Space Technology

It is a very dynamic technology of the space science or the aerospace industry, serving various applications like
satellites, shuttles, spaceflights and various space exploration work. Space technology has a multidimensional role
in human life and caters to everyday services like weather forecasting, remote sensing, DTH, business networking,
GPS systems, etc. Astronomy and Earth Science (via remote sensing) also greatly benefit from space technology. It is
also an income-generating industry to send various foreign satellites and also provides other benefits to many
recipient nations.

Genesis
 The space research activities were initiated in our country during the early 1960’s, when applications using
satellites were in experimental stages even in the United States.
 With the live transmission of Tokyo Olympic Games across the Pacific by the American Satellite
‘Syncom-3’ demonstrating the power of communication satellites.
 Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of Indian space programme, quickly recognized the benefits of
space technologies for India.
 Dr Sarabhai was convinced and envisioned that the resources in space have the potential to address the
real problems of man and society.
 Dr Sarabhai convened an army of able and brilliant scientists, anthropologists, communicators and social
scientists from all corners of the country to spearhead the Indian space programme.
 To spearhead the space research activities, Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR)
was set up in 1962 under the Department of Atomic Energy.
 Subsequently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in August 1969, in place of
INCOSPAR. The Government of India constituted the Space Commission and established Department of
Space (DOS) in June 1972 and brought ISRO under DOS in September 1972 and reports to the Prime
Minister.
 Since inception, the Indian space programme has been orchestrated well and had three distinct elements such
as,

 Satellites for communication and remote sensing,

 Space transportation system and
 Application programmes.

 In 1967, the first ‘Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES)’ located in Ahmedabad
was operationalized, which also doubled as a training centre for the Indian as well as international scientists
and engineers.

 To establish that a satellite system can contribute to the national development, ISRO was clear that it need not
wait for its own satellites to begin application development, while foreign satellites could be used in the initial
stages. However, before trying out a full-fledged satellite system, some controlled experiment to prove
the efficacy of television medium for national development was found necessary. Accordingly, a TV
programme on agricultural information to farmers ‘KrishiDarshan’ was started, which received good
response.
 The next logical step was the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE), hailed as ‘the largest
sociological experiment in the world’ during 1975-76. This experiment benefited around 200,000 people,
covering 2400 villages of six states and transmitted development-oriented programmes using the
American Technology Satellite (ATS-6). The credit of training 50,000 science teachers’ primary schools in
one year goes to SITE.

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  SITE was followed by the Satellite Telecommunication Experiments Project (STEP), a joint project of
ISRO-and Post and Telegraphs Department (P&T) using the Franco-German Symphonie satellite
during 1977-79. Conceived as a sequel to SITE which focused on Television, STEP was for
telecommunication experiments.
 It was followed by the ‘Kheda Communications Project (KCP)’, which worked as a field laboratory for
need-based and locale specific programme transmission in the Kheda district of Gujarat State. KCP was
awarded the UNESCO-IPDC (International Programme for the Development of Communication) award for
rural communication efficiency in the 1984.
 During this period, the first Indian spacecraft ‘Aryabhata’ was developed and was launched using a Soviet
Launcher. Another major landmark was the development of the first launch vehicle SLV-3 with a capability
to place 40 kg in Low Earth Orbit (LEO (Low Earth Orbit) ), which had its first successful flight in 1980.
 In the experimental phase during 80’s, Bhaskara-I & II missions were pioneering steps in the remote
sensing area whereas ‘Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE)’ became the forerunner for future
communication satellite system.

Indian Space Research Programme (ISRP)

Vikram Sarabhai is the pioneer of the Indian Space Programme with various objectives in the promotion of
science and technology application and development for the country’s socio-economic benefit.

These objectives are:

1. Peaceful purposes of outer space.
2. Operational space services will establish in a Self-sufficient manner.
3. In the beginning, Indian Space Programme was involved in the designing and fabricating of satellites and
development of launch vehicles to launch various satellites.

Institutional Setup
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India. The organisation is involved in
science, engineering and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and the mankind. ISRO is a major
constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India. The department executes the Indian Space
Programme primarily through various Centres or units within ISRO.

The prime objective of ISRO/DOS is the development and application of space technology for various
national needs. To fulfil this objective, ISRO has established major space systems for communication, television
broadcasting and meteorological services; resources monitoring and management; space-based navigation
services. ISRO has developed satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place the satellites in the required
orbits.

The activities of ISRO are guided by its Chairman, who would also be the secretary of DOS and
Chairman of Space commission – the apex body that formulates the policies and overseas the implementation of the
Indian Space Programme.

ISRO has its headquarters in Bengaluru. Its activities are spread across various centres and units.

Vision and Mission of the Department of Space

Vision

 Harness, sustain and augment space technology for national development, while pursuing space science
research and planetary exploration.

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 Mission

 Design and development of launch vehicles and related technologies for providing access to space.
 Design and development of satellites and related technologies for earth observation, communication,
navigation, meteorology and space science.
 Communication programme for meeting telecommunication, television broadcasting and developmental
applications.
 Satellite-based Remote Sensing programme for management of natural resources and monitoring of
environment using space based imagery.
 Space based navigation system.
 Space based Applications for Societal development.
 Research and Development in space science and planetary exploration.
 Promote and authorise private firms to play key role in global space market.

ISRO and Its Organisational Structure :

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ISRO Centres & Units
Sl. No. DoS Centers/ Units Location

1 Department of Space and ISRO HQ Bengaluru

2 Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) Bengaluru

3 Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) DehraDun

4 ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) Thiruvananthapuram

5 ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) Mahendragiri

6 ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) Bengaluru

7 Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS) Bengaluru

8 Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre(LPSC) Thiruvanthapuram

9 Master Control Facility (MCF) Hassan

10 National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) Hyderabad

11 Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR Nellore

12 Space Applications Centre (SAC) Ahmedabad

13 U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) Bengaluru

14 Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC) Thiruvanthapuram

IN-SPACe
Sl. No. DoS Centers/ Units Location

1 IN-SPACe Ahmedabad

CPSEs
Sl. No. DoS Centers/ Units Location

1 Antrix Corporation Limited Bengaluru

2 NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) Bengaluru

Autonomous bodies
Sl. No. DoS Centers/ Units Location

1 Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram

2 National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) Tirupathi

3 North Eastern-Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) Ri Bhoi District

4 Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad

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Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
 Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala is the lead centre of ISRO responsible
for the design and development of launch vehicle technology.
 The Centre pursues active research and development in the fields of aeronautics, avionics, materials,
mechanisms, vehicle integration, chemicals, propulsion, space ordnance, structures, space physics and systems
reliability.
 The major programmes at VSSC include Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite
Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and Rohini Sounding Rockets as well as the development of Geosynchronous
Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk Ill, Reusable Launch Vehicles, advanced technology vehicles, air-
breathing propulsion and critical technologies towards human spaceflight.
 The Ammonium Perchlorate Experimental Plant (APEP) has been set up by VSSC at Aluva near Kochi,
Kerala (related to the research and development of propulsion systems)

 Virtual Launch Control Centre: The virtual launch control centre (VLCC) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
(VSSC) is technically an observational desk to remotely carry out system diagnosis or checkup of major
components of the rocket before the actual launch. It extensively reduces chances of failure by ensuring
proper functioning of all the components. It’s involved in:

 Real-Time monitoring: The VLCC facilitated continuous real-time monitoring of the launch
activities from Sriharikota, ensuring a vigilant watch over the spacecraft’s status, rocket
performance, and trajectory.
 Simulation and preparedness: The centre conducts comprehensive simulations and readiness
tests, meticulously preparing for various potential contingencies and emergencies that could arise
during the launch.
 Communication nexus: Serving as a central communication nexus, it facilitated seamless
coordination among the launch team, mission control, and other relevant stakeholders, ens uring a
well-coordinated launch operation.
 Comprehensive management: The VLCC maintains an overarching managerial role throughout
the launch operation, orchestrating the integration and synchronization of all mission
components.

Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR

Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh
 Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, the Spaceport of India, is responsible for
providing Launch Base Infrastructure for the Indian Space Programme. This Centre has the facilities for
solid propellant processing, static testing of solid motors, launch vehicle integration and launch
operations, range operations comprising telemetry, tracking and command network and mission
control centre.
 The Centre has two launch pads from where the rocket launching operations of PSLV and GSLV are carried
out.
 The mandate for the centre is
(i) to produce solid propellant boosters for the launch vehicle programmes of ISRO
(ii) to provide the infrastructure for qualifying various subsystems and solid rocket motors and
carrying out the necessary tests
(iii) to provide launch base infrastructure for satellites and launch vehicles.
 SDSC SHAR has a separate launch pad for launching sounding rockets. The centre also provides the
necessary launch base infrastructure for sounding rockets of ISRO and for assembly, integration and launch of
sounding rockets and payloads.

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Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is the centre for design, development and realisation of liquid
propulsion stages for ISRO's Launch Vehicles.

At LPSC Valiamala: Thiruvanthapuram

 R&D, system design, and project management are key functions.
 Handles Earth Storable and Cryogenic Propulsion tasks.

LPSC, Bengaluru
 Responsible for design and realisation of propulsion systems for remote sensing and communication satellites
and other scientific missions.

U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)

Vimanapura, Bengaluru
 Formerly known as ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), URSC is the lead center for satellite building and
associated technology development.
 Satellites developed here serve various purposes including Communication, Navigation, Meteorology,
Remote Sensing, Space Science, and interplanetary explorations.
 URSC houses state-of-the-art facilities for end-to-end satellite development.
 Assembly, Integration, and Testing of Communication and Navigation Spacecraft are conducted at
ISITE (ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment).
 URSC has built over 100 satellites for scientific, communication, navigation, and remote sensing applications.
 Collaboration with private and public sector industries enhances satellite hardware realization.

Space Applications Centre (SAC)

 Space Applications Centre (SAC) at Ahmedabad is spread across two campuses having multi-disciplinary
activities.
 The core competence of the Centre lies in development of space borne and air borne instruments /
payloads and their applications for national development and societal benefits.
 These applications are in diverse areas and primarily meet the communication, navigation and remote
sensing needs of the country.
 Besides these, the Centre also contributed significantly in scientific and planetary missions of ISRO like
Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, etc. The communication transponders developed at this Centre for
Indian National Satellite (INSAT) and Geo Synchronous Satellite (GSAT) series of satellites are used by
government and private sector for VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), DTH, Internet, broadcasting,
telephones etc.
Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC)
Dr. K Kasturirangan, inaugurated Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) on 30th Jan’2019 at ISRO
Headquarter campus in Bengaluru.
HSFC shall be responsible for implementation of GAGANYAAN Project which involves end-to-end mission
planning, development of Engineering systems for crew survival in space, crew selection & training and also pursue
activities for sustained human space flight missions.

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Master Control Facility (MCF)

Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh monitors and
controls all the geo-stationary satellites of ISRO.

National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Hyderabad

It strives to realise the Indian space vision and acts as a key player in Earth Observation Programme and
Disaster Management. NRSC is also responsible for acquisition, processing and satellite-based remote sensing
data. NRSA continuously explores the practical uses of remote sensing technology for multi-level applications. It
helps with the required trained manpower via capacity building in remote sensing applications.

ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru

It is responsible for providing various space operation services like spacecraft control, launch vehicle and
low Earth orbiting spacecrafts with various deep space missions of ISRO and other space agencies around the world.
The additional responsibilities of ISTRAC include development of RADAR systems for tracking and atmospheric
applications and establishing Ground Segment Network for Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

ANTRIX: Antrix Corporation Limited

Antrix Corporation Limited is the commercial wing of ISRO. It helps in promotion and commercialisation
of space products, technical consultancy services and also transfer of technologies developed by ISRO. It was
incorporated as a private limited company in September 1992. It is a wholly owned Government of India
Company. It provides various services and space products to international customers worldwide. It was awarded
'Miniratna' status by the government in 2008.

New Space India Limited Council (NSIL)

New Space India Limited (NSIL) has been incorporated in 2019, as a wholly owned Government of India
Undertaking/Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) control of Department of Space (DOS) to commercially
exploit the research and development work of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Centres and
constituent units of DOS (Department of Space). The Company will spearhead various space products including
production of launch vehicles, transfer of technologies and marketing of space products.

How NSIL is different from Antrix?

ISRO already has a commercialization arm Antrix Corporation Itd. That looks at foreign markets. But as
ISRO’s capabilities expand and collaboration with industries increase, there is a need to expand the commercialisation
activities domestically as well. NSIL was kick started in May 2019 to monetise ISRO’s research, products and
services in space technology. Antrix focusses on foreign markets, but NSIL will focus on the domestic market. In the
domestic space, there is a huge demand in earth observation, communication and navigation space. Antrix will handle
ISRO’s commercial deals for satellites and launch vehicles with foreign customers whereas NSIL will deal with
capacity building of local industry for space manufacturing.

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe)

 In 2020, the Government of India has created the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization
Center (IN-SPACe), an independent nodal agency under the Department of Space.
 IN-SPACe is to be established as a single-window nodal agency, with its own cadre.
 It is formed following the Space sector reforms to enable and facilitate the participation of private players.

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 Functions:
 Currently, there are more than 500 private companies which partner with the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) in carrying out various space activities. They provide materials used in
manufacturing, mechanical fabrication, electronic fabrication, system development, integration, etc.

 IN-SPACe is responsible to promote, enable authorize and supervise various space activities of non-
governmental entities including building launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based
services; sharing space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO; and
establishing of new space infrastructure and facilities.
 The agency acts as an interface between ISRO and Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) and assesses
how to utilize India's space resources better and increase space-based activities. It also assesses the
needs and demands of private players, including educational and research institutions, and explores
ways to accommodate these requirements in consultation with ISRO.
 The decision of IN-SPACe shall be final and binding on all stakeholders including ISRO and private
players will not be required to seek separate permission from ISRO.

What is the difference between InSpace and NSIL?

IN-SPACe is an autonomous nodal agency acting as a medium between ISRO and the private space sector in
India. NSIL is the commercial arm of ISRO.

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