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RISAT-1 inside Thermo-vacuum chamber for pre-launch tests
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4CITIZENS' CHARTER OFDEPARTMENT OF SPACE
Department of Space (DOS) has the primary responsibility of promoting the development of space science,
technology and applications towards achieving self-reliance and facilitating in all round development of the nation.
With this basic objective, DOS has evolved the following programmes:
Indian National Satellite (INSAT) programme for telecommunication, television broadcasting, meteorology,
developmental education, societal applications such as tele-medicine, tele-education, tele-advisories and
similar such services.
Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) programme for management of natural resources and various developmental
projects across the country using space based imagery
Indigenous capability for design and development of satellite and associated technologies for communications,
navigation, remote sensing and space sciences
Design and development of launch vehicles for access to space and orbiting INSAT, IRS satellite and space
science missions
Research and development in space sciences and technologies as well as application programmes for
national development
The Department of Space is committed to:
Carrying out research and development in satellite and launch vehicle technology with a goal to achieve
total self reliance
Provide national space infrastructure for telecommunications and broadcasting needs of the country
Provide satellite services required for weather forecasting, monitoring, etc.
Provide satellite imagery required for the natural resources survey, management of natural disasters, public
good services and monitoring of environment in the country
Provide satellite imagery and specific products and services required for the application of space science and
technology for developmental purposes through Central Government, State Governments, Quasi
Governmental Organisations, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and the private sectors
Undertake proof of concept demonstration of space applications
Promote research in space sciences and development of applications programme as per national needs
While implementing the above objectives, the Department of Space will:
Provide the required satellite transponders and facilities to meet the communications, television broadcasting
and security requirements of our country
Provide adequate earth observation capability in spectral, spatial and temporal domains
Provide launch services to meet national requirements and commercial needs
Provide its products and services in a prompt and efficient manner to all the users/clients
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5CONTENTS
Highlights 7
Organisation 12
Communication, Navigation and Meteorological Satellite System 23
Earth Observation System 31
Space Applications 38
Space Transportation System 59
Space Sciences 67
Sponsored Research 79
Indian Space Industry 81
Space Commerce 86
System Reliability and Safety 87
Human Resources 89
International Cooperation 96
'Space' in Parliament 99
Space Programme Publicity 100
Right to Information 103
Audit Observations 104
Milestones 107
Acronyms 112
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7HIGHLIGHTS
The year 2011 saw remarkable achievements in the Indian Space programme with three successful launches of
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from Sriharikota that orbited an Indian Remote Sensing Satellite
RESOURCEAT-2, a science Satellite YOUTHSAT, an Indo-French Satellite MEGHA-TROPIQUES for study of
tropical climate and an Indian Communication Satellite GSAT-12. Another advanced Indian Communication
Satellite GSAT-8 was launched from French Guyana using the European Launch vehicle ARIANE-V. These five
satellites are functioning well and they have significantly enhanced our national capabilities for space applications
and scientific studies
RESOURCESAT-2, launched on April 20, 2011, is a follow on mission to RESOURCESAT-1 to provide
data continuity to Indian and global user community. It has three optical Remote sensing payloads, Linear
Imaging Self Scanner-3, Linear Imaging Self Scanner-4 and Advanced Wide Field Sensor, as in
RESOURCESAT-1. The satellite also carries an additional payload, known as Automatic Information
System for ship surveillance in Very High Frequency band to derive position, speed and other information
of ships. Compared to RESOURCESAT-1, Linear Imaging Self Scanner-4 multi-spectral swath is enhanced
to 70 km. Suitable changes including miniaturisation in payload electronics have been incorporated in
RESOURCESAT-2.
Youthsat, an Indo - Russian collaboration, is Indias first small satellite carrying two Indian instruments for
scientific studies of terrestrial upper atmosphere along with one Russian instrument for measuring solar
radiation.
Megha-Tropiques (Megha means cloud in Sanskrit and Tropiques means tropics in French) is a joint
Indo-French satellite mission for understanding the life cycle of convective systems and their role in the
associated energy and moisture budget of the atmosphere in the tropical regions. The satellite was
launched by PSLV-C18 on October 12, 2011.
GSAT-12 satellite with 12 Extended C band transponders is designed for a mission life of 8 years and is
placed in 830 East longitude. In-orbit testing of the Payload has been completed and the satellite has been
declared as operational. GSAT-12 will enhance space based applications in the area of telemedicine, tele-
education and disaster management support.
India's advanced communication satellite, GSAT-8, carrying 24 high power transponders in Ku-band and
a two-channel GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload operating in L1 and L5 bands
was placed in the intended geostationary orbital slot of 550 East longitude. The transponders have
augmented the capacity in the INSAT system while the GAGAN payload provides the Satellite Based
Augmentation System through which the accuracy of the positioning information obtained from the GPS
Satellites is improved.
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8 After decommissioning of INSAT-2E in November 2011, ISRO is currently having a constellation of 8
communication satellites, 2 Meteorological satellites, 10 Earth observation satellites and 1 science satellite.
Further, it is noteworthy that two satellites JUGNU (from IIT, Kanpur) and SRMSat (from SRM University,
Chennai) made by Indian students and two foreign satellites X-SAT and VesselSat-1 were also successfully
launched by PSLV as co-passengers in the year 2011.
Launch Vehicle Programme
Activities for the realisation of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II with indigenous cryogenic
engine and stage for launching communication and meteorological satellites of two ton class into
Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and GSLV-Mark III capable of launching four ton satellites are progressing
satisfactorily.
The S200 solid booster for GSLV Mark III, the heaviest built so far by the ISRO has undergone static test
successfully. The 110 ton liquid core stage of GSLV Mark III has also been successfully static tested for the
full flight duration.
Activities for the launch of PSLV-C19 carrying the first Indian microwave Radar Imaging Satellite
(RISAT-1) are in advanced stage. RISAT-1, using an active radar sensor system, namely a C-band Synthetic
Aperture Radar imager, is an important microwave complement to its optical IRS series of observation
missions. It is planned to be launched in the second quarter of 2012 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
Sriharikota.
Research and development activities in semi-cryogenic propulsion engine, air breathing propulsion and
re-usable launch vehicle technology are also being pursued vigorously in an effort towards reducing the
cost of access to space. Development of critical technologies for undertaking human spaceflight has also
made progress.
Satellite Programme
GSAT-7 envisaged as a multi-band satellite carrying payloads in Ultra High Frequency (UHF), S-band, C-
band and Ku-band, is planned to be launched onboard a procured launcher during 2012.
GSAT-10, carrying 12 Ku Band, 12 C Band and 12 Extended C Band transponders, envisages to augment
the growing need for Ku and C band transponders It also carries a GAGAN payload.
INSAT-3D is a state-of-the art meteorological satellite with 6 channel Imager and 19 channel Sounder
payloads. The satellite will be located at 820 E longitude in geostationary orbit. The satellite is planned to
be launched onboard a procured launcher during 2013.
GSAT-14 satellite, envisaged to enhance extended C band and Ku band communication transponder
capacity, carries 6 Extended C band, 6 Ku band Transponders and 2 Ka Band Beacons and is planned to be
launched in the forthcoming of GSLV D5 in 2012.
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9 Chandrayaan-2 is a follow on mission to Chandrayaan-1 with an Indian Orbiter and Rover and Russian
Lander. Chandrayaan-2 is designed to collect samples of lunar soil and conduct in-situ studies of chemical
and mineralogical content of the lunar soil. Towards this, India and Russia have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding. Chandrayaan-2 mission is targeted for launch on GSLV during 2014.
Societal Applications
The hallmark of Indian space programme has been the application-oriented efforts and the benefits that
have accrued to the country. The societal services offered by INSAT satellites in the area of tele-education
and telemedicine were continued during the year. Today, tele-education network has more than
55,000 class rooms connected to various academic institutions and universities. Telemedicine network
facilities cover 382 hospitals connecting 306 rural hospitals and 16 mobile vans to 60 super speciality
hospitals providing health care to citizens, especially in rural areas.
Village Resource Centre (VRC), a single window agency providing the services offered by INSAT and
IRS satellites to provide information on natural resources, land and water resources management,
telemedicine, tele-education, adult education, vocational training, health and family welfare programmes,
has been established. Already more than 473 VRCs in 22 states and union territories have been established
in the country.
Infrastructure development
During the current year, ISRO built a supercomputer, which is considered to be India's fastest supercomputer
in terms of theoretical peak performance of 220 Trillion Floating Point Operations per second. The
supercomputing facility, named as Satish Dhawan Supercomputing Facility, is located at Vikram Sarabhai
Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram and is being used for solving complex aerospace problems.
Space Commerce
Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of Department Of Space, has been marketing the space products
and services in the global market. Under a commercial contract with Antrix, in the year 2011,
two commercial satellites, namely, X-SAT of Singapore and VessalSat-1 of Luxemburg, have been launched
on board PSLV-C16 and PSLV-C18 missions respectively.
Antrix has signed a commercial agreement with M/s EADS-Astrium for launch of a remote sensing satellite
SPOT-1 weighing 800 kg using our PSLV during 2012.
Indian Space Industry
Involvement of Indian space industry continued during the year and has made significant contribution
towards the realisation of subsystems required for Indian space programme. Department Of Space has
associated more than 500 small, medium and large scale industries while implementing its various
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programmes. So far, Department Of Space has transferred 298 technologies to Indian industries for
commercialisation and undertaken technical consultancies in various fields. Presently, ISRO has 254 patents,
39 copyrights and 10 trademarks.
International Cooperation
International cooperation is an integral part of space activities, and ISRO continues to lay importance on
bilateral and multilateral relations with space agencies and space related bodies with the aim of taking up
new scientific and technological challenges, defining international frameworks for exploitation and utilisation
of outer space for peaceful purposes, refining space policies and building and strengthening existing ties
between countries. This year has been highly significant for ISROs international cooperation pursuits, as
two satellites jointly developed with other nations were launched from India. Megha-Tropiques Satellite,
a joint IndoFrench mission, was launched on October 12, 2011 and YOUTHSAT, jointly built with
Russia, was launched on April 20, 2011 respectively.
Human Resources
The achievements of Indian space programme are a result of the commitment, dedication and expertise
of its personnel who continue to play a key role. Recognising the importance of talented and motivated
personnel, the department has laid stress on recruitment, training and career progression features.
Department Of Space has complemented and continues to strive for providing its personnel with facilities
such as housing, medical, canteen and schooling for their children. In addition, the personnel have been
provided with additional compensation packages and rewarded with several incentives on the successful
realisation of space missions.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), a deemed university, was established towards
capacity building in human resources and to meet the growing demands of the Indian Space Programme.
The Institute has started functioning from its permanent campus at Valiamala in Thiruvananthapuram.
The annual intake of the Institute is about 150-200 students. The first batch of fresh graduates from the
institute has been inducted to various ISRO Centres/Units in August 2011.
Public Awareness on Space Programme
During the year, ISRO organised 41 exhibitions at national and international conferences, important
public congregations like cultural festivals, trade fairs and events and also at academic institutions. Exhibitions
were also organised in association with Non-Governmental Organisations in various places for keeping
the public abreast of the Indian space programme.
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Right to Information Ensuring Transparency
Strict compliance to the requirements of Right To Information (RTI) Act 2005 is practiced in the department.
Department Of Space has implemented RTI Act 2005 by identifying the Central Public Information
Officers, Assistant Public Information Officers and the Appellate Authority for stage one appeals. As required
under the Act, Department Of Space has published the requisite information on ISRO website
(www.isrio.gov.in). During the year, 518 applications were received under RTI on which appropriate
responses have been given. 73 appeals were received by the First Appellate Authority and 34 appellants
approached the Second Appellate Authority, i.e., Central Information Commission.
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ORGANISATION
The space activities in the country were
initiated with the setting up of Indian National
Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR)
in 1962. In the same year, the work on
Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station
(TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram was also
started. Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) was established in August 1969.
Government of India constituted the Space
Commission and established the Department
of Space (DOS) in June 1972 and brought
ISRO under DOS in September 1972.
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 mainly through, ISRO, Physical Research Laboratory
(PRL), National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), North Eastern-Space Applications Centre
(NE-SAC) and Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL). Antrix Corporation, established in 1992 as a government
owned company, markets the space products and services.
The establishment of space systems and their applications are coordinated by the national level committees,
namely, INSAT Coordination Committee (ICC), Planning Committee on National Natural Resources
Management System (PC-NNRMS) and Advisory Committee for Space Sciences (ADCOS).
The DOS Secretariat and ISRO Headquarters are located at Antariksh Bhavan in Bangalore. Programme offices
at ISRO Headquarters coordinate the programmes like satellite communication, earth observation, launch
vehicle, space science, disaster management support, sponsored research scheme, international cooperation,
safety, systems reliability, publications and public relations, budget and economic analysis and human resources
development. The major establishments of DOS and their area of activities are given in the following paragraphs:
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at Thiruvananthapuram is the lead centre for the design and development of
launch vehicle technologies for the Indian Space Programme. The Centre pursues research and development
in the fields of Aeronautics, Avionics, Composites, Computer & Information, Control, Guidance & Simulation,
Launch Vehicle Design, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanisms, Vehicle Integration & Testing, Propellants,
Antariksh Bhavan - Headquarters of ISRO/DOS
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Polymers, Chemicals, Propulsion, Space
Ordnance, System Reliability and Space
Physics. Services like Programme Planning
& Evaluation, Technology Transfer &
Industrial Coordination, Human Resources
Development, Safety, Personnel and
General Administration support the
Centres core functions. Apart from this,
the Construction & Maintenance Group
carries out planning, execution and
maintenance of all civil works related to
the Centre.
VSSC has extension Centres at Valiamala, housing the major facilities of Mechanisms and Vehicle Integration
and Testing and at Vattiyoorkavu for the development of reinforced plastics and composites (Reinforced Plastics
Facility). VSSC also supports the (i) Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, the International sounding
rocket range (ii) Rohini Sounding Rocket Programme. An Ammonium Perchlorate Experimental Plant has
been set up by VSSC at Aluva near Kochi.
The major programmes at VSSC include the development of: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV),
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), Rohini Sounding Rockets, Space-capsule Recovery Experiment,
Reusable Launch Vehicles, Air Breathing Propulsion, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III
and the development of critical technologies in the area of advanced launch vehicle systems.
ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC)
ISRO Satellite Centre, located at Bangalore is in the forefront of satellite building starting right from
conceptualisation, design, development, fabrication, testing, launch and in-orbit management of satellite.
As sequel to its mandate of satellite realisation, the Centre is engaged in the development of cutting-edge
technologies of relevance to its activities, and infrastructure set-up for design, development, fabrication and
testing of satellite.
ISAC is functionally organised in six major areas: Mechanical Systems Area, Digital and Communication Area,
Integration and Checkout Area, Power Systems and Avionics Production Area, Controls and Missions Area and
Reliability and Components Area. Electronic and mechanical fabrication facilities, environmental test facilities
support the centre in fabrication and testing activities. Programme Planning and Evaluation Group is responsible
for all planning, acts as the central coordinating agency and technical secretariat of Director of the Centre.
Space Astronomy and Instrumentations Division has been involved in optical, X-ray and Gamma ray astronomy
research with strong emphasis on instrumentation. Computer and Information Group is responsible for
establishment and management of centralized IT infrastructure in ISAC. Avionics Production Division is the
VSSC main building on Veli Hills
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nodal agency for production of standardised
electronic packages. Three Programme
Management Offices coordinate the
implementation of the INSAT, IRS and small
satellites and satellite navigation programmes.
Construction and Maintenance Group is
responsible for planning, execution and
maintenance of all civil works related to centre.
ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment
(ISITE) is equipped with state-of-the-art clean
room facilities for satellite integration and test
facilities including 6.5m thermo vacuum chamber, 29T vibration facility and Compact Antenna Test Facility
under one roof. Assembly Integration and Testing of all Communication and Navigation satellite is carried out
at ISITE. A dedicated facility for productionisation of standardised sub-systems is established at ISITE.
Since its inception in 1972, the Centre has built and launched earth observation, communication and space
science missions that encompass a wide spectrum of technologies and applications for satellite communication,
remote-sensing for natural resources monitoring, survey and management, meteorology and navigation.
Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR
Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota,
with two launch pads, is the main launch
centre of ISRO which carries out launch
operation. 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 & solid rocket motors
and carrying out the necessary tests, (iii) to
provide launch base infrastructure and (iv)
for assembly, integration and launching of
satellites and launch vehicles. The Centre
is augmenting the infrastructure to meet the
requirements of increased launch frequency
of five to six launches per year.
SDSC-SHAR has a separate launch pad for launching the sounding rockets. The centre provides necessary
launch base infrastructure for sounding rockets of ISRO and for assembly, integration and launch of sounding
rockets and payloads.
ISRO Satellite Centre
Administrative Block at SDSC SHAR
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As part of GSLV-Mark III Project, the Centre has created new facilities/augmented some of the existing facilities
viz. solid motor production facilities for processing S200 motor, launch vehicle integration facilities, new radars,
mission control centre, static testing facilities, liquid propellant and cryogenic propellant storage and stage
servicing facilities and satellite preparation facility for preparing various satellites.
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO is the lead Centre for the development and realisation of advanced
propulsion stages for Launch Vehicles and also the propulsion systems for satellite.
LPSC is vested with the responsibility
of design, development and system
engineering of high performance Space
Propulsion Systems employing Earth
Storable and Cryogenic Propellants for
ISRO Launch Vehicles and Satellites.
Development of fluid control valves,
transducers, propellant management
devices and other key components of
Liquid Propulsion Systems are also
under the purview of LPSC.
LPSC, Valiamala is responsible for
research and development, system
design/engineering and project management functions. The fluid controls components entity and the materials
and mechanical engineering entities are located here apart from the earth storable and cryogenic propulsion
entities, handling the core tasks of the centre.
LPSC Mahendragiri is the nodal agency for assembly, integration and testing of liquid stages for launch vehicles.
Liquid Hydrogen production plant and earth storable propellant storage are situated here. High Altitude Test
Facility at Mahendragiri caters to test requirements of launch vehicle upper stage engines and satellite thrusters.
LPSC Bangalore focuses on satellite propulsion systems. Design and realisation of propulsion systems, integration
of satellite propulsion systems for remote sensing and communication satellites, Electric Propulsion Systems
and Plasma Thrusters for Geosat missions. Development and production of transducers / sensors are other
major activities at LPSC.
Space Applications Centre (SAC)
Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad is a unique centre dealing with a wide variety of activities from payload
developments to societal applications, thereby creating a synergy of technology, science and societal applications.
A view of the picturesque LPSC Valiamala campus
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The Centre is responsible for the
development, realization and qualification of
communication, navigation, earth
observation, planetary observation,
meteorological payloads and related data
processing and ground systems. It is playing
an important role in harnessing space
technology for a wide variety of applications
for societal benefits.
SAC has also been involving industry,
practicing outsourcing, indigenous
development of technology and developing vendors. Due to this, the in house activities are increasingly being
focused on system related aspects, specialised development and fabrication which are difficult to be done
outside. The organizational structure continues to remain dynamic, responding to the needs of the Indian space
programme.
National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)
National Remote Sensing Centre at Hyderabad was converted into a full-fledged centre of ISRO from September
1, 2008. NRSC was an autonomous body
earlier, called National Remote Sensing
Agency (NRSA) under 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.
Regional Remote Sensing Centres (RRSCs) support various remote sensing tasks specific to their regions as well
as at the national level. RRSCs are carrying out application projects encompassing all the fields of natural
resources like agriculture and soils, water resources, forestry, oceanography, geology, environment and urban
planning. Apart from executing application projects, RRSCs are involved in software development, customisation
and packaging specific to user requirements and conducting regular training programmes for users in geospatial
technology, particularly, digital image processing, Geographical Information System (GIS) and applications.
Panoramic view of SAC campus
A view of NRSC campus
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Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS)
The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, a unit of ISRO, at Dehradun is a premier education, training and
research institute for capacity building in the field of Remote Sensing, Geo-information, positioning and navigation
technology and its applications. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), formerly known as Indian
Photo-Interpretation Institute (IPI), was set up in 1966 under the aegis of the Survey of India to provide
comprehensive training with hands on experience of the emerging technology. Institute was merged with
National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in July 1976, and in the year 1980, NRSA came under the umbrella
of Department of Space (Government of India). Since September 1, 2008, IIRS, as part of NRSC was inducted
under the ISRO umbrella, and presently IIRS is reorganized as a separate entity of ISRO with effect from
April 30, 2011.
IRS endeavor has been to train thematic experts from user community including academic institutions in
Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System 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.
Development and Educational Communication Unit (DECU)
Development and Educational Communication Unit, Ahmedabad is involved in the system definition, planning,
implementation and socio-economic research/evaluation of satellite-based societal applications. The major
activities of DECU include: Tele-education, Telemedicine, Training and Development Communication Channel
(TDCC), Village Resource Centres (VRC) and Disaster Management Support Program, etc.
ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC)
ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network provides satellite Telemetry Tracking and Command (TTC)
and mission control support to major Launch Vehicle and satellite missions of ISRO. This includes: carrying out
mission operations of all operational remote sensing and scientific satellites, providing TTC services from launch
vehicle lift-off till injection of satellite into orbit and to estimate its preliminary orbit in space and hardware and
software developmental activities that enhance the capabilities of ISTRAC for providing flawless TTC and Mission
Operations services.
ISTRAC has established a network of ground stations at Bangalore, Lucknow, Mauritius, Sriharikota, Port Blair,
Thiruvananthapuram, Brunei and Biak (Indonesia) and the Deep Space Network Stations DSN-32 and
DSN-18. The Mission Operations Complex located at Bangalore carries out round-the-clock mission operations
for all the remote sensing and science satellites. All network stations of ISTRAC are connected to the Mission
Operations Complex through dedicated high-performance satellite links along with terrestrial links.
ISTRAC has also been mandated to provide space operations support for Human Spaceflight and Deep Space
Missions of ISRO, undertake development of radar systems for launch vehicle tracking and meteorological
applications, establish and operationalise the ground segment for Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System,
provide Search and Rescue and Disaster Management Services and to host socially useful space based services
like telemedicine, VRC and tele-education.
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Master Control Facility (MCF)
Master Control Facility at Hassan in Karnataka, and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh monitor and control all the
Geostationary satellites of ISRO i.e., INSAT, GSAT and Kalpana series of satellites. MCF is responsible for Orbit
Raising of satellites, In-orbit payload testing, and On-
orbit operations all through the life of these satellites.
MCF activities include round-the-clock TTC operations,
and special operations like Eclipse management,
station-keeping manoeuvres and recovery actions in
case of contingencies. MCF interacts with user agencies
for effective utilisation of the satellite payloads and to
minimise the service disturbances during special
operations.
MCF currently controls ten On-orbit satellites, i.e.,
INSAT- 2E, 3C, 3A, 3E, 4A, 4B, 4CR, Kalpana-1,
GSAT-8 and GSAT-12 (eight from Hassan and two
from Bhopal). To carry out these operations effectively, MCF-Hassan is having an integrated facility consisting of
Seven Satellite Control Earth Stations with associated
Electronics.
ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU)
ISRO Inertial Systems Unit at Thiruvananthapuram
carries out research and development in the area of
inertial systems and actuators and meet the demands
of various launch vehicles and satellite projects. The
technology of inertial sensors, systems, actuators and
mechanisms has been upgraded several times to
provide increased life, better performance and
reliability.
Laboratory for Electro-Optic Systems (LEOS)
Laboratory for Electro-Optic Systems is situated at Peenya Industrial Estate, Bangalore where the first Indian
Satellite Aryabhata was fabricated in 1975. LEOS is responsible for design, development and production of
Electro-Optic sensors and camera optics for satellites. The sensor system includes earth sensors, star trackers,
sun sensors, magnetic sensors, fiber optic gyro, temperature sensors and processing electronics. Optics system
includes both reflective and refractive optics for remote sensing and metrological payloads. Other special
elements developed by LEOS include optical masks for sun sensors, star sensor optics, optical filter, encoder and
optical coatings.
The technology development programs of LEOS include development of miniature sensors for ongoing and
Panoramic view of the Earth Station at MCF, Bhopal
A view of IISU campus
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future satellites, high resolution camera optics, optical coatings and development of Micro Electro Mechanical
System devices.
Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad, is an autonomous unit of DOS and a premier research institute
engaged in basic research in the areas of
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Solar Physics,
Planetary Science and Exploration, Space
and Atmospheric Sciences, Geosciences and
Theoretical Physics. Apart from the main
campus at Ahmedabad, there are two other
campuses at Mt. Abu and Udaipur, hosting
the Infrared Telescope and Solar Telescope
respectively. The Multi-Application-Solar
Telescope will be soon added at the Udaipur
campus. The planetary exploration
programme and the astronomy group are
housed in the fourth campus at Thaltej, close
to Ahmedabad. A dedicated space instrumentation facility is being added to this campus.
National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL)
National Atmospheric Research Laboratory at Gadanki near Tirupati, an autonomous society supported by
DOS, is a centre for atmospheric research. The Centre carries out its research activities under three major
categories, viz., (i) research and development of advanced technology for atmospheric studies and transfer of
the same to Indian industries, (ii) carrying out fundamental research on Earths atmosphere using a variety of
state-of-the-art equipments such as the Mesosphere-Stratosphere-Troposphere Radar, lidars, wind profilers,
GPS balloon sonde, automatic weather station
etc. and (iii) Modeling and prediction of weather
and climate.
The facilities at NARL are available for national and
international scientists to conduct atmospheric
research.
North Eastern-Space Applications Centre
(NE-SAC)
North Eastern-Space Applications Centre, located
at Shillong, is a joint initiative of DOS and North
PRL Main Campus, Ahmedabad
A view of NE-SAC campus
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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 North
Eastern states to adopt space technology inputs for their development. At present, NE-SAC is providing
developmental support by undertaking specific projects by utilising space technology inputs from remote sensing,
satellite communication and space science.
Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL)
The administrative control of Semi-Conductor Complex Limited, Chandigarh, a public sector undertaking
under Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was transferred to Department of Space during
March 2005. DOS has re-structured SCL Company and has registered SCL as a research and development
society in November 2005. SCL is entrusted with design and development of Very Large Scale Integration
(VLSI) devices and development of systems for telecommunication and space sectors. SCL has facilities
for fabrication of micro-electronic devices in 0.8 micron range and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems.
The Up-gradation of CMOS Fab and commensurate facilities and utilities to 0.18 micron is the major project
being carried out at SCL.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology,
Asias first Space University, has been established at
Thiruvananthapuram during 2007 with the objective
of offering high quality education in space science
and technology to meet the demands of Indian Space
Programme. The institute offers Bachelors Degree
in Space Technology with specialisation in Avionics
and Aerospace Engineering and Integrated Masters
Programme in Applied Sciences with special
emphasis on space related subjects.
The first batch of 117 students out of 125 students who graduated meeting the academic requirements were
placed as scientist/engineer in DOS/ISRO Centre/units. Research in IIST is built on the foundations of various
academic programmes run by the Departments of Aerospace, Avionics, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and
Humanities. The Institute has faculty strength of 84; about 584 students are pursuing undergraduate studies,
29 students are in masters courses and 52 students are pursuing doctoral studies.
Antrix Corporation Limited
The Antrix Corporation Limited, Bangalore is the marketing agency under DOS with access to resources of
DOS as well as Indian space industries. Antrix markets subsystems and components for satellites, IRS data
products and geospatial services, undertakes contracts for building satellites to user specifications, provides
launch services and tracking facilities and organises training of manpower and software development.
The new campus of IIST
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COMMUNICATION, NAVIGATION ANDMETEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE SYSTEM
Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system, established in 1983, is the largest domestic communication satellite
system in the Asia Pacific Region with ten satellites in operation INSAT-2E, INSAT-3A,
INSAT-3C, INSAT-3E, KALPANA-1, INSAT-4A, INSAT-4B, INSAT-4CR, GSAT-8 and GSAT-12. The overall
coordination and management of INSAT system rests with INSAT Coordination Committee.
SATELLITES IN SERVICE
INSAT-2E
The last of the five satellites in INSAT-2 series, located at 83E longitude has completed
twelve years of satisfactory service. INSAT-2E launched in 1999 carries seventeen
C-band and lower extended C-band transponders providing zonal and global coverage
with an Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of 36 decibel Watt (dBW). The
satellite reached its End Of Life during December 2011 and all the users of INSAT-2E
have been shifted to other satellites.
INSAT-3 Series
INSAT-3A
The multipurpose satellite, INSAT-3A launched in April 2003, has satisfactorily
completed eight years of operation. It is located at 93.5E longitude along with
INSAT-4B. The payloads on INSAT-3A are as follows:
12 Normal C-band transponders (9 channels provide expanded coverage from
Middle East to South East Asia with an EIRP of 38 dBW, 3 channels provide India
coverage with an EIRP of 36 dBW)
6 Extended C-band transponders provide India coverage with an EIRP of 36 dBW
6 Ku-band transponders provide India coverage with an EIRP of 48 dBW
Very High Resolution Radiometer (VHRR) with imaging capability in the Visible (0.55-0.75 micron), Thermal
Infrared (10.5-12.5 microns) and Water Vapour (5.7-7.1 micron) channels, provide 2x2 km and 8x8 km
ground resolutions, respectively.
A Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera provides 1x1 km ground resolution, in the
Visible (0.63-0.69 micron), Near Infrared (0.77-0.86 micron) and Shortwave Infrared (1.55-1.70 micron)
bands.
A Data Relay Transponder having global receive coverage with a 400 MHz uplink and 4500 MHz downlink
for relay of meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic data from unattended land and
ocean-based automatic data collection-cum-transmission platforms.
INSAT-2E
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A Satellite Aided Search and Rescue payload having global receive coverage with
406 MHz uplink and 4500 MHz downlink with India coverage, for relay of signals from distress beacons in
sea, air or land.
INSAT-3C
Launched in January 2002, INSAT-3C is positioned at 74E longitude. INSAT-3C payloads include
24 Normal C-band transponders providing an EIRP of 37 dBW, six Extended C-band transponders with an EIRP
of 37 dBW, two S-band transponders to provide BSS services with 42 dBW EIRP, and an Mobile Satellite Service
(MSS) payload. All the transponders provide coverage over India. The satellite is continuing to provide satisfactory
service.
INSAT-3E
Launched in September 2003, INSAT-3E is positioned at 55E longitude along with
GSAT-8 and carries 24 Normal C-band transponders that provide an edge of coverage EIRP of
37 dBW over India and 12 Extended C-band transponders provide an edge of coverage EIRP of
38 dBW over India. The satellite is operating with reduced capacity due to onboard
power related anomaly.
KALPANA-1
KALPANA-1 is an exclusive meteorological satellite launched by PSLV in
September 2002. It carries Very High Resolution Radiometer and Data Relay
Transponder payloads to provide meteorological services. It is located at
74E longitude. Although the satellite has completed its designed life
of seven years, it continues to provide satisfactory and useful service from its
inclined orbit.
INSAT-4 Series
INSAT-4A
Launched in December 2005 by the European Ariane launch vehicle, INSAT-4A is
positioned at 83E longitude along with GSAT-12. It carries 12 Ku-band 36 MHz
bandwidth transponders employing 140 Watts TWTAs to provide an EIRP of 52 dBW at the edge of coverage
polygon with footprint covering Indian mainland and 12 C-band 36 MHz bandwidth transponders to provide an
EIRP of 39 dBW at the edge of coverage with expanded radiation patterns encompassing Indian geographical
boundary and area beyond India in Southeast and Northwest regions.
INSAT-4B
Configured with payloads identical to that of INSAT-4A, INSAT-4B was launched onboard the European
ARIANE-5 launch vehicle on March 12, 2007. INSAT-4B carries 12 Ku-band and 12 C-band transponders to
provide an EIRP of 52 dBW and 39 dBW respectively. Two Transmit/Receive dual grid offset fed shaped beam
KALPANA-1
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reflectors of 2.2 m diameter for Ku-band and 2 m diameter for C-band are used. INSAT-4B has augmented the
high power transponder capacity over India in Ku-band and over a wider region in C-band. INSAT-4B has been
co-located with INSAT-3A at 93.5E longitude. Due to a power anomaly the satellite is operating to half its
capacity.
INSAT-4CR
INSAT-4CR was launched on September 2, 2007 on GSLV from Sriharikota. INSAT-4CR with
12 high power Ku-band transponders with an EIRP of 51.5 dBW has been positioned at 74E longitude
co-located with INSAT-3C and KALPANA-1. INSAT-4CR is the third satellite in INSAT-4 series. INSAT-4CR is
designed to provide Direct-To-Home (DTH) television services, Video Picture Transmission and Digital Satellite
News Gathering.
HYLAS
Highly Adaptable Satellite (HYLAS) developed in partnership between EADS Astrium and Antrix for
M/s Avanti Communications Ltd. UK carries 2 Ku-band
and 8 Ka-band transponders. The bus platform is based
on stretched I-2K Bus structure with the power handling
capability of around 3.2 kW and the satellite has a lift off
mass of 2542 kg. The I-2K satellite bus and mainframe
elements was developed by ISAC and the advanced
communication payload was developed by prime
contractor EADS Astrium.
The satellite was successfully launched onboard Ariane
5 V198 launcher on 27th November 2010. After the
post launch orbit maneuvers, frequency-filing operations
were carried out at 61E and 31E before moving to its final slot of 33.5W. The In-Orbit Testing of the satellite
was carried out successfully at 33.5W locations and subsequently handed over to the users in March 2011.
The satellite is being used to provide broadband Internet access and to distribute and to broadcast High Definition
Television (HDTV) that will cover 22 countries in Western and Central Europe.
GEOSAT SERIES
GSAT-8
GSAT-8 is a communication satellite configured around I-3K bus with a lift off mass of 3093 kg and 6 kW power
generation capacity with mission life of more than 12 years. This satellite carries 24 Ku Band transponders
covering Indian main land and Andaman and Nicobar Islands and two channel GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO
Augmented Navigation) payloads.
HYLAS
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The satellite was launched onboard Ariane VA 202 on
May 21, 2011. The orbit raising operations were successfully
carried out and the satellite was placed in the intended
Geostationary Orbit at 550E longitude. All deployments were
successfully carried out and the satellite was 3 axis stabilised. In
Orbit Testing of payloads was carried out in June 2011. Testing of
the GAGAN navigational payload was conducted from the new
Navigation Control Centre at Kundanahalli near Bangalore. The
satellite has subsequently been declared operational.
GSAT-12
GSAT-12 satellite
was configured
around I-1K bus
with 12 Ext C
band Solid
State Power
Amplifier based transponders. The satellite was successfully
launched onboard PSLV C-17 on July 15, 2011 with a lift-off
mass of
1410 kg. The satellite is designed for a mission life of 8 years and
is placed in 83E longitude. In-orbit testing of the Payload has
been completed and the satellite has been declared as operational.
Satellites Under Development
INSAT-3D
INSAT-3D is a state-of-the art meteorological satellite with 6 channel Imager and 19 channel Sounder payload.
The satelliteis built around I-2K platform with dry mass of 965 kg and lift-off mass of 2100 kg providing a mission
life of about seven years. The satellite will be located at 82E longitude in geostationary orbit. The satellite has
many new elements like the star sensor which is being flown for the first time in Geo-Stationary Earth Orbit,
micro stepping Solar Array Drive Assembly to reduce the telecommand / telemetry function of the satellite.
It also incorporates new features of bi-annual rotation and Image and Mirror motion compensations for improved
performance of the meteorological payloads.
All the subsystem packages, both meteorological and communication payloads have been realised.
The assembly, integration and testing of the satellite is progressing well. The satellite will be ready for shipment
for launch during the second quarter of 2013.
GSAT-12 at clean room at ISAC
GSAT-8 before its mating with thelaunch vehicle
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GSAT-7
GSAT-7 is envisaged as a multi-band satellite. The satellite employs the standard 2.5 ton bus platform with the
power handling capability of around 2600 W and lift off mass of 2550 kg.
All the mainframe elements and the Payload elements have been delivered. The satellite will be ready for
shipment for launch during 2012.
GSAT-10
GSAT-10 is a 3 axis body stabilized geostationary satellite based on ISROs 3 ton structure to provide
communication services/augment the existing services.
It carries 12 Normal C band, 6 Extended C band,
12 Ku band transponders along with GAGAN payload.
The lift-off mass of the satellite is 3400 kg and it generates
6.0 kilo Watt of Power. The satellite will be located at
83E and will have a minimum operational life of 15
years.
The satellite after completing all the integrated tests, is
undergoing thrmo-vacuum test. The satellite will be ready
for launch during the second quarter of 2012.
GSAT-6
This satellite with a lift-off mass of 2200 kg, is primarily configured with CxS and SxC transponders. The S-band
up and down links are having high G/T and Effective Isotropic Radiated Power to be able to communicate with
mobile instruments. This is achieved using five numbers of high power 235 W Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers
and an indigenously developed high gain 6m Unfurable Antenna.
The mainframe structure has been delivered. Payload and mainframe subsystems are ready for Assembly Integration
and Testing activities. Integration of propulsion system has been completed. The disassembled mode Integrated
Satellite Test has been initiated. The flight model of Unfurable Antenna has been realised. Final tests are
under progress.
The subsystem level Comprehensive Design Reviews have been completed. The satellite will be ready for
shipment for launch onboard GSLV during 2013.
GSAT-11
GSAT-11 is an advanced communication satellite, employing a new Bus with 32 Ka x Ku Band Forward Link
Transponders and 8 Ku x Ka Band Return Link Transponders. The satellite is having a lift off mass of 5000 kg and
the power handling capability of around 14 kilo Watt.
Artists concept of GSAT-10
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Subsystem level Preliminary Design Review has been completed. The
qualification program for all new elements onboard GSAT-11 has been
initiated. The GSAT-11 satellite is planned for shipment for launch during
2014.
GSAT-9
GSAT-9 satellite is configured exclusively with high power Ku band payload,
owing to the increased demand from the user community for Ku band
transponders. The satellite provides 12 Ku band transponders employing
12 numbers of radiatively cooled 140 W traveling wave tube amplifiers
covering Indian mainland and a Ku-band beacon transmitter. The lift-off
mass of the satellite is 2113 kg and it generates 2787 Watt of Power.
The satellite will be positioned at 48E longitude in GSO.
The satellite layout studies are under progress. The satellite readiness for launch onboard GSLV-Mark II is
planned for third quarter of 2015.
GSAT-14
GSAT 14 satellite is a communication satellite that has been envisaged as the payload onboard the second
development flight of GSLV. This satellite is slated for launch during 2012. The satellite will be located in
74E longitude and will have a mission life of 11 years.
GSAT-14 is planned to have 6 national coverage Ku band channels and 6 extended C band India coverage
channels. In addition, the satellite will carry two Ka band beacons transmitting the signals at 20 and 30 GHz
which will be used for Ka band propagation studies. Fibre optic gyro, active pixel sun sensor, round type bolometer
and field programmable gate array based earth sensors and thermal control coating experiments are the new
technologies to be flown as experiments.
The satellite lift-off mass is around 2020 kg and generates a power of around 2.6 kilo Watt. It is planned to use
the existing structure and several mechanical and electrical components procured as spares during earlier projects.
Design reviews related to various subsystems are completed. Realization of all the subsystems is progressing
satisfactorily.
Satellite Navigation Programme
Satellite Navigation (SATNAV) has been identified as one of the important activities in the department. ISRO and
Airports Authority of India have jointly taken up GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) Technology
Demonstration System as a forerunner for the operational Satellite based Augmentation System over the Indian
Airspace. The operational phase of GAGAN has an indigenously developed satellite navigation system to cater
to the requirements of critical National applications in addition to providing a back up to the present global
GSAT-11 with solar panels instowed condition
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Satellite Navigation system being used by our commercial and other establishments in the country. In order to
organize and implement the above activities effectively, a Satellite Navigation Programme was constituted.
To implement the Satellite Navigation Programme, the organizational structure in various ISRO Centres has
been created and activities such as GAGAN Technology Demonstration System and Final Operational Phase and
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) will be part of this programme. ISAC is identified as the lead
centre for Satellite Navigation Programme activities.
GAGAN
With the successful launch of GSAT-8 satellite, the validation of Ground segment (mission control centre,
reference stations, uplink stations and ground network) is in progress. Fine tuning of the system will be completed
shortly and the users can use this service immediately after the fine tuning of the system.
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System is an independent regional navigation satellite system.
It is designed to provide position accuracy of better than 10m over India and the region extending about
Gagan system Architecture
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1500 km around India. It is designed to provide an accurate real time Position, Navigation and Time (PNT)
services to users on a variety of platforms with 24x7 service availability under all weather conditions. The IRNSS
system mainly consists of three components viz: Space Segment (Constellation of Satellites and
SignalInSpace), Ground Segment and User Segment. IRNSS constellation consists of seven satellites.
Three Satellites will be placed in the Geostationary orbit (at 34E, 83E & 131.5E) and two satellites each will
be placed in the Geosynchronous orbit (GSO) with an equator crossing at 55E and 111.5E with an inclination
of 29. IRNSS will have two types of signals in L5 & S-band and S-band. Both L5 and S-band consists of two
downlinks. IRNSS provides two basic services such as Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for common civilian
users and Restricted Service (RS) for special authorised users.
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EARTH OBSERVATION SYSTEM
The Indian Remote Sensing satellite system has one of the largest constellations of remote sensing satellites in
operation in the world today. Currently, eleven operational satellites are in orbit TES, RESOURCESAT-1,
CARTOSAT-1, CARTOSAT-2, CARTOSAT-2A, CARTOSAT-2B, IMS-1, RISAT-2, OCEANSAT-2,
RESOURCESAT-2 and MEGHA-TROPIQUES. The IRS series of satellites provide data in a variety of spatial,
spectral and temporal resolutions which are effectively used for resource management purposes. With these
in-orbit satellites and the planned missions of RISAT-1, SARAL and INSAT-3D during 2012, the Indian
Earth Observation (EO) system will be further strengthened to continue providing high quality diversified satellite
data products and services to the user community and hence enabling a host of applications for national development.
Earth Observation Missions accomplished in 2011
RESOURCESAT-2 is a follow on mission to RESOURCESAT-1 to provide data continuity to Indian and global user
community. It was launched by PSLV-C16 into 817 km Sun synchronous circular orbit on April 20, 2011. It has three
optical Remote sensing payloads, LISS-3, LISS-4 & AWIFS, as in RESOURCESAT-1. It also carried an additional
Announcement of Opportunities payload, known as AIS (Automatic Information System) from COMDEV, Canada as
an experimental payload for ship surveillance in Very High Frequency (VHF) band to derive position, speed and other
information of ships. Compared to RESOURCESAT-1, Linear Imaging Self Scanner-4 (LISS-4)
multi-spectral swath is enhanced to 70 km. Suitable changes including miniaturization in payload electronics have been
incorporated in RESOURCESAT-2.
Megha-Tropiques (Megha means cloud in Sanskrit and Tropiques means tropics in French) is a joint
ISRO - CNES mission in understanding the life cycle of convective systems and their role in the associated energy
India as seen by RESOURCESAT-2
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and moisture budget of the atmosphere in the tropical regions. The satellite was launched by PSLV-C18 on
October 12, 2011 into an 867 km orbit at an inclination of 20 with respect to the equatorial plane. Following
four scientific instruments were carried by the satellite:
Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures (MADRAS), an Imaging Radiometer
developed jointly by CNES and ISRO
SAPHIR, a six channel Humidity Sounder
SCARAB, a four channel Scanner for Radiation Budget Measurement
GPS-ROS, a GPS Radio Occultation System to provide vertical profiles of temperature and humidity of the
earths atmosphere
All the payloads are performing satisfactorily and are providing useful scientific data for Research and analysis.
Earth Observation Satellites currently operational
CARTOSAT-1 was launched into a 617 km polar sunsynchronous orbit on May 5, 2005 on board PSLV-C6
from SDSC, SHAR, Shriharikota. Two panchromatic cameras, PAN (Fore) and PAN (Aft), with 2.5 m spatial
resolution and swath of 30 km is providing high quality images. The cameras are mounted with a tilt of +26
and -5 along track with respect to nadir that provide stereo pairs for the generation of Digital Elevation Model
(DEM). Data from CARTOSAT-1 is being used for cartographic applications, cadastral level mapping,
Digital Elevation Model generation and other high resolution geospatial applications.
CARTOSAT-2 was launched on January 10, 2007 by PSLV-C7
carries a single panchromatic camera with capability to provide
better than 1 m spatial resolution imagery and a swath of 9.6 km.
It was placed in a sun synchronous polar orbit of a nominal altitude
of 630 km with a re-visit of 4-5 days and can be brought to a
special orbit of 560 km with a revisit period of 1 day. The satellite
is highly agile with capability of steering along and across the track
of up to 45 to facilitate frequent imaging of any specific area.
The satellite is functioning well and providing operational services
to the user community for cartographic applications, cadastral level
mapping, urban and rural applications.
CARTOSAT-2A was launched on April 28, 2008 by PSLV-C9 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.
This is similar to CARTOSAT-2 and is an advanced remote sensing satellite with similar capabilities as in CARTOSAT-
2 with similar application capabilities.
CARTOSAT-2B was launched onboard PSLV-C15 on July 12, 2010 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR,
Sriharikota. The CARTOSAT-2B satellite, a follow on of CARTOSAT-2A, weighing 694 kg, is configured to
provide multi-scene imaging capabilities during a pass. This also has a single panchromatic (PAN) camera and is
also providing scene specific spot imagery for cartographic and a host of other applications.
CARTOSAT-2
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RESOURCESAT-1 was launched by PSLV-C5 on October 17, 2003. It was placed in 820 km polar
Sun Synchronous Orbit. The satellite carries three cameras, namely,
Linear Imaging Self Scanner (LISS-4) in 3 spectral bands of Visible and Near Infrared Region (VNIR) with
5.8 m spatial resolution, 23 km (multi-spectral) and 70 km (mono) swath and steerable up to 26 across
track to achieve five day revisit capability
LISS-3 camera in 3 spectral bands in Visible and Near Infrared Region and one in Short Wave Infrared
(SWIR) band with 23.5 m spatial resolution and 141 km swath
Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) in 3 spectral bands in Visible and Near Infrared Region and one band
in SWIR with 56 m spatial resolution and a swath of 730 km.
IMS-1 was launched along with CARTOSAT-2A on April 28, 2008 by PSLV-C9 from SDSC, SHAR, Sriharikota.
The two payloads are Multi Spectral (MX) camera with 37 m spatial resolution with
151 km swath and a unique 64 channel Hyper Spectral imager (HySi) with 505 m spatial resolution and
130 km swath.
OCEANSAT-2, a follow on mission to OCEANSAT-1, was launched on September 23, 2009 onboard
PSLV-C14 from SDSC, SHAR, Shriharikota. OCEANSAT-2 was placed into a polar sun synchronous orbit at an
altitude of 720 km, with equatorial crossing of 1200 hrs+10 minutes. OCEANSAT-2 carries three sensors
onboard, viz., Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM), Ku-band pencil beam Scatterometer and a payload called
Radio Occultation Sounder for Atmospheric Studies (ROSA) developed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
The 8 band Ocean Colour Monitor onboard Oceansat-2 provides Local Area Coverage (LAC) with a
spatial resolution of 360 m covering swath of 1420 km with a two-day repetivity. It also provides Global
Area Coverage (GAC) with 1 km resolution and 1420 km swath with 8 day coverage cycle.
The pencil beam Scatterometer works in Ku-band with a ground resolution cell of 50 km x 50 km,
scans the earth surface conically with a swath of 1400 km. It provides the wind vector in the range of 4 to
24 m/ second with better than 10% accuracy in speed and 20 in wind direction. The Scatterometer data
is being used for deriving the global wind velocity (magnitude and direction) over ocean surface, which is
used as an input for weather forecasting, monitoring of cyclones and hurricanes and their trajectory, monitoring
of Polar Sea Ice changes and ocean state forecasting. Scatterometer is a unique instrument in space and
there is a significant demand for the data by the global community for ocean related applications. Orbit wise
Scatterometer data is downloaded, processed and the data products is disseminated through National
Remote Sensing Centre/ ISRO web portal and also through EUMetCast system of EUMETSAT, Darmstadt
to the global users in Europe, Africa, U.S and a few Asian countries within 160 minutes of data acquisition.
ROSA Payload is designed and developed by ASI, Italy and was flown in OCEANSAT-2 to study temperature
and humidity profile of the atmosphere.
RISAT-2, the Radar Imaging Satellite, with all weather capability and ability to penetrate through clouds
was realised in association with Israel Aerospace Industries and launched onboard PSLV-C12 from
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Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on April 20, 2009. RISAT-2 has enhanced countrys capability in the
management of disasters.
TES, Technology Experiment Satellite, was launched on board PSLV-C3 on October 22, 2001.
The satellite was intended to demonstrate and validate technologies that could be used in the future cartographic
satellite missions. Some of the technologies demonstrated in TES were: attitude and orbit control system, high
torque reaction wheels, new reaction control system with optimised thrusters and a single propellant tank, light
weight satellite structure, solid state recorder, X-band phased array antenna, improved satellite positioning system,
miniaturised TTC, power system and two-mirror-on-axis camera optics. TES carries a panchromatic
camera with a spatial resolution of less than 1m. The satellite continues to function well beyond the intended
mission life.
Forthcoming Earth Observation Missions
RISAT-1
Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1) carries a C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload, operating at
5.35 GHz in multi-polarisation and multi-resolution mode (ScanSAR, Strip and Spot modes) to provide images
with coarse, fine and high spatial resolutions
respectively. SAR, being an active radar sensor,
operating in the microwave region of
electromagnetic spectrum, has the unique
capability of imaging in all weather conditions.
The Synthetic Aperture Radar payload is based
on an active phased array technology using
Transmit/Receive modules, which would
provide necessary electronic agility for
achieving the multi-mode capability, providing
spatial resolutions of 1 m to 50 m, and a
swath of 10 to 240 km caters to different
applications. The local time of RISAT-1 will
be 06:00 Hrs in the descending node. The satellite weighs around 1851 kg and has the power handling capacity
of 4.8 kW. RISAT-1 is slated for launch by PSLV-C19 (XL) during March - April 2012 into a 476 km orbit. After
3-axis attitude acquisition, the orbit will be raised to 536 km with 25 days repetitivity with an added advantage
of 12 days inner cycle for Coarse Resolution ScanSAR mode.
The development of many complex technologies including phased array antenna has been the feature of this
indigenous microwave remote sensing satellite mission. The satellite is in the final phase of testing and getting
ready for launch.
RISAT-1 being lowered into Thermo-vacuum Chamber at ISAC
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SARAL
The Satellite for ARGOS and ALTIKA (SARAL) is a joint ISRO - French Space Agency (CNES) mission, and will
be launched by the PSLV-C20 into a sun-synchronous orbit with a local time of 6 pm descending node
at an altitude of around 800 km. The Ka band altimeter, ALTIKA, provided by CNES, operates at
35.75 Giga Hertz (GHz) for ocean applications. 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 helps to calibrate the precise orbit determination
system and the altimeter system several times throughout the mission.
SARAL/ ARGOS Data Collection System is a joint contribution of ISRO and CNES to the development and
operational implementation of the global ARGOS Data Collection System for a variety of data from ocean
buoys to transmit the same to the ARGOS Ground Segment for subsequent processing and distribution.
In addition, ARGOS Payload allows the transmission of short messages directly to Data Collection Platforms,
equipped with a receiver. SARAL payload will be accommodated in the mini-satellite bus, which weighs
400-450 kg class and a power generation of 800 Watt, named as SSB-1 (Small Satellite Bus).
SARAL will provide Data Products to the operational and research user communities, in support
of marine meteorology and sea state forecasting; operational oceanography; seasonal forecasting; climate
monitoring; ocean, earth system and climate research. Mainframe systems have been fabricated and are in the
advanced stage of testing. The satellite is scheduled for launch during last quarter of 2012.
Future Earth Observations Missions
Indias Future Earth Observation Programme will ensure the continuity of the thematic series of satellites,
viz., Resourcesat, Cartosat and RISAT series for land and water resources including all weather capability; Oceansat
series for study of ocean resources; INSAT and Megha-Tropiques for meteorology and atmosphere with specific
improvements in payloads. The advanced high resolution satellite Cartosat-3 with a spatial resolution of 0.25 m in
Panchromatic mode and 1 m in Multispatial mode will enhance high resolution mapping capabilities for meeting
future needs of RS application projects. The aim is to provide the continuity and enhanced services to the operational
workhorse missions; adapt and assimilate advances in technologies in the future missions; develop innovative
technologies both for on-board, ground systems and to partner with other space agencies to derive mutual benefits.
Ground Segment
ISTRAC provides TTC (Telemetry, Tracking and Command) and satellite control services for
11 remote sensing satellites in-orbit. The oldest satellite TES has completed 10 years in-orbit as on October
22, 2011 and the latest satellite Megha-tropiques, launched on October 12, 2011 is well-stabilised and the
payloads are under evaluation phase. Nominally, with eleven satellites in orbit (current scale of operations under
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multi-mission scenario) ISTRAC tracks
more than 52,000 passes per annum
from its own Telemetry, Tracking and
Command network and Kongsberg
Satellite Services (KSAT) Svalbard,
Norway. In addition, about
12,000 payload operations per
annum are enabled by the multi
mission scheduling system. Routine
orbit maintenance and calibration
operations have been carried out as
per the requirements of each mission.
A full-fledged second control centre,
Mission Operations Complex, has been established in order to provide capability for dual launch support during
Launch and Early Orbit Phase operations and supported Resourcesat-2 and Megha-Tropiques missions.
Aerial Remote Sensing
The aerial remote sensing facility of NRSC/ ISRO offers value-added services like aerial photography and digital
mapping, infrastructure planning, scanner surveys, aeromagnetic surveys, large scale base map, topographic and
cadastral level mapping, etc.
Aerial Photography and ortho photo generation using Large Format Digital Camera was carried out for
10 towns of Chhattisgarh state at 10 cm Ground Sample Distance
10 coal mines covering an area of 14300 sq. km at 30 cm Ground Sample Distance
Using Airborne Laser Terrain Mapper (ALTM) and Digital Camera data, a project was taken up under Disaster
Management Support Programme to generate orthophotos with 50 cm Ground Sample Distance, Digital
Elevation Model and spatial database at 1:5,000 scale with close contour intervals of flood plains and coastal
areas for inundation modeling of vulnerable areas.
Using Airborne Laser Terrain Mapper and Digital Camera data, Topographic mapping of coastal areas of Indian
National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) was also taken up to generate close contour maps of
coastal areas with 2 km inland for establishment of Tsunami warning centres. The study deliverables include
orthophotos with 50 cm Ground Sample Distance, Digital Elevation Model and spatial database in 1:5,000
scale with 1m Contour Interval.
As per new Directorate General of Civil Aviation regulations for Aircraft Operations, an operations office was
created for NRSC/ISRO aircraft operations with appropriate structure, focal points and responsibilities.
Mission Operations Complex-2 building at ISTRAC
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Satellite Data Acquisition and Processing
The National Remote Sensing Centre , Hyderabad is the nodal agency for satellite remote sensing data reception,
archival, processing and dissemination in the country. NRSC Shadnagar Ground station acquires data from
various Indian remote-sensing satellites and a few foreign satellites. As per the Remote Sensing Data Policy,
NRSC is the national agency identified for acquisition and distribution of all the satellite data within India.
Accordingly, NRSC is disseminating satellite data from Indian and foreign satellites to Indian users.
Remote Sensing Data Policy of 2011 has been positioned and implemented to provide data up to one meter
spatial resolution to all users on request basis. The data better than 1 m resolution is disseminated as per
policy guidelines. During the year, more than 51,000 data products were disseminated to Indian as well as
foreign users.
Integrated Multi mission Ground segment for Earth Observation Satellites was successfully established by re-
engineering all processes under integrated environment at Shadnagar and was commissioned in
Nov 2011. Integrated multi mission data reception, processing, products, services, and archival chain was
established at a new location by exploiting advanced data reception systems, high speed processing, multi level
storage, high bandwidth network technology and successfully achieved automation of operations in data process
work flow and user services with in-house developed application software.
NRSC is establishing Antarctica Ground Segment to exploit the frequent visibility of satellites (at poles) to download
satellite-data from on-board recorder and use the data for emergency services and in near real-time applications.
The configuration of Antarctica Ground Station consists of a data reception ground station at Antarctica and a
two way communication link between Antarctica and India (NRSC, Shadnagar and National Centre for Ocean
and Antarctic Research) using Geo satellite link. During the 30th expedition to Antarctica, site identification and
pile foundation laying works were completed successfully. During 31st Antarctica Expedition, the installation of
infrastructure for Electrical power system is planned. During 32nd Antarctica Expedition, commissioning of
ground station facility is planned in 2012-13 time frame.
Operationalisation of the Oceansat-2 Scatterometer data processing software at Meteorological and Oceanographic
Satellite Data Archival Centre (MOSDAC) has been done. The data processing software was also installed at
Shadanagar and European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), while the
data dissemination to global users is automated with a turnaround time of less than three hours. Similarly for
Megha-Tropiques, installation is done for Level-1 software and Quick Look Display at Indian Space Science Data
Centre and Level-2 software at Meteorological and Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival Centre for MADRAS,
SAPHIR, SCARAB and ROSA payloads and achieved near real time processing capability for data products
generation.
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SPACE APPLICATIONS
INSAT Applications
Tele-Education (EDUSAT Programme)
EDUSAT, the India's first thematic satellite dedicated exclusively for educational services, has been used extensively
to cater to a wide range of interactive educational delivery modes like one-way TV broadcast, video conferencing,
computer conferencing, web-based instructions, etc. EDUSAT had manifold objectives - to supplement the
curriculum-based teaching, imparting effective teachers training, providing access to quality resource persons
and new technologies, thus finally resulting in taking education to every nook and corner of India. EDUSAT has
provided connectivity to schools, colleges and higher levels of education and also supported non-formal education
including development communication.
EDUSAT programme has been implemented in three phases, pilot, semi-operational and operational phases.
Pilot projects were conducted during 2004 in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh with 300 terminals.
The experience of pilot projects were adopted in semi-operational and operational phase. During semi-operational
phase almost all the states and major national agencies are covered under EDUSAT programme. Presently, the
networks are being expanded under operational phase with funding by state governments and other user agencies.
The networks implemented under EDUSAT programme comprises of two types of terminals, namely, Satellite
Interactive Terminals and Receive Only Terminals. So far, a total of 80 networks have been implemented
connecting to about 55000 schools and colleges (4209 Satellite Interactive Terminals and 51165 Receive Only
Terminals) covering 25 States and 3 Union Territories of the country. Uttarakhand and Jharkhand EDUSAT
networks were the latest additions of the current year. About 15 million students are getting benefited through
EDUSAT programme every year.
The EDUSAT (GSAT-3) satellite service was discontinued since September-2010 partially affecting the
Tele-education, Telemedicine and VRC projects of ISRO. After de-commissioning of GSAT-3, the traffic of
Tele-education networks is being migrated to other ISRO satellites. The department has already completed
about 80 percent migration of tele-education networks operating in Ku-band from GSAT-3 to INSAT-4CR and
partially migrated Extended C-band networks to INSAT-3A and INSAT-3C.
A Technical Support and Training Centre is established at Guwahati, Assam to provide technical support on
continuous basis to all the Remote Sites, Hubs and Teaching-Ends of various state networks in the North East
Region. In future, it is planned to setup similar Technical Support and Training Centre for Northern parts of the
country namely, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, etc.
Around 366 Satellite Interactive Terminals of national users like Indira Gandhi National Open University, Central
Institute of Educational Technology, All India Council for Technical Education, Vigyan Prasar/Department of Science
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and Technology and Centre for Education and Communication were upgraded with classroom peripherals and
Learning Management System for better Audio-Visual interaction.
Also, established is a Network Monitoring Facility at Development and Educational Communication Unit,
Ahmedabad to obtain the feedback on the utilisation and assess the quality of programs transmitted on EDUSAT
networks in INSAT-4CR (Ku Band). Presently, the overall monitoring capacity is for 30 tele-education networks;
however, at a time, any 10 networks can be monitored simultaneously by selection.
ISRO has also set up networks for users with special requirements like:
a) Blind Peoples Association of Gujarat for Visually challenged
b) Rehabilitation Council of India
c) Network of Central Institute of Mentally Retarded in Kerala
d) A network of Centre for the Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) for mentally challenged
in Kerala
Training and Developmental Communications Channel (TDCC)
TDCC is a service that has been operational since 1995 and provides 1-way video and 2-way audio system of
interactive education. The teaching-end includes a studio and an uplink facility for transmitting live or
Tele-education network activities
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pre-recorded lectures. The participants at the classrooms located nationwide receive lectures through simple
dish antennas called Direct Reception Systems and have facility to interact with lecturers using telephone lines.
Several state governments and universities use the Training and Developmental Communication Channel system
extensively for Distance Education, Rural Development, Women and Child Development, Panchayat Raj, Health,
Agriculture, Forestry, etc.
Under Training and Developmental Communication Channel project, during FY 2010-11, a total of 948
Interactive Training Programmes were conducted with an average utilisation of about 23-26 days a month. On
an average, around 75-80 ITPs per month were conducted by around 39 departments of the various states.
However, from April 2011 only 39 ITPs could be conducted due to shortage of satellite bandwidth.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is one of the unique applications of Space Technology for societal benefit. Telemedicine programme,
which started in 2001, has been connecting remote/rural/medical college hospitals and Mobile Units through the
Indian satellites to major specialty hospitals in cities and towns. Telemedicine network covers various states/regions
including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Lakshdweep Islands, North Eastern States and
other mainland states. Many tribal districts of states like Kerala, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, West Bengal,
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Rajasthan are covered under Telemedicine Programme.
Presently, the Telemedicine network of ISRO covers about 382 hospitals with 60 specialty hospitals connecting
to 306 remote/rural/district/medical college hospitals and 16 Mobile Telemedicine units. The Mobile Telemedicine
units cover diverse areas of Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Radiology, Diabetology, Mammography, General
medicine, Women and Child healthcare.
While Department Of Space provides Telemedicine systems software, hardware and communication equipment
as well as satellite bandwidth, state governments and the speciality hospitals have to allocate funds for their part
of infrastructure, manpower and facility support. In this regard, technology development, standards and cost
effective systems have been evolved in association with various state governments, Non Governmental
Organisations, specialty hospitals and industry. Department Of Space interacts with state governments and
specialty hospitals for bringing an understanding between the parties through an Memorandum Of Understanding.
Due to de-commissioning of GSAT-3 (EDUSAT), some of these network operations were partially affected due
to shortage of satellite bandwidth. During the year, the activities under telemedicine involved migration and
operationalisation of nodes across the country. The traffic is being transferred to other satellites and already
168 nodes have been re-operationalised with maximum nodes (38 nodes) in Rajasthan. ISRO also provides
technical support for operations and maintenance of telemedicine nodes.
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
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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, and INSAT-3C (Additionally INTELSAT IS-10 and
IS-906 leased). All of the Satellite TV channels are digitalised.
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 and
DD-Bharati and DD-HD.
Regional services in States 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, Chhatisgarh and
Lakshadweep Islands.
As on Nov 30, 2011, 1415 transmitters of Doordarshan are working in INSAT system out of which
1134 transmitters [131 High Power Transmitters (HPT), 725 Low Power Transmitters (LPT), 260 Very Low
Power Transmitters (VLPT) and 18 Transposers] are working in the DD-1 network and 169 TV Transmitters
(73 HPTs, 79 LPTs and 17 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. 59 DD and Private TV channels are operational through Direct To Home (DTH) service
(DD Direct+). 10 channel DTH planned in C-Band for Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been commissioned
on Sept 17, 2009. Doordarshan High Definition Service has been started on October 3, 2010 with the start of
Common Wealth Games 2010.
Satellite News Gathering and Other Events
Satellite News Gathering using INSAT system enables on-the-spot real-time news coverage and important
events at different locations for transmission to a Central Station at Delhi or to State Capitals for rebroadcast
over respective Doordarshan channels. Prasar Bharati has 13 C-band and 18 Ku-band Digital Outdoor-Broadcast
Digital Satellite News Gathering terminals operating through INSAT. 9 more Digital Satellite News Gatherings
in C-Band are proposed to be introduced in the network.
Radio Networking
Radio Networking through INSAT provides a reliable high-fidelity programme channels for national as well as
regional networking. At present, 237 All India Radio (AIR) stations have been equipped with S-band receive terminals
out of which 185 AIR stations have been equipped to receive C-band Analogue and Digital Radio Networking
carriers. Remaining 52 stations are going to be equipped with digital C-band Radio Networking Terminals by the
end of 11th FYP.
A total of 85 Radio Networking channels are being up-linked at present. For this AIR is utilising one S-band
transponder (S2) and one C-band transponder (C-11) of INSAT-3C. A total of 90 carriers in CxC band are
being envisaged for up-linking by utilising full one transponder of INSAT-3C.
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In AIR network, a total of 32 earth stations are equipped with facility to uplink in both CxS and CxC band.
The Central earth station at Broadcasting House, New Delhi, has been augmented to up-link 26 Radio Networking
carriers in CxS and CxC band.
At present AIR has 22 radio channels on Direct To Home platform in Ku-band being uplinked with TV carriers
from Todapur, New Delhi on INSAT-4B. Efforts are underway to augment this to 40 channels, and efforts are
also being made to uplink 6 nos. radio channel on Direct To Home C-Band to cover Andaman Nicobar areas.
Telecommunications
887 Satellite Earth Stations (BSNL - 103, Govt Users - 231, Closed User Group and Commercial Users - 553)
of different sizes having the capabilities of Telecommunication / Broadcasting applications are operating in Satellite
Network. 1,44,383 VSATs