INSAT-3C becomes operational
(Hindustan Times, 21 February 2002)

The INSAT-3C satellite became operational on February 20th adding a quantum leap in the country's satellite communication capabilities. "It has become operational from today," Director of ISRO Satellite Centre, P.S. Goel, said. The INSAT-3C satellite was launched by Arianespace from the South American spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana on 24 January 2002. The satellite has 24 normal C-band transponders, six extended C-band transponders, two S-band broadcast satellite transponders and a mobile satellite service transponder.

"Payloads are now being utilised from today by the actual users," Goel said. "Already three transponders have been handed over to the users." If there are plans to lease transponders to foreign organisations such as INTELSAT, Goel said that the INSAT-3C and INSAT-3A, which is planned to be launched later this year, is targeted at domestic users. "INSAT-3C has largely been built for India coverage. We have a large commitment from our own users. So, we are not inviting bids from outside," Goel said. ISRO, he said, would hold discussions with Arianespace soon to fix a launch date for INSAT-3A, adding, it was also working on INSAT-3E.

Germany invites Indian inventor of space power generator
(Hindustan Times, 21 February 2002)

Paramahamsa Tewari, former director of the Kaiga atomic station, has been invited by German scientists to speak at an energy conference in Berlin and display his unique space power generator (SPG), that Tewari claims produces more power than it consumes and a possible precursor to the elusive perpetual machine. To be held in June this year, the conference has been organized by the Berlin Institute of Innovative Technologies, founded in 2001 by a group of top scientists worldwide working in the field of new and promising energy technologies of the future. Tewari is the only invited speaker from India.

Working on the concept of space power generation for more than 15 years, Tewari three months ago completed the latest version of his machine with funding from Crompton Greeves Company in Mumbai. He unveiled the machine to the media last week in presence of electrical engineers from the Kaiga atomic power station. During the demonstration, the SPG generated electrical power that was 2.63 times the mechanical input applied at its shaft. According to Tewari the over unity efficiency of the machine "is a result of the specific configuration of rotating magnetic circuits with respect to the conductor where current is generated by electromagnetic induction."

Apollo-Sriharikota tele-medicine project inaugurated
(ISRO Press Release, 18 February 2002)

Anna University to develop micro-satellite
(ISRO Press Release, 18 February 2002)

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Anna University, formally announced on February 15, 2002 at Chennai, the proposed development of a micro-satellite by Anna University. The announcement marks a significant milestone in ISRO's pursuit to strengthen its University linkages that could help generate human resources for the space programme and build capacity in the Universities to undertake advanced research and development activities. According to the announcement, Anna University will build the micro-satellite and ISRO will launch the satellite as a piggyback payload on its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV. The satellite will be developed in about three years.

Being the first of its kind for an Indian University in spacecraft development, the micro-satellite will be a comparatively simple one weighing around 60 kg. It will have body-mounted solar panels generating about 40 Watt of electrical power and will be spin-stabilised. It will have a data store-and-forward payload for conducting experiments on message transfer across the country. The micro-satellite development will be a good opportunity for the students and the faculty of Anna University to get an insight into the various aspects of space technology. It will also help them to conduct meaningful application studies and gain experience in satellite mission operations. Anna University will establish necessary facilities for the satellite development including a clean room for assembly and testing besides providing other support facilities to sustain the activity. ISRO will provide technical and managerial guidance, besides necessary financial support. It may be noted that, globally, there has been an interest in the development of micro-satellites by several universities.

It is one of the most cost-effective ways for human resources development in space technology. These micro-satellites could be used to test advanced technologies for future operational satellites or for larger scientific missions. The advantage of micro-satellites is that they can be launched as piggyback payloads along with a primary satellite like IRS thus making the Micro-satellite launch affordable. The Universities can provide a multi-disciplinary environment to combine the educational and research capabilities into a focused programme. It is in this context that the proposal for development of micro-satellite by Anna University assumes significance. This is expected to provide impetus for other universities to take up similar projects in the coming years. ISRO will pursue other leading educational institutions in the country to take up such ventures in order to enrich and build necessary capabilities within the university system and stimulate interests among the younger generation to take up challenging careers in science and technology.

INSAT-3C to become operational by next week
(The Hindu, 16 February 2002)

The INSAT-3C satellite, will become operational by February 22nd or 23rd, adding a quantum leap in satellite communication capabilities in the country. "The tests are satisfactory so far and hopefully for the remaining time it will go of satisfactorily. So we should declare it operational by then, as had been planned," ISRO Chairman, K. Kasturirangan, said. The tests on the satellite, carried out after the orbit raising manoeuvres after it was launched on January 24th, included checking antenna deployment, solar array and testing the payloads. The satellite will add a great deal to augment the telecommunication services in the country, particularly VSAT operations. INSAT-3C, the second of the INSAT-3 series of satellites of ISRO has 24 normal C-band transponders, six extended C-band transponders, two S-band broadcast satellite transponders and a mobile satellite service transponder.

Though as many as 111 transponders became available in the INSAT system soon after this launch, apart from those leased from Thaicom satellite, ISRO has already vacated 10 transponders aboard the ageing INSAT-2B launched in 1993. It will soon vacate about 20 on board INSAT-2C, launched in 1995, which is also nearing its end. This would mean a reduction in available transponders but ISRO does not foresee any problem due to this because the launch of the INSAT-3A is proceeding on schedule, Dr. Kasturirangan said. On the second validation flight of the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), Dr. Kasturirangan said this should be ready for launch in the third to fourth quarter of this year. "The only problem is the monsoon at that time. But we want to be ready by then," he said and added that for the second GSLV launch, the Russian cryogenic engines will be used. The ISRO is not happy on the huge publicity surrounding its recent test firing of the cryogenic engine at Mahendragiri. "The testing lasted for about 10 seconds. An actual flight lasts for about 1000 seconds. These are short duration tests, which are being carried out from time to time. There is nothing to go to town about it," an ISRO official said.

ISRO plans to launch Health-Sat
(The Hindu, 16 February 2002)

With an aim to improve access to medicare in the country, especially rural areas, ISRO Chairman, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, inaugurated the Apollo-SHAR telemedicine project in Chennai. The project envisages the establishment of telemedicine connectivity between Apollo Hospitals, Chennai and the ISRO's Sriharikota Range Centre Hospital at Sriharikota using INSAT. Telemedicine uses electronic signals to transfer medical data from one site to another via the Internet, satellites or other methods to facilitate interaction between the patient, the treating physician and super-specialists. ISRO, as part of application of space technology especially for the benefit of remote areas and rural populations, is implementing telemedicine projects at various places including offshore islands and inaccessible regions. "As much as 85% of the population in principle can now be reached by space broadcasting systems covering almost 65% of the country," Dr. Kasturirangan said. This could be used to make available medical expertise at rural areas as well.

ISRO was thinking of an exclusive satellite for health care and will pursue this seriously if there is enough demand. Right now, the Apollo-SHAR linkage was a proof of concept experiment. Once, the user is satisfied, and based on inputs and the required fine-tuning, an exclusive satellite could be thought of, Dr. Kasturirangan said. "There is a demand now for the space system coming out of working with the user community. But when we talk about user community, we do not create operational services. That is the job of user community. But we have to work together to set parameters on which we can work on the future systems," he said. Under the Apollo-SHAR Memorandum of Understanding, ISRO will provide satellite communication infrastructure including transponder capacity.

Specialities in Apollo are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, but any emergency consultation will be taken up in 30 minutes, said the Apollo Hospitals Chairman, Prathap C. Reddy.  "This will be a great boon for a lot of people across the world. We should not be talking only of our country. I believe that we have a moral responsibility to give it to the Afro-Asian countries which need greater healthcare,'' he added. Apollo plans to set up 100 telemedicine centres in the country and has drawn up a plan to connect the country through a medical network.

ISRO and AU to develop micro-satellite
(Hindustan Times, 15 February 2002)

ISRO and Anna University announced development of a micro-satellite by the university in about three years, giving an impetus for other universities to take up similar projects in future. Though it would be the first for an Indian University in spacecraft development, the concept of engaging universities in limited space applications and technological developments was not new in the world, ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Kasturirangan said at Anna University in Chennai. Some universities in the US, Britain, Germany and Korea were engaged in such activity, he pointed out. Anna University Vice Chancellor, Dr. A. Kalanidhi said the project, mainly for communications, marked a significant milestone in the university's pursuit to strengthen its space research linkage with a prestigious organisation like ISRO.

ISRO Chairman, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, addressing the press at Anna University in Chennai on February 15th. Looking on is the Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, A. Kalanidhi. Image © K. Gajendran

It could help generate human resources for the country's space programme and enable the university undertake advanced space research and development activities. Under the Rs.5 crore project, Anna University would build the micro-satellite and ISRO would launch it as a piggyback payload on its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The 60-kg micro-satellite would have body mounted solar panels generating about 40 watts of electrical power and be spin stabilised. Besides, it would also comprise a data store-and-forward payload for conducting experiments message transfer across the country. Main objectives of the project were examining the suitability of other technology upgrading and validation concepts, making maximum use of commercial-off-the-shelf components and involving and training students and research community in space development works. Some other leading universities and IITs were in line for the project, Dr. Kasturirangan said and added that AU had taken a liking to the idea and was confident it would be done.

"The timing of the project is appropriate and looking into our own space programme we thought it is the right time to introduce it with an eye on the future generation." Stating that ISRO would provide technical and managerial guidance, besides necessary financial support, Kalanidhi said the micro-satellite development would be a good opportunity for students and faculty of the university to get an insight into the various aspects of space technology. "It will also help them conduct meaningful application studies and gain experience in satellite mission operations. Micro-satellites can be used to test advanced technologies for future operational satellites and for larger scientific missions," he said. The long term objectives are aimed towards evolving AU into a centre of excellence in development and usage of micro-satellites, complement the development efforts of the country's satellite application requirements by providing a micro-satellite platform for technology development and technology validation, besides providing qualified and trained manpower for the nation's space effort.

India to launch series of spy satellites
(Hindustan Times, 13 February 2002)

India is preparing to launch a series of spy satellites following the success of its experimental surveillance satellite used to monitor Pakistani troop movements since October. The Technology Experiment Satellite (TES), launched last year from the Sriharikota Space Launch Centre on India's east coast, has a high-resolution camera capable of distinguishing objects that are as small as one metre or three feet long. India is the only country after the US to possess such a satellite. Defence sources said the TES had relayed high-quality images of the war in Afghanistan as well as the Pakistani troop build-up along the border with India that had proved of immense help to the military brass and policy planners. The sources said the 1,008-kg TES would be joined in space by at least four spy satellites by 2005.

These include the CartoSat-1, which is likely to be launched later this year by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), CartoSat-2, scheduled for launch next year, and a space-based surveillance satellite that will have improved cameras capable of picking up images as small as half-a-metre. India's armed forces have been asking for satellites with high-resolution cameras to monitor Pakistani troop movements since the Kargil border conflict of 1999. At that time, the occupation of strategic features along a stretch of the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir by Islamabad-backed intruders went undetected for weeks. The TES revisits, or flies over, the same area on the earth's surface once in every two or three days. It is expected to have a life of three years, by which time it will have been replaced by more sophisticated satellites.

Images beamed by the TES are analysed by the New Delhi-based Defence Image Processing and Application Centre (DIPAC), an agency manned by personnel from the three services. The DIPAC is expected to become part of the structure supporting the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) when the government creates the post. ISRO, which began its indigenous satellite launch programme in 1979 by sending up the Rohini-1B, is keen to downplay the military application of its satellites. At the time of the launch of the TES, ISRO Chairman K. Kasturirangan said the satellite was meant for civilian use consistent with our security concerns.

"You can use it for several applications once you know it has hi-tech earth observation capabilities with one metre resolution. You can see a lot. It all depends on the user to what application he wants to put it," he had said. ISRO also has an eye on the $1 billion global market for high-resolution satellite images. Antrix Corporation, ISRO's corporate arm, sold images worth $7 million in 1991. Apart from the U.S. military, IKONOS, a private American company, is the only civilian agency possessing satellites with one-metre resolution.

Cryogenic engine successfully test fired
(Times of India, 11 February 2002)

India has joined the elite club of five with the successful full test firing of an indigenously developed powerful cryogenic engine used in rockets to launch satellites in geostationary orbits, 36,000 km above Earth. Space Commission member, Professor U.R. Rao said in Bangalore that the February 9th test at ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre at Mahendragiri hills in Tamil Nadu was the first full test after the prematurely-aborted mid-February 2000 test. "It's an important milestone," the former chairman of ISRO, who was at the helm of affairs at the space agency for about a decade, said. Sub-tests had been carried out after the February 2000 test but the February 9th test was the first full test.

The five countries who have the capability to launch rockets with cryogenic engines are the US, Russia, France, China and Japan. According to ISRO sources in the Bangalore, the test lasted 10 seconds. "It's one of a series of short-duration tests conducted before the engine can be tested for a long duration," they said. The cryogenic upper stage project envisages design and development of an indigenous cryogenic upper stage to replace the Russian-supplied cryogenic stage in Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

ISRO institutes the Professor Satish Dhawan Distinguished Professorship
(ISRO Press Release, 11 February 2002)

INSAT-3C reaches its space home
(ISRO Press Release, 07 February 2002)

The INSAT-3C satellite, which was launched by Ariane on 24 January 2002 from Kourou in French Guyana, has been successfully placed in its final geo-stationary orbit and located at 74º East longitude. It may be recalled that, after the injection of the satellite into geo-stationary transfer orbit by Ariane launch vehicle, orbit-raising manoeuvres were carried out from Master Control Facility (MCF), Hassan by firing the 440 Newton Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) of the satellite to place it in the geo-stationary orbit. At the end of these manoeuvres on 30 January 2002, the satellite was located at 63º East longitude and it was drifting towards its designated orbital slot.

In this drift orbit, deployment of antennas and solar panels of the satellite was carried out on 31 January 2002 and it was placed in three-axes stabilised mode on 01 February 2002. In the last four days, station acquisition manoeuvres were successfully conducted from MCF, Hassan by firing the 10 Newton Reaction Control Thrusters on board to position the satellite precisely at 74º East longitude. The INSAT-3C will be maintained in this location for the rest of its service life. In the coming weeks, the payloads comprising 24 C-band transponders, six extended C-band transponders, two S-band transponders and the mobile satellite service transponders will be tested before the INSAT-3C is commissioned in to service by the end of February 2002.

Now, out-of-range satellites can be tracked
(Times of India, 04 February 2002)

ISRO scientists have developed a new software to automatically monitor Indian satellites going out of range of Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka. The software would cut down costs on monitoring of the out-of-range satellites by foreign ground control stations, Geosat Project Director Dr. V.R. Katti said. The new software named Autonomous Control Mode (ACM) enables monitoring and tracking satellites which were out of MCF's range. At present, such satellites required monitoring by ground control stations in other countries, he said. MCF continuously monitors operational Indian satellites throughout their service lives.

The recently launched INSAT-3C had to be tracked from ground control stations in Beijing in China, Fucino in Italy and Lake Cowichan in Canada when it went out of MCF's range before reaching close to its geo-stationary orbit from its initially highly elliptical one. "The tracking and monitoring of satellites by foreign agencies incurs expenditure, but the installation and commissioning of the ACM will eliminate these costs while tracking existing and future satellites," Dr. Katti said.

The software was uploaded on to the experimental satellite GSAT-1 launched by India's first Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) in April last year. "The software will be used on an experimental basis for two years on GSAT-1 before being commissioned into regular service for other satellites," he said. The software was performing well on the satellite and showed promise of successfully tracking other satellites in the future on being commissioned. Dr. Katti said the software would be uploaded in a phased manner on to many other Indian satellites already in operation, and could be in complete operation in another three years.

India plans tests in zero-gravity zone
(Times of India, 04 February 2002)

India will join a select group of nations like the US, Russia and China when it begins to conduct scientific experiments in a zero-gravity zone high above the earth's atmosphere. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Director G. Madhavan Nair said a 400-kg satellite with a payload for conducting different types of scientific experiments would be launched. After the experiments are conducted in a zero-gravity zone, the payload will be recovered and examined. There will be mainly biological experiments and those relating to material processing on board the satellite. "Such experiments will have long-term benefits and eventually help the common man," he said. The rocket to be used for this flight will be the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and it will be launched from Sriharikota. The date of the launch is still to be finalised. The cost, he said, would be 80% lower than in other countries.

Referring to the other projects of ISRO, Nair said the organisation had recently begun research on an advanced space transportation system. "We have plans for a reusable two-stage vehicle which can take off and land like an aircraft," he said. According to him, the main advantage of such a system is that it will reduce the cost of launching satellites. He said, at present, the cost of launching a kilogram of payload ranges between $20,000 to $25,000. "In the reusable space transportation system, it is expected to be just one-tenth of this cost," he estimated. He said the reusable space vehicle being planned by ISRO would have the capability to place satellites in different types of orbits.

He said ISRO had submitted a proposal to the Centre for building an advanced version of the Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) in which newer technologies would be incorporated. "If the project is approved, it will be launched in six years," he said. With regards to the launch of the present version of the GSLV, he said it was scheduled to take place towards the end of this year with the Russian cryogenic engine. ISRO launched the first GSLV successfully on 18 April 2001. The rocket is used for placing communication satellites in the geostationary orbit. Once the GSLV becomes operational, ISRO will not depend on Arianespace for placing in orbit its INSAT satellites.

About the indigenous cryogenic engine project, he said it is right on track, and added that the first GSLV with this engine would blast off in 2003. Regarding the moon mission, he said ISRO has already decided on the route the rocket had to follow to the lunar orbit. "We are in the process of identifying experiments connected with this project. Such a mission will prove a challenge to the Indian scientific community," he stated. Nair said, globally, there was a lull in activities relating to a lunar mission. "Now there was a revival of interest with many countries planning flights to the moon and I am confident that India will not be overtaken," he added. Some of the countries planning a mission to the moon are Japan and China. According to other space scientists, Japan is planning a lunar flight for studying the interior surface of the moon using seismometers. The Chinese programme is more ambitious with plans for landing astronauts on the lunar surface in 2005, they said.

INSAT-3C placed in geo-stationary orbit
(ISRO Press Release, 01 February 2002)