RISAT-1 inside Thermo-vacuum chamber for pre-launch tests

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

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

6

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.

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.

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

1 0

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.

1 1

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.

1 2

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

1 3

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

1 4

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

1 5

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

1 6

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

1 7

1 8

1 9

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.

2 0

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

2 1

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

2 2

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

2 3

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

2 4

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

2 5

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

2 6

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

2 7

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

2 8

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

2 9

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

3 0

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.

3 1

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

3 2

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

3 3

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

3 4

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

3 5

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

3 6

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

3 7

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.

3 8

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

3 9

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

4 0

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

4 1

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.

4 2

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