 VLPTs), 4 HPTs with digital transmissions are also operational in the Doordarshan Network. Out of these 4 transmitters one located at Delhi is carrying 16 mobile TV services for experimental purpose. 45 DD and Private TV channels are operational through DTH service ("DD Direct+"). 10 channel DTH planned in C-Band for Andaman & Nicobar islands is under installation.
INSAT provides bandwidth for DTH broadcasting service over Indian region. At present DTH service is operational through INSAT- 4 series. INSAT-4 series has high power transponders with 52 dBW EIRP (EOC) to support DTH service with 60/90 cm dish of TVRO at receive side, all over India.
TATA-SKY operates DTH service through INSAT-4A at 83 deg East with total number of 150 video channels. Doordarshan (DD-DIRECT) operates DTH service through INSAT-4B at 93.5 deg East with total number of 48 channels which are free to air. Other private DTH service providers like Sun Direct and Bharati Airtel have also started DTH service through INSAT-4B and INSAT-4CR which is at 74 deg East location.
In all, around 16.2 millions of TVROs are distributed and operational all over India by various service providers including DD DIRECT TVRO's number in excess of 10 millions.
Telecommunications
A total of 620 telecommunication terminals of various sizes and capabilities (excluding NICNET, and VSAT micro terminals) are operating in INSAT telecommunications network providing 8177 two-way speech circuits. These include 95 BSNL, 170 for government users and 204 Closed User Group(CUG)/VSAT operators earth stations and 355 Closed User Group (CUG)/VSAT Operators Earth Stations. 80 Multi Channel per Carrier(MCPC) VSATs,10 RABMN VSATs and 3100 Ku Bnad VSATs under HVNET are working with BSNL. Total of 1,02,421 CUG VSATs are operating through INSAT.
Captive satellite-based networks for National Thermal Power Corporation, Gas Authority of India Ltd, Nuclear Power Corporation, Indian Telephone Industries, Oil and Natural Gas Commission, National Fertilizers Limited and Coal India Limited, DPNET, ERNET, IDRBT, Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited, ITI, GNFC, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd, IOCL, Khazane Net, BPCL, Jai Prakash Industries Ltd., Indian Railway Project Management Unit are operational. The National Stock Exchange VSAT network & BSE Network in extended C-band are operational. A number of captive government networks are also working with INSAT. More organizations are in the process of implementing their own captive networks using INSAT.
Mobile Satellite Services
An S-band Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) was added to INSAT system with the launch of INSAT-3C in 2002 and GSAT-2 in 2003. The following two classes of services were identified for MSS:
• A small portable satellite terminal that works with INSAT for voice/data communication has been developed with the participation of Indian industries. The terminal is useful for voice communication especially during disasters when other means of communication break down. It can be used from any location in India for emergency communication. Transmit and receive frequencies of the terminal are in S-Band.
• The portable terminal is connected to the EPABX at central hub station through satellite channel and hence could be considered as an extension of EPABX and call could be made between any satellite terminals and local phones on EPABX. Central hub station is located at SAC, Ahmedabad.
Meteorology
The meteorological data of INSAT system is processed and disseminated by INSAT Meteorological Data Processing System (IMDPS) of India Meteorological Department (IMD). Upper winds, sea surface temperature and precipitation index data are regularly obtained. The products derived from the image data include: cloud motion vectors, sea surface temperature, outgoing long-wave radiation and quantitative precipitation index. The products are used for weather forecasting, both synoptic and numerical weather prediction.
INSAT-VHRR imageries are used by Doordarshan during news coverage and by newspapers as part of weather reporting. At present, repetitive and synoptic weather system observations over Indian Ocean from geostationary orbit are available only from INSAT system. INSAT VHRR data is available in near real-time at 90 Meteorological Data Dissemination Centres (MDDC) in various parts of the country. With the commissioning of direct satellite service for processed VHRR data, MDDC type of data can be provided at any location in the country.
IMD has installed 100 meteorological Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) and other agencies have installed about 200 DCPs all over the country. One DCP is also installed at Schiramacher, the Indian base station in Antarctica.
DCP services are provided using the Data Relay Transponders of Kalpana-1 and INSAT-3A. A rainfall monitoring system which operates at 300 bits/second has been developed. ISRO has taken up indigenous development of low cost automatic weather station for deployment in the country in large numbers. The data collection is proposed to be carried out in TDMA mode instead of the present random access mode.
For quick dissemination of warnings against impending disaster from approaching cyclones, specially designed receivers have been installed at the vulnerable coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, West Bengal and Gujarat for direct transmission of warnings to the officials and public in general using broadcast capability of INSAT. IMD's Area Cyclone Warning Centres generate special warning bulletins and transmit them every hour in local languages to the affected areas. Three hundred and fifty such receiver stations have been installed by IMD. Out of these 100 are Digital CWDS (DCWDS) based on advanced technology. The DCWDS has been deployed with acknowledgement transmitters to get confirmation at transmitting station.
A cooperative agreement has been signed with EUMETSAT for using meteorological data from Meteosat-5 at 63 degree East in exchange for weather pictures collected by INSAT.

406 MHz Cospas-Sarsat Distress beacon developed by VSSC
SATELLITE AIDED SEARCH AND RESCUE
India is a member of the international COSPAS-SARSAT programme for providing distress alert and position location service through LEOSAR (Low Earth Orbit Search And Rescue) satellite system. Under this programme, India has established two Local User Terminals (LUTs), one at Lucknow and the other at Bangalore. The Indian Mission Control Centre (INMCC), is located at ISTRAC, Bangalore.
INSAT-3A located at 93.5 deg East is equipped with 406 MHz Search and Rescue payload that picks up and relays alert signals originating from the distress beacons of maritime, aviation and land users. INSAT and GOES systems have become an integral part of the COSPAS-SARSAT system and they complement the LEOSAR system.
Indian LUTs provide coverage to a large part of Indian Ocean region rendering distress alert services to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. The operations of INMCC/LUT are funded by the participating agencies, namely, Coast Guard, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Director General of Shipping and Services.

INSAT GEOSAR Local User Terminal (GEO LUT) is established at ISTRAC, Bangalore and integrated with INMCC. The distress alert messages concerning the Indian service area, detected at INMCC are passed on to Indian Coast Guard and Rescue Coordination Centres at Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai. The search and rescue activities are carried out by Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force. INMCC is linked to the RCCs and other International MCCs through Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN). The Indian LUTs and MCC provide service round the clock and maintain the database of all 406 MHz registered beacons equipped on Indian ships and aircraft.
Development of indigenous search and rescue beacons has been completed, and is now in qualification phase. Shortly it will be released to the Indian fishermen community.
Till date, there are about 400 registered user agencies (Maritime & Aviation) in India with more than 5200 radio beacons in use.
Migration from LEOSAR & GEOSAR to MEOSAR system has been under taken. Design of upcoming MEOSAR system is ready and will be implemented in 2 years.
Satellite Navigation
GAGAN
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to implement an indigenous Satellite-Based Regional GPS Augmentation System also known as Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) as part of the Satellite-Based Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM) plan for civil aviation. The Indian SBAS system has been given an acronym GAGAN - GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation. A national plan for satellite navigation including implementation of Technology Demonstration System (TDS) over the Indian air space as a proof of concept has been prepared jointly by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and ISRO. TDS was successfully completed during 2007 by installing eight Indian Reference Stations (INRESs) at eight Indian airports and linked to the Master Control Center (MCC) located near Bangalore.

The first navigation payload is being fabricated and it is proposed to be flown on GSAT-4 which is expected to be launched in 2009. Two more payloads will be subsequently flown, one each on two geostationary satellites GSAT-8 and GSAT-12.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Aerospace systems, institutional mechanisms and networks created as a part of DMS 10th FYP
The Disaster Management Support (DMS) Programme commits providing aerospace data and value added products derived from it, in a timely manner to support all the phases of the Disaster Management activities in the country. It also envisages development and deployment of fail-safe emergency communication systems through fixed networks as well as mobile devises. Development of appropriate techniques and tools for the monitoring and management of natural disasters are also an important part of the programme.
While Department of Space has created a single window delivery system – Decision Support Centre (DSC) to disseminate all space enabled products and services to the end users, it has also got a separate Disaster management Support (DMS)
programme office to develop the institutional interface with policy makers, international organizations and user agencies. DMS programme of Dos is therefore developed as a mission oriented and project based endeavour providing the critical technological and institutional support towards disaster management in the country. DMS programme has also responded well to International Chapter for Space and Major disasters, initiatives of UN OOSA, UNESCAP and BIMSTEC.

The International Charter activities are being supported by providing IRS data on the global disaster events. ISRO has joined the Phase-II of the Sentinel Asia (SA) initiative for supporting disaster management activities in the Asia-Pacific region. IRS data was provided for the SIDR cyclone inundation in Bangladesh; and for two flood disaster events in Australia. IRS-P6 AWiFS data of Kosi embankment breach was uploaded into SA-Server in response to the emergency requests from Nepal.

The data from Indian Remote Sensing Satellites are used for a variety of applications towards natural resources monitoring and management. Remote sensing applications in the country have graduated from demonstrative phase to operational phase and expanding their scope to several new areas. Vital applications such as identifying zones which could yield ground water, suitable locations for recharging water, monitoring command areas, estimating crop areas and yields, assessing deforestation, mapping urban areas for planning purposes, delineating ocean areas with higher fish catch potential and monitoring of environment etc., are being pursued actively by users using space based data.
The remote sensing application projects at national, regional and local levels are being carried out through NRSC, Hyderabad, SAC, Ahmedabad, five Regional Remote Sensing Service Centres (RRSSC) located at Bangalore, Dehradun, Jodhpur, Kharagpur, and Nagpur as well as North-Eastern Space Application Centre (NE-SAC), Shillong. State and central government departments, state remote sensing centres and others are also associating in execution of the projects.
Major application activities using satellite remote sensing data in the country include:
Natural Resources Census


Forecasting of Agriculture outputs through Satellite, Agrometeorology and Land based observations (FASAL)


Groundwater Prospects Mapping

National Wastelands Monitoring

National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) for emergency response management in times of natural and man-made disasters
Watershed development for Watershed prioritization, characterization, development plans and impact assessment
Topographic Mapping of Indian Coast

Web enabled land use/land cover information system BHOOSAMPADA
National Urban Information System (NUIS)

Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP)

Flood Management Information System

Evaluation of Irrigation Tanks

Natural Resources Data Base (NRDB)

Programme on Climate change Research In Terrestrial environment (PRACRITI)

Precision Farming
Forest inventory & management
Biodiversity characterization at landscape level
National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring (NADAMS): The near real time information on agricultural drought situation, from June to November, covering national/state/district is an input to plan for effective drought management of the country
Potential Fishing Zones(PFZ)
Irrigation management and command area development
Snow and Glacier Inventory, Snow pack Characterization and Mass balance modeling
Desertification status mapping








Satellite Launch Date Launch Vehicle Type of Satellite
Oceansat-2
23.09.2009 PSLV-C14 Earth Observation Satellite
ANUSAT
20.04.2009 PSLV-C12 Experimental / Small Satellite
RISAT-2
20.04.2009 PSLV-C12 Earth Observation Satellite
Chandrayaan-1
22.10.2008 PSLV-C11 Space Mission
CARTOSAT - 2A
28.04.2008 PSLV-C9 Earth Observation Satellite
IMS-1
28.04.2008 PSLV-C9 Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-4B
12.03.2007 Ariane-5ECA Geo-Stationary Satellite
CARTOSAT - 2
10.01.2007 PSLV-C7 Earth Observation Satellite
SRE - 1
10.01.2007 PSLV-C7 Experimental / Small Satellite
INSAT-4CR
02.09.2007 GSLV-F04 Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-4C
10.07.2006 GSLV-F02 Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-4A
22.12.2005 Ariane-5GS Geo-Stationary Satellite
HAMSAT
05.05.2005 PSLV-C6 Experimental / Small Satellite
CARTOSAT-1
05.05.2005 PSLV-C6 Earth Observation Satellite
EDUSAT (GSAT-3)
20.09.2004 GSLV-F01 Geo-Stationary Satellite
Resourcesat-1(IRS-P6)
17.10.2003 PSLV-C5 Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-3A
10.04.2003 Ariane-5G Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-3E
28.09.2003 Ariane-5G Geo-Stationary Satellite
GSAT-2
08.05.2003 GSLV-D2 Geo-Stationary Satellite
KALPANA-1(METSAT)
12.09.2002 PSLV-C4 Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-3C
24.01.2002 Ariane-42L H10-3 Geo-Stationary Satellite
Technology Experiment Satellite (TES)
22.10.2001 PSLV-C3 Earth Observation Satellite
GSAT-1
18.04.2001 GSLV-D1 Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-3B
22.03.2000 Ariane-5G Geo-Stationary Satellite
Oceansat(IRS-P4)
26.05.1999 PSLV-C2 Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-2E
03.04.1999 Ariane-42P H10-3 Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-2DT
January 1998 Ariane-44L H10 Geo-Stationary Satellite
IRS-1D
29.09.1997 PSLV-C1 Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-2D
04.06.1997 Ariane-44L H10-3 Geo-Stationary Satellite
IRS-P3
21.03.1996 PSLV-D3 Earth Observation Satellite
IRS-1C
28.12.1995 Molniya Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-2C
07.12.1995 Ariane-44L H10-3 Geo-Stationary Satellite
IRS-P2
15.10.1994 PSLV-D2 Earth Observation Satellite
Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-C2)
04.05.1994 ASLV Space Mission
IRS-1E
20.09.1993 PSLV-D1 Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-2B
23.07.1993 Ariane-44L H10+ Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-2A
10.07.1992 Ariane-44L H10 Geo-Stationary Satellite
Stretched Rohini Satellite Series (SROSS-C)
20.05.1992 ASLV Space Mission
IRS-1B
29.08.1991 Vostok Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-1D
12.06.1990 Delta 4925 Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-1C
21.07.1988 Ariane-3 Geo-Stationary Satellite
Stretched Rohini Satellite Series
(SROSS-2)
13.07.1988 ASLV Earth Observation Satellite
IRS-1A
17.03.1988 Vostok Earth Observation Satellite
Stretched Rohini Satellite Series
(SROSS-1)
24.03.1987 ASLV Space Mission
INSAT-1B
30.08.1983 Shuttle [PAM-D] Geo-Stationary Satellite
Rohini (RS-D2)
17.04.1983 SLV-3 Earth Observation Satellite
INSAT-1A
10.04.1982 Delta 3910 PAM-D Geo-Stationary Satellite
Bhaskara-II
20.11.1981 C-1 Intercosmos Earth Observation Satellite
Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE)
19.06.1981 Ariane-1(V-3) Geo-Stationary Satellite
Rohini (RS-D1)
31.05.1981 SLV-3 Earth Observation Satellite
Rohini (RS-1)
18.07.1980 SLV-3 Experimental / Small Satellite
Rohini Technology Payload (RTP)
10.08.1979 SLV-3 Experimental / Small Satellite
Bhaskara-I
07.06.1979 C-1 Intercosmos Earth Observation Satellite
Aryabhata
19.04.1975 C-1 Intercosmos Experimental / Small Satellite


Bhuvan:
Bhuvan gives you an easy way to experience, explore and visualize IRS images over Indian region
ISRO is well known amongst space faring nations for its world-leading reputation in developing new, indigenous and innovative service oriented applications using remote sensing technology. Over the past 2 decades, ISRO has mastered the art of developing these unique applications using various spectral, spatial and temporal resolutions offered by the versatile IRS satellites and these have been successfully institutionalized in many important areas of policy making, natural resources management, disaster support, and enhancing the quality of life across all sections of the society.

Bhuvan is an initiative to showcase this distinctiveness of Indian imaging capabilities including the thematic information derived from such imagery which could be of vital importance to common man with a focus on Indian region. Bhuvan, an ambitious project of ISRO to take Indian images and thematic information in multiple spatial resolutions to people through a web portal through easy access to information on basic natural resources in the geospatial domain. Bhuvan showcases Indian images by the superimposition of these IRS satellite imageries on 3D globe. It displays satellite images of varying resolution of India’s surface, allowing users to visually see things like cities and important places of interest looking perpendicularly down or at an oblique angle, with different perspectives and can navigate through 3D viewing environment. The degree of resolution showcased is based on the points of interest and popularity, but most of the Indian terrain is covered upto at least 5.8 meters of resolution with the least spatial resolution being 55 meters from AWifs Sensor. With such rich content, Bhuvan opens the door to graphic visualisation of digital geospatial India allowing individuals to experience the fully interactive terrain viewing capabilities.

Multi-resolution images from multi-sensor IRS satellites of India is seamlessly depicted through the Bhuvan web portal by enabling a common man to zoom into specific area of interest at high resolution. Bhuvan brings a whole lot of uniqueness in understanding our own natural resources whilst presenting beautiful images and thematic vectors generated from varieties of geospatial information. Bhuvan will also attempt to bring out the importance of multi-temporal data and to highlight the changes taking place to our natural resources, which will serve as a general awareness on our changing planet. There are lot more special value added services which will be enabled onto the web portal in due course of time and each one of those services are going to be unique to preserving and conserving our precious natural resources through public participation. We are sure the common man will get rich benefits from these Indian geospatial data services in days to come.
Basic features of Bhuvan:
• Access, explore and visualise 2D and 3D image data along with rich thematic information on Soil, wasteland, water resources etc.
• Visualise multi-resolution, multi-sensor, multi-temporal image data
• Superpose administrative boundaries of choice on images as required
• Visualisation of AWS ( Automatic Weather Stations) data/information in a graphic view and use tabular weather data of user choice
• Fly to locations ( Flies from the current location directly to the selected location)
• Heads-Up Display ( HUD) navigation controls ( Tilt slider, north indicator, opacity, compass ring, zoom slider)
• Navigation using the 3D view Pop-up menu (Fly-in, Fly out, jump in, jump around, view point)
• 3D Fly through (3D view to fly to locations, objects in the terrain, and navigate freely using the mouse or keyboard)
• Drawing 2D objects (Text labels, polylines, polygons, rectangles, 2D arrows, circles, ellipse)
• Drawing 3D Objects (placing of expressive 3D models, 3D polygons, boxes)
• Snapshot creation (copies the 3D view to a floating window and allows to save to a external file)
• Measurement tools (Horizontal distance, aerial distance, vertical distance, measure area)
• Shadow Analysis (it sets the sun position based on the given time creating shadows and effects the lighting on the terrain)
• Urban Design Tools (to build roads, junctions and traffic lights in an urban setting)
• Contour map ( Displays a colorized terrain map and contour lines)
• Draw tools (Creates simples markers, free hand lines, urban designs)
There would be many more value added functions and facilities which will be added into the package from time to time. Particular interest of ISRO/DOS would be to provide such functionalities to common man so that he/she adopts participatory approach with scientists to solve simple problems easily and interactively.



PSLV-C14 successfully launches Seven Satellites - OCEANSAT-2, Four CUBESAT Satellites and Two RUBIN-9 from Sriharikota (Sept. 23, 2009).
PSLV-C12 successfully launches RISAT-2 and ANUSAT from Sriharikota (April 20, 2009).


PSLV-C11 successfully launches CHANDRAYAAN-1 from Sriharikota (October 22, 2008).
PSLV-C9 successfully launches CARTOSAT-2A, IMS-1 and 8 foreign nano satellites from Sriharikota (April 28,2008).
PSLV-C10 successfully launches TECSAR satellite under a commercial contract with Antrix Corporation (January 21, 2008).


Successful launch of GSLV (GSLV-F04) with INSAT-4CR on board from SDSC SHAR (September 2, 2007).
ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C8, successfully launched Italian astronomical satellite, AGILE from Sriharikota (April 23, 2007).
Successful launch of INSAT-4B by Ariane-5 from Kourou French Guyana, (March 12, 2007).
Successful recovery of SRE-1 after manoeuvring it to reenter the earth’s atmosphere and descend over the Bay of Bengal about 140 km east of Sriharikota (January 22, 2007).
ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C7 successfully launches four satellites - India’s CARTOSAT-2 and Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1) and Indonesia’s LAPAN-TUBSAT and Argentina’s PEHUENSAT-1 (January 10, 2007).


Second operational flight of GSLV (GSLV-F02) from SDSC SHAR with INSAT-4C on board. (July 10, 2006). Satellite could not be placed in orbit.


Successful launch of INSAT-4A by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana, (December 22, 2005).
ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C6, successfully launched CARTOSAT-1 and HAMSAT satellites from Sriharikota(May 5, 2005).



The first operational flight of GSLV (GSLV-F01) successfully launched EDUSAT from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota (September 20, 2004)


ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C5, successfully launched RESOURCESAT-1(IRS-P6) satellite from Sriharikota(October 17, 2003).

Successful launch of INSAT-3E by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana, (September 28, 2003).
The Second developmental launch of GSLV-D2 with GSAT-2on board from Sriharikota (May 8, 2003).
Successful launch of INSAT-3A by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana, (April 10, 2003).



ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C4, successfully launched KALPANA-1 satellite from Sriharikota(September 12, 2002).
Successful launch of INSAT-3C by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana, (January 24, 2002).

ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C3,successfully launched three satellites -- Technology Experiment Satellite (TES) of ISRO, BIRD of Germany and PROBA of Belgium - into their intended orbits (October 22, 2001).
The first developmental launch of GSLV-D1 with GSAT-1 on board from Sriharikota (April 18, 2001).

INSAT-3B, the first satellite in the third generation INSAT-3 series, launched by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana, (March 22, 2000).

Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT), launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C2) along with Korean KITSAT-3 and German DLR-TUBSAT from Sriharikota (May 26, 1999).
INSAT-2E, the last satellite in the multipurpose INSAT-2 series, launched by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana, (April 3, 1999).

INSAT system capacity augmented with the readiness of INSAT-2DT acquired from ARABSAT (January 1998).

INSAT-2D, fourth satellite in the INSAT series, launched (June 4, 1997). Becomes inoperable on October 4, 1997. (An in-orbit satellite, ARABSAT-1C, since renamed INSAT-2DT, was acquired in November 1997 to partly augment the INSAT system).
First operational launch of PSLV with IRS-1D on board (September 29, 1997). Satellite placed in orbit.

Third developmental launch of PSLV with IRS-P3, on board (March 21, 1996). Satellite placed in polar sunsynchronous orbit.

Launch of third operational Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-1C (December 28, 1995).

INSAT-2C, the third satellite in the INSAT-2 series, launched (December 7, 1995).


Second developmental launch of PSLV with IRS-P2, on board (October 15, 1994). Satellite successfully placed in Polar Sunsynchronous Orbit.
Fourth developmental launch of ASLV with SROSS-C2, on board (May 4, 1994). Satellite placed in orbit.

First developmental launch of PSLV with IRS-1E on board (September 20, 1993). Satellite could not be placed in orbit.
INSAT-2B, the second satellite in the INSAT-2 series, launched (July 23, 1993).


INSAT-2A, the first satellite of the indigenously-built second-generation INSAT series, launched (July 10, 1992).
Third developmental launch of ASLV with SROSS-Con board (May 20, 1992). Satellite placed in orbit.

Second operational Remote Sensing satellite, IRS-1B, launched (August 29, 1991).


INSAT-1D launched (June 12, 1990).


INSAT-1C launched (July 21,1988). Abandoned in November 1989.

Second developmental launch of ASLV with SROSS-2 on board (July 13, 1988). Satellite could not be placed in orbit.
Launch of first operational Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, IRS-1A (March 17, 1988).


First developmental launch of ASLV with SROSS-1 satellite on board (March 24, 1987). Satellite could not be placed in orbit.

Indo-Soviet manned space mission (April 1984).

INSAT-1B, launched (August 30, 1983).

Second developmental launch of SLV-3. RS-D2 placed in orbit (April 17, 1983).


INSAT-1A launched (April 10, 1982).

Deactivated on September 6, 1982.

Bhaskara-II launched (November 20, 1981).

APPLE, an experimental geo-stationary communication satellite successfully launched (June 19, 1981).
RS-D1 placed in orbit (May 31, 1981)

First developmental launch of SLV-3.



Second Experimental launch of SLV-3, Rohini satellite successfully placed in orbit.
(July 18, 1980).

First Experimental launch of SLV-3 with Rohini Technology Payload on board (August 10, 1979). Satellite could not be placed in orbit.
Bhaskara-I, an experimental satellite for earth observations, launched (June 7, 1979).


Satellite Telecommunication Experiments Project (STEP) carried out.

Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) conducted.

ISRO First Indian Satellite, Aryabhata, launched (April 19, 1975).

Becomes Government Organisation (April 1, 1975).

Air-borne remote sensing experiments.

Space Commission and Department of Space set up (June 1, 1972). ISRO brought under DOS.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) formed under Department of Atomic Energy (August 15, 1969).

TERLS dedicated to the United Nations (February 2, 1968).

Satellite Telecommunication Earth Station set up at Ahmedabad.

Space Science & Technology Centre (SSTC) established in Thumba.

First sounding rocket launched from TERLS (November 21, 1963).

Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) formed by the Department of Atomic Energy and work on establishing Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) started.



Indian space programme encompasses research in areas like astronomy, astrophysics, planetary and earth sciences, atmospheric sciences and theoretical physics. Balloons, sounding rockets, space platforms and ground-based facilities support these research efforts. A series of sounding rockets are available for atmospheric experiments. Several scientific instruments have been flown on satellites especially to direct celestial X-ray and gamma-ray bursts.

Major space missions are Chandrayaan-l and forthcoming Megha - Tropiques.

Launch Date22.10.2008
Chandrayaan-1,India's first mission to Moon, was launched successfully on October 22, 2008 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.

Launch Date04.05.1994
Second satellite successfully orbited by ASLV. Working even four years after its launch.

Launch Date20.05.1992
First Indian satellite, launched into a near earth orbit on April 19, 1975, by an Intercosmos rocket of erstwhile USSR.
Launch Date 24.03.1987



India in Space

INSAT-3A

Resourcesat-1


Kalpana-1

Edusat


Cartosat-2


SRE-1

GSLV



Today, India is one of the very few countries that have significant achievements to their credit in the arena of space. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has designed, developed and built a variety of satellites. And, it has successfully launched many of them into their intended orbits. More importantly, the country has used its satellites for the rapid expansion of its national infrastructure including telecommunications, TV broadcasting, weather monitoring, education, public health, agriculture and rural development.

More recently, India has provided many space-based services including launch services to foreign customers on a competitive basis. With experience and many successes in Earth orbit, ISRO took up Chandrayaan-1, its first bold step beyond Earth orbit into deep space.


Chandrayaan-1: The Goals
The primary objectives of Chandrayaan-1 are:
1. To expand scientific knowledge about the moon
2. To upgrade India's technological capability
3. To provide challenging opportunities for planetary
research to the younger generation of Indian scientists
Chandrayaan-1 aims to achieve these well defined objectives through high resolution remote sensing of the moon in the visible, near infrared, microwave and X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. With this, preparation of a 3-dimensional atlas of the lunar surface and chemical mapping of entire lunar surface is envisaged.

Readying the spacecraft for
Thermo-vacuum test



Chandrayaan-1: The Payloads

Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft carried 11 payloads (scientific instruments) to achieve its objectives. The instruments were carefully chosen on the basis of many scientific and technical considerations as well as their complementary/supplementary nature.
Of them, five instruments were entirely designed and developed in India, three instruments from European Space Agency (one of which was developed jointly with India and the other with Indian contribution), one from Bulgaria and two from the United States. Thus, Chandrayaan-1 is a classic example of international cooperation that has characterised the global space exploration programmes of the post cold war era.




The Indian payloads are:

1. Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC): The aim of this instrument is to completely map the topography of the moon. The camera works in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and captures black and white stereo images. It images a strip of lunar surface which is 20 km wide and resolution of this CCD camera is 5 m. Such high resolution imaging helps in better understanding of the lunar evolution process as well as in the detailed study of the regions of scientific interest. When used in conjunction with data from Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI), it can help in better understanding of the lunar gravitational field as well. TMC was built by ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC) of Ahmedabad.

2. Hyperspectral Imager (HySI): This CCD camera is designed to obtain the spectroscopic data for mapping of minerals on the surface of the moon as well as for understanding the mineralogical composition of the moon's interior. Operating in the visible and near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, it images a strip of lunar surface which is 20 km wide with a resolution of 80 m. The instrument splits the incident radiation into 64 contiguous bands of 15 nanometer (nm) width. HySI will help in improving the already available information on mineral composition of the lunar surface. HySI was also built by SAC.

3. Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI): This instrument aims to provide necessary data for determining the accurate altitude of Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft above the lunar surface.It also helps in determining the global topographical field of the Moon as well as in generating an improved model for the lunar gravity field. Data from LLRI will enable understanding of the internal structure of the moon and the way large surface features of the moon have changed with time. The infrared laser source used for LLRI is Nd-YAG laser wherein Neodimium atoms are doped into a Yittrium Aluminium Garnet crystal. The wavelength of the light emitted by LLRI is 1064 nm. LLRI was built by ISRO's Laboratory for Electro Optic Systems (LEOS) of Bangalore.

4. High Energy X-ray Spectrometer (HEX): This is the first planetary experiment to carry out spectral studies at 'hard' X-ray energies using good energy resolution detectors. HEX is designed to help explore the possibility of identifying polar regions covered by thick water-ice deposits as well as in identifying regions of high Uranium and Thorium concentrations. Knowledge of the chemical composition of the various solar system objects such as planets, satellites and asteroids provides important clues towards understanding their origin and evolution. HEX uses Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detectors and is designed to detect hard X-rays in the energy range of 30 kilo electron Volts (keV) to about 270 keV. HEX was built jointly by Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) of Ahmedabad and ISRO Satellite Centre of Bangalore.



Moon’s Surface photographed by MIP before its impact
5. Moon Impact Probe (MIP): The primary objective of MIP was to demonstrate the technologies required for landing a probe at the desired location on the moon. Through this probe, it was also intended to qualify some of the technologies related to future soft landing missions. This apart, scientific exploration of the moon at close distance was also intended using MIP.
The 34 kg Moon Impact Probe consisted of a C-band Radar Altimeter for continuous measurement of altitude of the Probe above lunar surface and to qualify technologies for future landing missions, a Video Imaging System for acquiring images of the surface of moon from the descending probe and a Mass Spectrometer for measuring the constituents of extremely thin lunar atmosphere during its 25 minute descent to the lunar surface. MIP was developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of Thiruvananthapuram.
Chandrayaan-1: The Payloads

Of the six payloads from abroad in Chandrayaan-1, three are from the European Space Agency (ESA). They are:





1. Chandrayaan-1 Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (C1XS): This instrument intends to carry out high quality mapping of the moon using X-ray fluorescence technique for measuring elemental abundance of Magnesium, Aluminium, Silicon, Iron and Titanium distributed over the surface of the moon. This will help in finding answers to key questions about the origin and evolution of the moon. The instrument is sensitive to X-rays in the energy range of 1.0—10 keV. C1XS was jointly developed by Rutherford Appleton Laboratory of England and ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore.


2. Smart Near Infrared Spectrometer (SIR-2): This instrument aims to study the lunar surface to explore the mineral resources, the formation of its surface features, the way different layers of the moon's crust lie over one another and the way materials are altered on the moon’s surface. It has the ability to detect and record near Infrared radiation coming from the moon. Since this is the radiation band through which various minerals and ices reveal their existence, SIR-2 is well suited for making an inventory of various minerals on the lunar surface. It can detect the radiation in the range of 0.93-2.4 micron. SIR-2 was developed by Max Plank Institute of Germany.


3. Sub keV Atom Reflecting Analyser (SARA): The aim of this instrument is to study the surface composition of the moon, the way in which moon's surface reacts with solar wind, the way in which materials are altered in space with time and the magnetic anomalies associated with the surface of the moon. SARA is sensitive to neutral atoms that have escaped from the surface of the moon and having energy in the range of 10 eV—2 keV (kilo-electron-Volt). The instrument was developed by the Swedish Institute of Space Physics and Space Physics Laboratory (SPL) of ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre built its processing electronics.



The Bulgarian Payload onboard Chandrayaan-1 is:
4. Radiation Dose Monitor (RADOM): This instrument aims to qualitatively and quantitatively characterise the radiation environment in space around the moon’s vicinity. It will help study the radiation dose map of space near the moon at various latitudes and altitudes. Besides, the instrument helps in investigating whether the space near the moon shields it from cosmic rays coming from distant cosmic sources as well as those from the sun. Such studies and investigations will be helpful in the important task of finding out the shielding requirements of future manned missions to the moon. RADOM was developed by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

The NASA instruments carried by Chandrayaan-1 are:

5. Mini Syntheic Aperture Radar (MiniSAR): This is one of the two scientific instruments of the United States flown in Chandrayaan-1 mission. MiniSAR is from Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory and Naval Air Warfare Centre, USA through NASA. Working in S-band, MiniSAR is mainly intended for the important task of detecting water ice in the permanently shadowed regions of the Lunar poles up to a depth of a few meters. It can optimally distinguish water ice from the dry lunar surface. MiniSAR has a spatial resolution of about 75 metres.

6. Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3): This is an imaging spectrometer which is intended to assess and map lunar mineral resources at high spatial and spectral resolution to support planning for future targeted missions. It will help in characterising and mapping lunar minerals in the context of the moon's early geological evolution. M3 is from Brown University and Jet Propulsion Laboratory through NASA. M3 may also help in identifying water ice in the lunar polar areas. Its operating range is 0.7 to 3 micrometre. The instrument has a spatial resolution of 70 m.
The Chandrayaan-1: The Spacecraft




Chandrayaan-1 spacecarft undergoing prelaunch
tests at SDSC SHAR


Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft on top of PSLV-C11 fourth stage with Payload fairing partially covering it
Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft carrying 11 scientific instruments weighed about 1380 kg at the time of its launch and is shaped like a cuboid with a solar panel projecting from one of its sides. The state of the art subsystems of the spacecraft, some of them miniaturised, facilitate the safe and efficient functioning of its array of scientific instruments.
The spacecraft structure was mainly built using composites and Aluminium honeycomb material. The Thermal subsystem consisting of paints, tapes, multi layer insulation blanket, optical solar reflectors, heat pipes, heaters and temperature controllers, ensures the proper functioning of the spacecraft by keeping its temperature within acceptable limits. The Mechanisms subsystem of Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft took care of the deployment of its solar panel and the steers of the dual gimballed antenna.
The spacecraft is powered by a single solar panel generating a maximum of 700 W. A 36 Ampere-Hour (Ah) Lithium ion battery supplies power when the solar panel is not illuminated by the sun. The Telemetry, Tracking and Command subsystem of Chandrayaan-1 working in S-band takes care of radioing the detailed spacecraft health information, facilitating the knowledge about spacecraft's position in space and allows the reception and execution of commands coming from Earth by the spacecraft.
Sun and star sensors as well as gyroscopes provide the orientation reference for spacecraft in space. The Attitude and Orbit Control subsystem, essentially the brain of Chandrayaan-1, consisting of a Bus Management Unit (BMU), reaction wheels and thrusters, ensures the proper orientation and stability of the spacecraft as well as in changing its orbit during different phases of its flight.
To make Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft to escape from orbiting Earth and to travel towards the moon, its liquid apogee motor (LAM) was used. Liquid propellants needed for LAM as well as thrusters were stored onboard the spacecraft.
Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft's Communications subsystem transmits the precious information gathered by its scientific instruments to Earth in 'X-band' through its Dual Gimballed Antenna.
Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was built at ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore with contributions from ISRO/Department of Space (DOS) establishments like Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) of Tiruvananthapuram, Space Applications Centre (SAC) and Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) of Ahmedabad and Laboratory for
Electro-optic Systems (LEOS) of Bangal



Chandrayaan-1: The Journey

The launch of Chandrayaan-1 took place at 6:22 am Indian Standard Time (00:52 UT) on October 22, 2008 from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh state. Sriharikota is situated at a distance of about 80 km to the North of Chennai.
Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft began its journey from Earth onboard India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C11) and first reached a highly elliptical Initial Orbit (IO). In the Initial Orbit, the perigee (nearest point to Earth) was about 255 km and apogee (farthest point from the Earth) is about 22,860 km.
After circling the Earth in its Initial Orbit for a while, Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was taken to five more elliptical orbits whose apogees were progressively higher a 37,900 km, 74,715 km, 164,600 km, 267,000 km and 380,000 km respectively. This was done by firing the spacecraft's Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) at opportune moments when the spacecraft was near perigee. During this phase of the mission, the Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC), which is one of the eleven payloads of Chandrayaan-1 carried by spacecraft, was successfully switched ON and it took the pictures of the Earth and Moon. Additionally, Radiation Dose Monitor (RADOM), another payload of Chandrayaan-1, was also switched ON.
As it approached the apogee of its final Earth Bound Orbit at 380,000 km, the spacecraft passed at a distance of about 500 km from the Moon on November 8, 2008 since Moon had arrived there in its journey round the Earth.
At that time, the spacecraft's LAM was again fired. This slowed down the spacecraft sufficiently to enable the gravity of the moon to capture it into an elliptical orbit whose periselene (nearest point to the moon's surface) was at 504 km and whose aposelene (farthest point to the moon's surface) was at 7,502 km.
Following this, the height of the spacecraft's orbit around the moon was reduced in four steps. As a result of this, the periselene was reduced from 504 km to 200 km, and then to 182 km and finally to 100 km while the aposelene was reduced from 7,502 km to 255 km and then to 183 km and finally to 100 km. Thus, Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft reached its intended operational lunar polar orbit of about 100 km height from the moon's surface on November 12, 2008. After this, TMC sent excellent images of the lunar surface.
On November 14, 2008, the Moon Impact Probe (MIP), carrying the painting of Indian tricolor on its sides, was separated from the spacecraft and after a 25 minute journey, impacted the lunar surface near the South polar region of the moon at around
20:31 Indian Standard Time (15:01 UT). Following this, the switching ON of the remaining nine payloads began. By mid December 2008, all the payloads had been switched on and teste








PSLV-C11: The Launcher


PSOM-XLs surrounding
the first stage


Nozzle End segment
of the first stage

PSLV-C11, chosen to launch Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, was an uprated version of ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle standard configuration. Weighing 320 tonnes at lift-off, the vehicle used larger strap-on motors (PSOM-XL) to achieve higher payload capability.
PSLV is the trusted workhorse launch Vehicle of ISRO. During September 1993- April 2008 period, PSLV had twelve consecutively successful launches carrying satellites to Sun Synchronous, Low Earth and Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits. On October 22, 2008, its fourteenth flight launched Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft.
By mid 2008, PSLV had repeatedly proved its reliability and versatility by launching 29 satellites into a variety of orbits. Of these, ten remote sensing satellites of India, an Indian satellite for amateur radio communications, a recoverable Space Capsule (SRE-1) and fourteen satellites from abroad were put into polar Sun Synchronous Orbits (SSO) of 550-820 km heights. Besides, PSLV has launched two satellites from abroad into Low Earth Orbits of low or medium inclinations. This apart, PSLV has launched KALPANA-1, a weather satellite of India, into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).



Second stage
with its Vikas engine Hoisting the
third & fourth stages

PSLV- C11 stages at a glance
STAGE-1 STAGE-2 STAGE-3 STAGE-4
Nomenclature Core (PSI)
+
Six Strap-ons
(PSOM-XL) PS2 PS3 PS4
Propellant Solid
HTPB Based Liquid
UH25+N2O4 Solid
HTPB based Bi-prop
MMH +
MON-3
Mass (Tonne) 138.0+6x12 41.5 7.6 2.5
Max Thrust 4910.0
6x720 800 246 7.31X2
Burn Time
(sec) 98
49 147 107.6 525
Stage Dia (m) 2.8
1.0 2.8 2.0 2.8
Stage Length
(m) 20.2
12.4 11.9 3.6 2.9
Control SITVC for Pitch
& Yaw,
Reaction Control
Thrusters for Roll,
SITVC in two PSOMs
for Roll Control Engine Gimball for
Pitch & Yaw,
Hot Gas Reaction Control Motor for
Roll Control Flex Nozzle for Pitch & Yaw, PS4
RCS for Roll Engine Gimbal
for pitch, Yawand Roll,
on-off RCS
for Coast
Phase Control

PSLV was initially designed by ISRO to place 1,000 kg class Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites into 900 km polar SunSynchronous Orbits. Since the first successful flight in October 1994, the capability of PSLV was successively enhanced from 850 kg to 1,600 kg. In its ninth flight on May 5, 2005 from the Second Launch Pad (SLP), PSLV launched ISRO's remote sensing satellite,1,560 kg CARTOSAT-1 and the 42 kg Amateur Radio satellite, HAMSAT, into a 620 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit. The improvement in the capability over successive flights has been achieved through several means. They include increased propellant loading in the stage motors, employing composite material for the satellite mounting structure and changing the sequence of firing of the strap-on motors.
PSLV-C11 is 44.4 metre tall and has four stages using solid and liquid propulsion systems alternately. The first stage, carrying 138 tonne of propellant, is one of the largest solid propellant boosters in the world. Six solid propellant strap-on motors (PSOM-XL), each carrying twelve tonne of solid propellant, are strapped on to the first stage. The second stage carries 41.5 tonne of liquid propellant. The third stage uses 7.6 tonne of solid propellant and the fourth has a twin engine configuration with 2.5 tonne of liquid propellant.
The 3.2 metre diameter metallic bulbous payload fairing protects the satellites and it is discarded after the vehicle has cleared dense atmosphere. PSLV employs a large number of auxiliary systems for stage separation, payload fairing separation and so on. It has sophisticated systems to control the vehicle and guide it through the predetermined trajectory. The vehicle performance is monitored through telemetry and tracking. The main modification in PSLV-C11 compared to its standard configuration is the use of larger strap-on motors (PSOM-XL) containing more propellants.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, designed and developed PSLV-C11. ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) at Thiruvananthapuram developed the inertial systems for the vehicle. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), also at Thiruvananthapuram, developed the liquid propulsion stages for the second and fourth stages of PSLV-C11 as well as reaction control systems. SDSC SHAR processed the solid motors and carries out launch operations. ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) provides telemetry, tracking and command support during PSLV-C11's flight.
Satellite based communication and navigation systems for rural connectivity, security needs and mobile services
Enhanced imaging capability for natural resource management, weather and climate change studies
Space science missions for better understanding of solar system and universe
Planetary exploration
Development of Heavy lift launcher
Reusable Launch Vehicles - Technology demonstrator missions leading to Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO)
Human Space Flight


PSLV-C11 at the Second Launch Pad


Chandrayaan-1
in PSLV-C11envelope


PSLV-C11 Nominal Flight Profile





VSSC at Thiruvananthapuram is the major center of ISRO, where the design and development activities of satellite launch vehicles and sounding rockets are carried out and made ready for launch operations. The centre pursues research and development activities for associated technologies such as launch vehicle design, propellants, solid propulsion technology, aerodynamics, aero structural and aero thermal aspects, avionics, polymers and composites, guidance, control, and simulation, computer and information, mechanical engineering, aerospace mechanisms, vehicle integration and testing, space ordnance, chemicals and materials.

Systems reliability and quality assurance of all aspects of engineering and operations are studied and evaluated to the levels of perfection required in each field. Programme planning and evaluation, technology transfer and industrial coordination, indigenization, human resources development, safety and personnel and general administration groups support the centre for all its activities.
The Space Physics Laboratory at VSSC carries out research and studies in atmospheric science and other related space science activities.

Ammonium Perchlorate Experimental Plant (APEP) at Aluva in Kerala is a part of VSSC.

The major programmes at VSSC include launch vehicle projects of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV Mark II and Mark III), Rohini Sounding Rockets, Space-capsule Recovery Experiments, Reusable Launch Vehicles and Air Breathing Propulsion for Advanced Reusable Launch Vehicles.

ISAC at Bangalore is engaged in developing satellite technology and implementation of satellite systems for scientific, technological and application missions. ISAC is functionally organised into five major areas: mechanical systems area including structures, thermal systems and spacecraft mechanisms; digital and communications area including digital systems and communication systems; integration and power area comprising spacecraft checkout, systems integration and power systems; controls and mission area consisting of control system, mission development and computer and information; and facilities. Reliability and components area and programme planning and evaluation group provide relevant support to the centre. Project management teams co-ordinate the implementation of INSAT and IRS projects. Space astronomy and instrumentation division is engaged in space science activities. ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment (ISITE) including a Comprehensive Assembly, Test and Thermo-vacuum Chamber (CATVAC) provide necessary support for qualification of sub-systems and systems to meet the requirements of space environment.

Achievements include design and development of more than 50 satellites so far of various types like scientific, communication and remote sensing.
SDSC SHAR, with two launch pads is the main launch centre of ISRO located at 100 km north of Chennai. SDSC SHAR has the necessary infrastructure for launching satellite into low earth orbit, polar orbit and geostationary transfer orbit. The launch complexes provide complete support for vehicle assembly, fuelling, checkout and launch operations. Apart form these, it has facilities for launching sounding rockets meant for studying the earth’s atmosphere.
Achievements include establishment of launch complexes for Sounding rockets, SLV- 3, ASLV and PSLV. Launch complex augmented for GSLV.

Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is the centre of excellence in the area of Liquid Propulsion for ISRO's Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft programmes. The activities are spread across Valiamala / Thiruvananthapuram, Mahendragiri and Bangalore
1. LPSC, Valiamala
LPSC Valiamala is the Headquarters and the centre is entrusted with the responsibility of research and development of Earth Storable and Cryogenic propulsion and delivers Engines, stages, associated control systems and components for Launch Vehicle and Spacecrafts.
Major Achievements include:
• Liquid Rocket Stages and Control Power Plant for PSLV
• Liquid stage for GSLV
• Propulsion system for GEOSAT and IRS spacecrafts
• Propulsion system for SPE
• Transducer development and production
• LPSC delivered administration package of COWAA software ,which is currently being used across all ISRO centres
Major Projects under development are Cryogenic Upper Stage for GSLV-Mk II , Liquid rocket core stage & Cryogenic Upper Stage for GSLV-M3 vehicle and Semi-cryogenic development

Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC)
ISRO, Department of Space
Valiamala PO
Thiruvanthapuram - 695 547


2. LPSC, Mahendragiri
Test facility is located at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu and is responsible for Assembly, Integration & Testing and Propellant storage & Servicing for launch vehicle engines & stages.

The major achievements of the centre are testing of Vikas engine, CUS engine, Steering engine in Sea level & HAT, PS4 engine, PS4 stage, PS2/GS2 and L40 stage development & qualification tests, CUS stage development test (in progress), Assembly & integration of flight stages PS2/GS2, PS4, L40 for PSLV & GSLV missions, LAM engine and AOCS thruster, HAT testing and Supply of propellant for Launch vehicle and spacecraft missions.
The centre also carries out R&D and TDP towards optimizing the test facilities, improving the coating process, etc.



3. LPSC, Bangalore
The centre located at Bangalore is responsible for Satellite Propulsion Systems Integration for GEOSAT and IRS programmes. The centre is also responsible for design and development of monopropellant propulsion system, System engineering, Transducer and Spacecraft propellant tanks. The centre is involved in R&D and TDP activities towards development of electric propulsion system, propellant gauging system for spacecraft, advanced transducers etc.
Major Achievements include:
• Integration of propulsion systems for INSAT, GSAT, IRS class of satellites
• providing propellant ervicing for launch and support for in orbit operation of the propulsion systems
• Transducers development and production undertaken caters to launch vehicle, satellite propulsion system and facility requirements.
• Monopropellant thruster developed and realised are used in IRS class of satellites


Space Applications Centre (SAC) is one of the major centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is a unique centre dealing with a wide variety of disciplines comprising design and development of payloads, societal applications, capacity building and space sciences, thereby creating a synergy of technology, science and applications. The Centre is responsible for the development, realisation and qualification of communication, navigation, earth & planetary
observation, meteorological payloads and related data processing and ground systems. Several national level application programmes in the area of natural resources, weather and environmental studies, disaster monitoring/mitigation, etc are also carried out. It is playing an important role in harnessing space technology for a wide variety of applications for societal benefits. The organisational structure continues to remain dynamic, responding to the needs of the hour. SAC operates and maintains Ahmedabad Earth Station and the Delhi Earth Stations.

SAC is a host institution for the training programmes related to Satellite Communication, Satellite Meteorology and global change under the Centre for Space Science & Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP) affiliated to the United Nations (UN).

Development and Educational Communication Unit (DECU) is involved in the system definition, planning, implementation and socio-economic research/evaluation of satellite-based societal applications.
The Major Programs, at present, of DECU – to promote the satellite-based communication systems to support development, education & training – include:
• Tele-Education (Edusat)
• Tele-Medicine (TM)
• Gramsat Program - including Training & Development Communication Channel (TDCC)
• Satcom Applications – including VRC, DMS Program (for S & T), etc.
The DECU supports by :
• Satcom Networks - Configuration, Implementation & Utilisation
• Social Research & Evaluation
• Content Generation, Transmission, & Training
• Studio & Technical Facilities
DECU, as an independent entity, has a definite role in meeting the goals of ISRO in promoting usage of space technology for the benefit of common man. The continuing expansion of space applications programs like Tele-education, Tele-medicine, etc. reiterates the increasing role played by DECU in providing direct benefits to the society. Thus, DECU continues to pursue successful goals on all fronts in meeting the objectives of space-based societal applications for the national development

ISTRAC is responsible for providing Space Operation services that include spacecraft control, TTC support services and other related projects and services, for the launch vehicle and low earth orbiting spacecraft and deep space missions of ISRO and other space agencies around the world. Development of RADAR systems for tracking & atmospheric applications and Establishment of Ground Segment Network for Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System of ISRO are the additional responsibilities of ISTRAC.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), over the years, established a comprehensive network of ground stations to provide Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) support to Satellite and Launch vehicle missions. These facilities are grouped under ISRO Telemetry, Tracking And Command Network (ISTRAC) with its headquarters at Bangalore, Karnataka State, INDIA. ISTRAC has TTC ground stations at Bangalore, Lucknow, SHAR (Sriharikota), Thiruvananthapuram, Port Blair Island, Brunei, Biak (Indonesia) and Mauritius, meeting international standards.

The Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN), commissioned during the year 2008, at Byalalu village near Bangalore forms the Ground segment for providing deep space support for India’s prestigious and first Lunar mission, the Chandrayaan-1.

MCF at Hassan in Karnataka and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh monitors and controls all the geo-stationary satellites of ISRO. MCF carries out operations related to initial orbit raising of satellites, in-orbit payload testing, and on-orbit operations throughout the life of these satellites. The operations involve continuous tracking, telemetry and commanding, special operations like eclipse management, station-keeping manoeuvres and recovery in case of contingencies.
MCF interacts with the user agencies for effective utilisation of the satellite payloads and to minimise the service disturbances during special operations.

SRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) at Thiruvananthapuram has been the center of excellence in the area of inertial systems for launch vehicles and spacecrafts. IISU carries out research and development in the area of inertial sensors & systems and allied satellite elements. It has facilities for precision fabrication, assembly, clean room and integration and testing. This unit has the total capability to design, engineer, develop, qualify and deliver inertial systems for the entire Indian Space programme.

Laboratory for Electro Optics Systems is engaged in design, development and production of Electro-Optic sensors and camera optics for satellites and launch vehicles. The sensors include star trackers, earth sensors, sun sensors & processing electronics. Optics Systems include both reflective and refractive optics for remote sensing and meteorological payloads. Other optical elements developed by LEOS for in-house use include optics for star sensor, optics for Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI), optical masks for sun sensors, optical filters and encoders.

LEOS is actively involved in the development of new technologies for present / future satellites. This includes development active pixel sensor star tracker, Charge Coupled Device (CCD) based star tracker, Fiber Optics Gyro, Optical inter satellite link, high resolution camera optics, optical coatings and MEMS devices (magnetometer, accelerometer etc.). LEOS is situated at Peenya Industrial Estate, Bangalore where the first Indian Satellite Aryabhata was fabricated in 1975.



NRSC at Hyderabad has been converted into a full-fledged centres of ISRO since September 1, 2008. Earlier, NRSC was an autonomous body called National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) under Department of Space (DOS). The Centre is responsible for remote sensing satellite data acquisition and processing, data dissemination, aerial remote sensing and decision support for disaster management. NRSC has set up data reception station at Shadnagar near Hyderabad for acquiring data from Indian remote sensing satellites as well as others. The Centre is also engaged in executing remote sensing application projects in collaboration with the users.
Indian Institute of Remote Sensing at Dehra Dun, which conducts training courses in remote sensing for user agency personnel at different levels, functions under NRSC. IIRS also hosts and supports the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education (UN centre) in Asia Pacific.
Currently NRSC is supplying data from CartoSat - 1, 2 &2A, ResourceSat - 1, OceanSat, TES, IRS - 1D and IMS - 1 to the users. The users are ever growing and utilized about 40,000 data products during 2008-09.


The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) under National Remote Sensing Centre, Department of Space, Government of India is a premier training and education institute dealing with Remote Sensing, Geoinformation Science & GPS Technology and their Applications. Since September 1, 2008, IIRS was inducted under the ISRO umbrella. IIRS endeavor has been to train thematic experts from user community including academic institutions in RS & GIS technology / applications at Post Graduate level with the overall goal of 'technology transfer' and user awareness. The Institute has evolved many programs that are tuned to the different needs of various target groups.

IIRS conducts a variety of courses for the different categories of users including fresh postgraduate students viz., M. Tech., M.Sc., PG Diploma Courses, 4 months Certificate Courses, 2 months NNRMS sponsored courses for University Faculty, 2 weeks on demand Special Courses and 1 week duration Overview Course for Decision Makers.

IIRS has trained more than 7100 scientists/engineers including 610 foreign students from various countries of Asia and Africa. The latter have also benefited under SHARES Fellowship Program of the Department of Space, ITEC/SCAAP Fellowship Scheme of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and other Fellowship Schemes etc. In addition, IIRS houses state of the art infrastructure facilities for both RS and GIS. It has experienced and internationally known teaching faculty with specialization in RS & GIS Technology and its applications.

IIRS is the host institute as well as, headquarters for the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education for Asia and Pacific (CSSTE-AP) region under United Nations. It is first of its kind established in the region and conducts regular postgraduate and short courses in Remote Sensing and GIS every year since 1996.

IIRS has been recognized by National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) to conduct specialized courses for the duration of 8 weeks every year for University faculty at Postgraduate level so that they are able to impart education on specific subjects on Remote Sensing and GIS in their area of specialization and/or start new programs like M.Tech / M.Sc / Postgraduate diploma with emphasis on RS & GIS application in their institutions. IIRS has trained more than 475 University faculty spread all over India. Many universities have been benefited from the IIRS training programs and have started RS & GIS courses at postgraduate level with institutional support from IIRS.

IIRS for the first time launched Distance Learning Program i.e. EDUSAT based training program on Basics of RS, GIS and GPS and conducted three such programs in 2007 and 2008 for more forty universities / institutions at postgraduate level spread across India, training more than 2000 students. University students attending their undergraduate/postgraduate programs in their own disciplines as part of acquiring the basic degree can also attend IIRS Outreach Certificate Program in parallel, broadening the scope in the new and challenging field of Geoinformatics.

Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) at Ahmedabad, is an autonomous institution supported mainly by DOS. It is a premier institute engaged in basic research in experimental and theoretical physics, astronomy and astrophysics, earth, planetary and atmospheric sciences. The activities cover a wide spectrum of competitive research in all these areas. PRL is also involved in conducting extensive academic programmes for Doctoral and Post Doctoral research and also has an Associateship programme for university teachers. It is also entrusted with the management of the Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO).

NARL at Gadanki near Tirupati is an autonomous society supported by Department of Space. NARL has now become one of the prime centers for atmospheric research in the country specializes in basic atmospheric research, indigenous technology development for atmospheric probing and weather and climate modeling. NARL regularly operates a state-of-the-art MST radar, Rayleigh / Mie Lidar, Boundary Layer Lidar, Sodium Lidar, Lower Atmospheric Wind Profiler, Sodar, Disdrometer, Optical Rain Gauge, Dual frequency GPS receiver, Automatic Weather Station apart from regular launching of the GPS balloon sonde. Being relatively young, NARL's research facilities are available for national and international scientists to conduct atmospheric research.


Five RRSSCs have been established by the DOS at Bangalore, Jodhpur, Kharagpur, Dehradun and Nagpur. RRSSCs support the various remote sensing tasks specific to their regions as well as at the national level. RRSSCs participate actively in areas like disaster management, software development, agro-climatic planning, national drinking water mission, national resources census, large scale mapping, etc, besides taking up projects for various ministries and departments.
Objectives and Functions
Provide facilities for digital image analysis and Geographic Information System(GIS) to the users.
Guide / assist users in application of digital image analysis techniques and GIS.
Develop and demonstrate techniques in the new area of applications.
Train scientists of user agencies in Remote Sensing Application, digital techniques, GIS and theme based applications.
Provide support service to execute national projects and promote remote sensing applications Area of activities.
National Missions related to natural resource management.
User application projects.
Application validation projects and Technology Development Projects under Remote Sensing Application Missions (RSAM).
Software development and customization.
Training and education.
Expert advice / Consultancy towards promotion of technology in the country.

NE-SAC, located at Umiam (near Shillong), Meghalaya, is a joint initiative of DOS and North Eastern Council to provide developmental support to the North Eastern region using space science and technology. The centre has the mandate to develop high technology infrastructure support to enable NE states to adopt space technology inputs for their development. At present, NE-SAC is providing developmental support by undertaking specific application projects using remote sensing, GIS, satellite communication and conducting space science research.

Antrix Corporation Limited
Antrix Corporation Limited, the commercial arm of Department of Space (DOS) was incorporated in September 1992 for the promotion and commercial exploration of products and services from the Indian Space Programme. Antrix markets space products and services to global customers, based on an impressive array of achievements and developments over past four decades in Indian space programme.

Heritage:
• Antrix draws upon its strength and the heritage from the experience and proven scientific achievements of the Indian Space Programme over the past four decades.
• An impressive array of achievements, capabilities and facilities.
• A demonstration of India's maturity in providing end to end programs in applications of Space Technology for national needs.
• Access to the resources of Indian Space Research Organization, Department of Space and the vibrant Indian industry that has grown in parallel, to handle technology problems
Capability:

The level of integration Antrix can provide is high because of the total systems capabilities and by virtue of its position within the triad of Government, Industry and the Academia.


With such an outlay of Resources and Activities, ANTRIX is THE ONE SOURCE for all the user requirements in the field of Space.









Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), formerly known as Semiconductor Complex Limited, is presently a Society under the Department of Space with the main objective to undertake, aid, promote, guide and coordinate the R&D in the field of semiconductor technology, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and process technologies relating to semiconductor processing in the existing 6" wafer fab. SCL has over the years developed and supplied a number of key VLSIs, majority of which have been Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) for high reliability applications in industrial and space sectors. Steps have been initiated to upgrade the facilities to fabricate devices in 0.25 micron or better technology. SCL continues to strive for technological excellence in the field of semiconductor fabrication.



Towards capacity building in human resources, DOS has established an Institute to meet the growing demands of the Indian Space Programme. The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) under Department of Space was inaugurated on September 14, 2007 with the objective of offering high quality education in space science and technology. The Institute offers Bachelors degree in Space Technology with specialization in avionics, and aerospace engineering as well as Integrated Masters degree in applied sciences with special emphasis on space related subjects.

India has established a strong infrastructure for executing its space programme. They include facilities for the development of satellites and launch vehicles and their testing; launch infrastructure for sounding rockets and satellite launch vehicles; telemetry, tracking and command network; data reception and processing systems for remote sensing.

A number of academic and research institutions as well as industries participate in the Indian Space Programme. Several Indian industries have the expertise to undertake sophisticated jobs required for space systems.
Launch Facility
Tracking Facility
Data Reception & Dissemination
Data Analysis

SDSC SHAR has the necessary infrastructure for launching satellite into low earth orbit, polar orbit and geostationary transfer orbit. The launch complexes provide complete support for vehicle assembly, fuelling, checkout and launch operations. Apart form these, it has facilities for launching sounding rockets meant for studying the earth's atmosphere.

First Launch Pad
The individual stages of PSLV or GSLV, their subsystems and the spacecraft are prepared and checked out in separate facilities before they are sent to launch pad for integration A-76-meter tall mobile service tower (MST) facilitates the vertical integration of the vehicle. The foldable working platforms of MST provide access to the vehicle at various elevations. A massive launch pedestal, made up of steel plates, acts as the base on which the vehicle is integrated.

The spacecraft is integrated to the vehicle in a clean room, set up inside the MST. However, in the case of GSLV, the spacecraft is interfaced with the payload adopter and then encapsulated in the heat shield in the preparation facility itself. The encapsulated assembly is moved to the launch pad for integrating with the 3rd stage of GSLV. The umbilical tower houses the feed lines for liquid propellants and high-pressure gases, checkout cables, and chilled air duct for supplying cool air to the satellite and equipment bay.

Second Launch Pad
In order to provide redundant facilities for launching the operational PSLVs and GSLVs and also to have quick turn around time for launch, an additional launch pad with associated facilities was constructed. It was designed to accommodate, both the present PSLVs and GSLVs, and also the future launch vehicle configurations such as GSLV-MkIII.
As per the integrate, transfer and launch (ITL) concept, based on which the new launch pad and the associated facilities are designed, the entire vehicle is assembled and checked-out on a mobile pedestal in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and then moved in vertical position to the launch pad on a roll track.
Other facilities include, Solid Stage Assembly Building (SSAB) connected to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) by a rail track, Technical Complex-2 (TC2), Spacecraft Preparation Facility, Range Instrumentation facilities comprising tracking, telemetry and tele-command systems.


ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) provides mission support to low-earth orbit satellites as well as launch vehicle missions. ISTRAC has its headquarters and a multi-mission Spacecraft Control Centre at Bangalore. It has a network of ground stations at Bangalore, Lucknow, Sriharikota, Port Blair and Thiruvananthapuram in India besides stations at Mauritius, Bearslake (Russia), Brunei and Biak (Indonesia).

ISTRAC activities are organised into network operations, network augmentation, mission operation and spacecraft health monitoring, communications and computers and control centre facilities and development projects. Programme planning and reliability groups support ISTRAC activities.

The Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN), commissioned during the year 2008, at Byalalu village near Bangalore forms the Ground segment for providing deep space support for India's prestigious and first Lunar mission, the Chandrayaan-1.The technical facilities in IDSN include a 32 metre Deep Space Antenna, an 18 metre Antenna Terminal, an 11 metre Antenna Terminal, Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) and a Technical Services complex.

The IDSN is the first of its kind project in the country that provides ISRO the capability to handle deep space missions of India and also provides cross support to other deep space missions of external space agencies because of its inter-operable features and state-of-the-art capabilities.






National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) is responsible for remote sensing satellite data acquisition and processing, data dissemination, aerial remote sensing and decision support for disaster management.

NRSC has archived a wealth of satellite images from Indian and foreign satellites since 1983. NRSC has its data reception facility at Shadnagar, 65 km from Hyderabad city. The station has four state of the art antenna systems for data reception and archival.

The Satellite data processing chain has a user friendly web mechanism to enable users to order data of their requirement. It can facilitate to acquire data pertaining to any part of the globe on user request.

The Aerial facility has two Beechcraft aircraft to acquire data utilizing various sensors like Aerial cameras, Laser instrument, Synthetic aperture radar and Magnetometer. The aerial facility has carried out number of studies for mapping and infrastructure planning for towns and cities, Cadastral surveys, canal alignment for interlinking of rivers, Digital elevation model (DEM) applications , Mineral targeting etc., It has also carried out international projects in Maldives & Emirates of Dubai.

The Decision Support Centre (DSC) is a single window information provider on major natural disasters like Floods, Agricultural Drought, Forest fires, Cyclones, Earthquakes and Landslides. It provides near real time information to State and Central government for relief, rehabilitation and planning. The DSC also supports International Charter on Space and Major Disasters and Sentinel Asia. Under this, critical support was extended to Myanmar during Nargis(2008) Cyclone; Indonesian floods(2008) and China earthquake (2008).

NRSC also has very sophisticated infrastructure for analysis of satellite data: state-of-art Digital image processing and GIS Lab.










Remote sensing data are being used to map/monitor/survey/manage various natural resources of the country under National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) programmes. Funded by various user ministries and ISRO/DOS, these programmes have been generating valuable spatial data assets and information solutions.


Several areas of application such as Agriculture, Soil, Bio-resources and Environment, Ocean Resources, Water Resources, Rural Development, Urban Development, and Disaster Management etc., which are of direct relevance to the nation are executed by ISRO/DOS centers like National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Space Application Centre (SAC), Regional Remote Sensing Service Centres (RRSSCs), North Eastern - Space Application Centre (NE - SAC) and State Remote Sensing Centers and State/Central Agencies.

Five were set up in Bangalore, Dehra Dun, Jodhpur, Kharagpur and Nagpur support the various remote sensing tasks specific to their regions as well as at the national level. A separate Space Center with both Remote Sensing and Communication facilities has been set up in the northeastern part of the country (atShillong).

These centres have sophisticated computer facilities for image analysis and GIS to cater to the users needs and participate actively in areas like disaster management, software development, agro-climatic planning, national drinking water mission, national resources census, large scale mapping, etc, besides taking up projects for various ministries and departments.