Space India July-December 2017

•Öã»ÖÖ‡Ô - ×¤ÃÖÓ²Ö¸ 2017 July - December 2017
AstroSat Picture of the Month

WLM: Forming stars efficiently in grand isolation Sep 2017
NGC 2336: A classic spiral galaxy captured in fine detail by the UVIT Oct 2017
NGC 1851: Two star families in one Globular Cluster Nov 2017
NGC 40: A Planetary Nebulla with an Ultra-Violet Halo Dec 2017

The Indian Space Programme
Space activities in the country were initiated with the

setting up of Indian National Committee for Space Prime Minister
Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962. In the same year,
Space Commission
work on Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station
(TERLS), near Thiruvananthapuram, was also started. PRL
The Indian Space Programme was institutionalised in NARL Department of Space
November 1969 with the formation of Indian Space NE-SAC
Research Organisation (ISRO). Government of India SCL
ANTRIX
constituted the Space Commission and established the IIST
Department of Space (DOS) in June 1972 and brought ISRO

ISRO under DOS in September 1972.
Department of Space has the primary responsibility of
promoting development of space science, technology VSSC LPSC SDSC-SHAR ISAC SAC NRSC
and applications towards achieving self reliance and
assisting in all-round development of the nation. Towards IPRC IISU DECU MCF ISTRAC LEOS IIRS
this, DOS has evolved the following programmes: PRL: Physical Research Laboratory NARL: National Atmospheric Research
Laboratory NE-SAC: North Eastern Space Applications Centre SCL: Semi-
• Indian National Satellite (INSAT) programme for Conductor Laboratory IIST: Indian Institute of Space Science and
telecommunications, TV broadcasting, meteorology, Technology ISRO: Indian Space Research Organisation Antrix: Antrix
developmental education, etc. Corporation Limited VSSC: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre LPSC: Liquid
Propulsion Systems Centre SDSC: Satish Dhawan Space Centre ISAC: ISRO
• Remote Sensing programme for the application of Satellite Centre SAC: Space Applications Centre NRSC: National Remote
satellite imagery for various developmental purposes Sensing Centre IPRC: ISRO Propulsion Complex IISU: ISRO Inertial Systems
Unit DECU: Development and Educational Communication Unit
• Indigenous capability for design and development MCF: Master Control Facility ISTRAC: ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and
of spacecraft and associated technologies for Command Network LEOS: Laboratory for Electro-optic Systems
communications, resources survey and space IIRS: Indian Institute of Remote Sensing
sciences
• Design and development of launch vehicles with
indigenous technology for access to space and
orbiting INSAT, IRS spacecraft and space science
missions
• Research and development in space sciences and
technologies as well as application programmes for
national development
The Space Commission formulates the policies and
oversees the implementation of the Indian Space
Programme to promote the development and
application of space science and technology for the
socio-economic benefit of the country. DOS implements
these programmes through, mainly, Indian Space
Research Organisation, Physical Research Laboratory
(PRL), National Atmospheric Research Laboratory
(NARL), North Eastern-Space Applications Centre
(NE-SAC) and Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL).
Antrix Corporation Limited, established in 1992 as a
government owned company, markets space products
and services.
Both the DOS and ISRO Headquarters are located at
Bengaluru. The developmental activities are carried out
at the Centres and Units spread over the country.
So far, 101 Indian Satellite Missions (including nine
satellites by students and two nanosatellites) have been
conducted. Two Re-entry Missions – SRE-1 and CARE
module and 64 Launch Vehicle Missions (including
RLV-TD & Scramjet-TD) from Sriharikota have been
conducted.
Resourcesat-2A Completes
One Year in Space
India, with nearly 3.3 million sq.km. geographical area, namely, crop production estimation, forest cover
is endowed with natural resources such as forests, mapping, mapping and monitoring land & water
crop lands, water resources, minerals, wetlands, resources, environmental applications, rural & urban
snow and glaciers, etc. The accurate information on development plans, geological applications, disaster
the availability of natural resources and their optimal management support, etc. The typical advantage of
management is vital for sustainable development and improved revisit as a consequence of Resourcesat-2
overall socio-economic growth of the country. & 2A constellation is extremely useful for monitoring
vegetation and water resources.
Resourcesat series of satellites, with a unique 3-tier
imaging capability, have created their own ‘niche’ in The inputs for operational programmes, such as
catering to a multitude of applications, specifically in the Crop Monitoring, Horticultural crops assessment
area of land and water resources management. The and development, Periodic water spread maps,
first satellite of Resourcesat series, Resourcesat-1, was Watershed Development projected care ensured
launched in the year 2003 followed by Resourcesat-2 with improved temporal resolution. New initiatives,
in the year 2011. such as, crop insurance, multi-crop inventory and
near real time disaster management support, etc., are
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Resourcesat-2A was launched in December

ably supported.
2016. It carries high-resolution LISS-4 sensor with
5.8 m spatial resolution and a five-day revisit capability;
July – December 2017
The growth of a typical annual crop (120 days) during

medium resolution LISS-3 sensor with 23.5 m spatial
kharif season can now be captured in 10 scenes
resolution and a coarse resolution AWiFS sensor
instead of 4 to 5 scenes, thus improving the chances of
with 56 m spatial resolution. All three payloads, the
getting cloud-free data as well as improving accuracy
AWiFS, LISS-3 and LISS-4, are operated to acquire
of estimation of area and productivity models. This
multi-resolution data over India and surroundings.
helps in better selection of bio-window for vegetation
Resourcesat-2A has been added to the fleet of
studies. Improved revisit has helped in capturing the
Resourcesat series of satellites in order to deliver high
growing dynamics of vegetation as well as improves
quality images to generate consistent data products.
the probability of getting cloud free data.
With Resourcesat-2 and Resourcesat-2A together in
Monitoring of crop parameters and biomass require
orbit, the revisit capability has improved to 2-3 days
high temporal resolution satellite data to capture
for AWiFS, 12-13 days for LISS-3 and 25-26 days for
changes in crop growth. The models with temporal
LISS-4. Combined revisits of Resourcesat-2 & 2A
algorithms could be applied in different themes.
along with other satellites are useful in many ways for
This would help in better crop discrimination and
various applications.
monitoring of minor crops, as they are predominantly
Resourcesat-2A data products, namely, radiometrically cultivated with overlapping crop calendar. The
corrected system level products, Geo referenced phenology of forests can now be captured at better
terrain corrected and Ortho-rectified products, were than fortnightly intervals. Using Resourcesat-2 &
released for the user community from May 06, 2017 2A LISS-3 data provides opportunity in rapid forest
onwards after all the mission tests and calibration/ monitoring and its management and conservation of
validation. forest resources. This data shall also help in frequent
monitoring of water bodies, especially with respect
Resourcesat-2A provides continuity of data with to water spread. Alluvial rivers in India deposit sand
higher temporal resolution (therefore more cloud- and suspended matter over time forcing rivers to
free data) for various operational applications, change their course. Gandak River flows across the
floodplain of Bihar and merges with Ganga River near The improved availability of Resourcesat-2 & 2A data
Patna. Remote sensing data of IRS series of satellites is useful for disaster monitoring, especially for events
since 1989 along with Landsat provided unique like flood mapping and monitoring at village level and
observations on changing course of Gandak River damage assessment.
near the confluence of Ganga during lean flow. The
following Figure shows the changing course of river The specific advantage of having a constellation of
Ganga and Gandak near Patna, India. Resourcesat-2 & 2A together provides the data
at improved revisit capability, thus reducing the
uncertainties in estimation of cotton crop or whatever
the crop grown.
National Land Use / Land Cover mapping using multi-

temporal 55 m spatial resolution satellite data was
initiated in the year 2004-05 and 13 annual cycles
of assessments have been completed till 2016-17
The Yearly Change in The River Course of Ganga and Gandak
using Resourcesat-2 & 2A satellite data. This gives as
Availability of LISS-4 data in about 25 days is making unique ability to analyse decadal changes in land use
many new applications possible, namely, improved and land cover and also to improve upon ground level
orchard inventory etc. Peri-urban horticulture mapping practices for better natural resources management.
is another important application as it provides important
Thus, the Resourcesat-2 & 2A has added new
input for price fluctuation/volatilisation issues.
dimensions towards improved use of remote sensing
With these data, now mapping of natural resources technology in the country.
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would see improvement in quality as more classes would
emerge or could be better discriminated. Under Natural
July –December 2017

Resources Census (NRC) project, Resourcesat-2 & 2A
LISS-3 data have been used in Land Use / Land Cover
Change Mapping and Wastelands Change Analysis on
1:50,000 scale.
With respect to rural regions, the monitoring of

Integrated Watershed Management Programme
(IWMP) could be done more frequently than
before as LISS-4 data along with Cartosat-1
data are used to monitor the changes in IWMP
watersheds. About 8,200 such projects are to be
monitored over a period of 5 years. About 2,000
LISS-4 products are needed annually for the study.
8,200 Projects are being monitored in the country and
2,500 scenes of Resourcesat-2 & 2A are being procured
every year for the study. Example for Monitoring of
Microwatershed in Prakasam Dist., of Andhra Pradesh
National Land Use / Land Cover Mapping on 1:250,000 Scale
is shown in the following.
Microwatershed Monitoring Using Satellite Data

Silver Jubilee Journey of LEOS
The Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS), enhancing reflectance and transmittance of mirrors
Bengaluru is one of the premier units of Indian Space and lenses from Ultra-Violet (UV) to Far Infra Red
Research Organisation (ISRO) under Department of (FIR) wavelength regions. LEOS is in the forefront of
Space (DOS). Since its constitution dated back to 1992 developing advanced detector technologies required
in Bangalore’s industrial hub located at Peenya, LEOS for realisation of attitude sensors and does comprise
has been associated with the design, development the state-of-the-art facilities for fabrication of
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
based sensors and devices such as inertial grade
accelerometers, RF switch, micro valve and micro
heat pipes.
The SPA is carved exclusively with a focus on efficient

production and capacity building of electro-optical
sensors and optical systems using external/industrial
manpower towards meeting a large number of
LEOS at Peenya sheds 1992 sensors for various ISRO spacecraft.
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and production of precise attitude sensors for all

A new building, named, ‘Aryabhatta’ has established
LEO, GEO and interplanetary missions along with
and been dedicated exclusively for production
the development and delivery of high-resolution
with the state-of-the-art test facilities. In addition to

optical systems for remote sensing and meteorological
payloads. The humble journey that began 25 years
back in industrial sheds of Peenya has evolved into
a well-established laboratory that is equipped with
world-class fabrication, testing and coating facilities.
During this period (1992-2017), LEOS has primarily
evolved into three major areas, namely, Sensor
Development Area (SDA), Applied Optics Area
(AOA) and Sensor Production Area (SPA) catering to
Aryabhatta Building
increasing demands and needs of ISRO programmes.
the defined core responsibilities, LEOS is further
The product portfolio of SDA encompasses a host embarking on the development of advanced sensors
of sun sensors from coarse to high accuracy, earth and technologies in electro-optics field demanded
sensors, advanced star-trackers with arc-second by future space missions like sub-arc-second star-
accuracies, magnetometers, fiber optic gyro and tracker, nano star-trackers, miniaturisation of sensors,
guidance sensors. optical communication terminals for high speed
data transmission, high accuracy and precision
AOA produces a variety of world-class optics relating magnetometer based on atomic system, advanced
to large field-of-view medium resolution refractive fiber optic sensors, high energy lasers, laser altimeter
optical systems and moderate field-of-view high- and LIBS/Raman spectrometer for planetary surface
resolution reflective optical systems, which have explorations, high precision rendezvous and proximity
been successfully developed and delivered to sensors for docking experiment, segmented optics,
Indian Remote Sensing Satellites missions. LEOS SiC based mirrors, diffractive optics based lens
has mastered thin film technology required for assemblies, MEMS gyroscope, MEMS atomic clock
physics package, antenna coupled µ-bolometer terra- socio-economic applications. He emphasised the
hertz detector, SiC UV detector and super block need for innovations and to be the leader in this
absorber coatings using carbon nano-tubes. segment of technology. Former Directors and Senior
Officials shared their reminiscences from the curtains
LEOS celebrated Silver Jubilee on December 18, of the past and reiterated the importance of growing
2017 in its campus premises at Peenya, Bengaluru
which was attended by Chairman, ISRO/Secretary,
DOS, Founder Director of LEOS and all the former
Directors of LEOS along with Senior Dignitaries of
ISRO and all the serving LEOSians.
Honouring Dr. T.K. Alex, Founder Director of LEOS
further in tune to the need of the hour. All former

LEOSians who retired from the service since 1992,
were felicitated by Chairman, ISRO and Director,
ISAC were honored by presenting a glass trophy
Chairman ISRO addressing during Sliver Jubilee Celebration
symbolizing LEOS core responsibilities as a token of
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gratitude. A Compendium of Research Activities in
Chairman, ISRO acknowledged the importance of
LEOS was released by Chairman, ISRO, during this
the services provided by LEOS in ISRO programmes,

occasion.
appreciated the laurels it has brought to space and
International Seminar on ISP:
‘Trends and Opportunities for
Industry’
The International Seminar on Indian Space to the future growth prospects. Shri AS Kiran Kumar
Programme (ISP): ‘Trends and Opportunities for urged the private sector to collaborate and explore
Industry’ was organised by Indian Space Research the huge potential in space sector.
Organisation (ISRO), and Antrix Corporation Limited
in coordination with Federation of Indian Chambers The President of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
(JAXA) and Dy. Director General of Glavkosmos,
Russia also gave special address during the inaugural
session and reiterated their commitment to working
with India in the space sector.
An Exhibition was also organised during the seminar,

which was participated by several Space Industries
and ISRO. The exhibition showcased ISRO’s recent
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achievements in the area of Space Science and

of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at New Delhi
Technology. It also housed Five Kiosks with large
during November 20-21, 2017. The objective of this
screen display allocated to major centres of ISRO,

two-day seminar was to deliberate on the best
demonstrating the offerings to the industry from the
practices, pursue the ongoing discussion process
respective centre.
to support further work of India’s Space Sector and
facilitate arriving at a coherent framework, wherein
India’s Space Sector can expand the domestic and
global opportunities further, through enhanced
partnerships and collaborations. The seminar
highlighted the achievements and major milestones
of Indian Space Programme in the recent past and
discussed the future plans.
The Seminar was inaugurated by Shri AS Kiran Kumar,

Secretary, Department of Space / Chairman, ISRO.
The FICCI Compendium on Indian Space Industry
In his inaugural address, he emphasised that the
was released during the inaugural session.
vision and objectives enunciated by Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi, could be achieved, with progress The two-day seminar included sessions on “Space
in ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up and Stand-up India’ Industry Ecosystem : Opportunities for Industry”,
initiatives. He said the industry and stakeholders in “Sustainable Propulsion Systems and Space Vehicles
the space sector value-chain could play a pivotal role for ISP”, “Leveraging Public-Private Partnership in
in providing the necessary fillip to the advancement Indian Satellite Programme”, “Capacity Building
of country. He stressed that the value addition in and Talent Management” and followed by Panel
the space sector is multi-faceted in its approach with Discussions on –”Role of Industry in ISP” and
collaborative models of development like Public “International Industrial Cooperation in Space”. Each
Private Partnership (PPP) adding a new dimension session was lead by the eminent personalities of
ISRO, Antrix, FICCI, NITI Aayog, IIT(B), MEA, BEL,
L&T, HAL, MT Aerospace AG, Germany and JSC
Glavkosmos, Russia, etc.
- Talk on - Perspective of ISRO’s Programme

over next decade, Experiences of Russian Space
Ecosystem, Perspective of Indian Space Industry
(Electronics Systems, Mechanical Systems),
Perspective of Foreign Supply Chain, etc., were
delivered during the session on “Space Industry Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Leaving no space
Ecosystem: Opportunities for Industry”. between Common Man and Space’. He said The
- Deliberations on Propulsion and Related endeavour should be for holistic development of
Technologies, Launch Vehicles and Related common man, so that the advantages of Space
Technologies, Policy Perspectives etc., were made development reach the last mile. He said that the
during the session on “Sustainable Propulsion recent launch of South Asia Satellite is a matter of pride
Systems and Space Vehicles for ISP”. and reflects “neighbourhood first” policy of India.
- Discussions on Satellites, Payloads and Related
Technologies, Enhanced Engagement opportunities
for Indian Space Electronics Industry, etc., were
held during the session on “Leveraging Public-
Private Partnership in Indian Satellite Programme”.
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- Capacity Building in Indian Space programme, in
Space Applications, Evolving Roles of Academia in

Space, Synergy between Industry and Academia
- Experience of Singapore, etc., were discussed
in the session on “Capacity Building and Talent The seminar provided a platform to deliberate and
Management”. brainstorm on various multi-dimensional aspects of
- The Panel Discussion on Role of Industry in space collaboration among various stakeholders. The
Indian Space Programme was led by CMD, Antrix event saw the participation of key players from ISRO,
Corporation Ltd., with the Panel comprising the Indian Space Industry, Department of Industrial
speakers from various industries from ISRO and Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and International
from FICCI. Agencies from Japan, Russia, Singapore, USA,
- Panel Discussion on International Industrial Germany, France and Thailand. The stakeholders
Cooperation in Space was Moderated by Honorary from industry, policy makers, thought leaders and
Advisor, Space Division, FICCI with Panelists from academia, held discussions on the enabling and
Japan, Singapore, Russia, Thailand and USA. encouraging policies of Government of India to exploit
the commercial space segment by Indian Industry
Each Session concluded with a Closing Remark by the targeting both domestic and international market.
Session Chair and Distribution of Green Certificates.
While giving his valedictory address, Foreign

Secretary, Dr. S Jaishankar said that India is proud of
its space sector achievements. He mentioned that
the space sector has come of age with rapid strides
in PSLV, GSLV and GSLV-Mk III and having potential
in economic growth and development of the country.
He said that Industry, Government and Entrepreneurs
have to work in tandem to realise the Prime Minister
APRSAF-24 held in Bengaluru
The 24th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space

Agency Forum (APRSAF-24) was organised at
Bengaluru, India during November 14 -17, 2017.
APRSAF-24 was co-organised by the Department of
Space (DOS) / Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT) and the
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with the
theme “Space Technology for Enhanced Governance
and Development”. Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman,
ISRO/ Secretary, DOS and Ms. Mami Oyama,
Deputy Director General, MEXT were the General Group photo of students participating in
Co-Chairs of this APRSAF-24 session. APRSAF-24 water rocket event
and Malaysia have secured the First, Second and Third
APRSAF annual meetings are open fora for those who places, respectively.
have interest in cooperation in the field of space activities
in the Asia-Pacific region and are organised under four APRSAF-24 Poster Contest was organised with the
working groups namely, ‘Space Applications’, ‘Space theme “United Through Space”. Thirty-six posters
Technology’, ‘Space Environment Utilisation’ and ‘Space were submitted by students in the age group of
Page 8
Education’. The recent achievements and future plans of 8-11 years from 12 Asia Pacific Countries including
each country and region were deliberated in these four India. There were five different awards in the Poster
working groups. The working group meetings were Contest event and the ISRO award was won by an
held during November 14-15, 2017. The summaries Indonesian student.
of the working group deliberations were presented in
the plenary sessions during November 16-17, 2017 An exhibition was also organised to provide an
including special sessions on specific themes, namely, opportunity for the Indian and foreign Industries to
‘Sustainable Development Goals’, ‘Space Policy’ showcase their technological capabilities. Nine Indian
and ‘Space Exploration’. There was also an evening Industries and nine Foreign Industries set-up their
session on ‘Space for Future Society’ on November stalls in the exhibition.
15, 2017. Associated events of the Working Groups,
namely, ‘Space Applications For Environment (SAFE) APRSAF-24 was different from earlier annual meetings
Workshop’, Asian Beneficial Collaboration through Kibo in many ways. It had highest number of Heads of
Utilisation - ‘Kibo ABC Workshop’ and ‘Workshop on Space Agencies from Asia Pacific region and South
Space Policy’ were organised on November 13, 2017. Asian countries. Heads of Space Agency session to
deliberate on space agencies’ contribution towards
APRSAF annual meetings were preceded by Water achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Rocket Event and Poster Contest for school students, was organised for the first time with the participation
as a means of generating interests in space and of heads of nine space agencies in Asia Pacific region -
nurturing their creativity and innovative thoughts. India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, South
APRSAF-24 Water Rocket event was organised Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Two Special sessions,
during November 11-12, 2017 with Water Rocket one each on ‘Space Policy’ and ‘Space Exploration’
making workshop followed by launch competition. were organised for the first time during the main
56 students in the age group of 12-16 years from 11 Asia plenary day. As a host Nation, India has organised a
Pacific countries including India along with Colombia special session on ‘Space Technology for enhanced
in South America actively participated in this event. Governance and Development’, wherein officials
An educator session was organised, in parallel, in which from user Ministries of Central and State Government
about 40 teachers and educators from Asia-Pacific have shared their experience on the utility of space
countries exchanged views on teaching methods. technology inputs for planning, monitoring and
In Water Rocket event, teams from Sri Lanka, Vietnam decision making.
A ‘Space Leaders Round-Table’ was organised in the (GNSS), and remote sensing can contribute to
concluding session on November 17, 2017 to discuss future society.
on the joint statement. • In the Space Cooperation in Asia Pacific session,
representatives of seven international organisations
Following are the major recommendations of the shared their views on the current trends and way
Working Groups: forward in enhancing space cooperation.
• National space agencies in the Asia Pacific region • Space Policy workshop was jointly organised by
to develop small/cube satellites collaboratively, as the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Public
the data from these satellites could provide input Policy, Japan and the National Institute of Advanced
to solve various common issues of the Asia Pacific Studies (NIAS), India, to provide an overview of
region; space policy perspectives in the Asia-Pacific region
• To further promote educational activities, using and to explore further possibilities for international
space technology as a tool that will be beneficial cooperation in the region.
for the human resource development of the next • SAFE (Space Applications For Environment)
generation; is to contribute to the solution to various
• Encourage and accelerate Kibo (in ISS) utilisation environmental problems with space technology
through feasibility studies in each country; and many prototyping which is being carried out
• To further promote space application including by Asia Pacific countries was reviewed.
rice crop monitoring, global rainfall monitoring, • Kibo-ABC (Asian Beneficial Collaboration through
fire hotspot, haze monitoring and disaster Kibo Utilisation) workshop was organised to
management, etc. encourage countries in the Asia-Pacific region to
use the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). Kibo
Brief of various sessions/events of APRSAF-24 are is a human space facility that provides unique
given below: research capabilities in the International Space
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• Space agency heads from nine agencies presented Station (ISS).
on current activities and future possibilities/ • A Press meet was also organised on Nov 17,
2017, where all the Heads of Space Agencies

expected contributions of space technology in
resolving their National priority issues toward participated and interacted with the media.
achieving the SDGs.
• Space policy experts from seven governments APRSAF-24 had more than 600 registrations
in the region shared their views on how their from over 31 countries and seven international
countries is evolving their space policy in response organisations. Over 50% of the participants were
to their national requirements. foreign nationals. In addition to the 9 Heads of Space
• Representatives from India, Japan, Korea, Russia Agencies, President of French National Space Agency
and UAE presented their perspectives on space (who is also President of International Astronautical
exploration including the utilization of International Federation-IAF), Director, United Nations Office of
Space Station, development of Deep Space Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), two Astronauts
Gateways and reaching out to the Moon, Mars from Japan namely, Ms. Chiaki Mukai and Ms. Koichi
and beyond. Wakata, participated in APRSAF-24.
• Space agency representatives
from 13 countries in the Asia
Pacific region have presented
achievements of their
national space programme
and background on national
policies in the ‘’Country
Report” session.
• In ‘Space for Future Society’
session, the speakers have
shared their ideas on how
aerospace technology, such
as solar power, Global
Navigation Satellite System
Partcipants of APRSAF-24
ISRO Organises INTROMET-2017
The International Tropical Meteorology Symposium can be translated to the design and development of
(INTROMET-2017) was organised by the Indian meaningful satellite payloads for critical applications.
Meteorological Society, Ahmedabad Chapter
(IMS-A) and Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, The symposium comprised four plenary sessions
Ahmedabad during November 7 - 10, 2017. India with a total of 12 talks by distinguished speakers.
has been one of the front-runners in the field of space “An overview of Indian Earth Science Program” by
based earth observation and weather monitoring. Dr. M Rajeevan, “Monsoon teleconnection with
INSAT series of satellites are providing data over Arctic Ice Melt” by Emeritus Prof. T N Krishnamurti,
multitude domains; Kalpana-1 is the first dedicated Program Scientist, NASA-HQ and “Shri D R Sikka
meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DR along with Memorial Lecture” by Prof. Sulochna Gadgil, Emeritus
INSAT-3D is providing 15 minutes temporal coverage Prof. IISc were the attractions of the symposium.
and 3D information of the atmosphere through A special lecture on “The NASA Airborne Convective
its imager & sounder in multiple channels. The Processes Experiment (CPEX)” was also delivered by
Scatsat-1 carrying Ku-band scatterometer provides Dr. Ramesh R Kakar, Program Scientist, NASA-HQ.
ocean surface winds. RISAT-1 based SAR provides
crucial information regarding sea-ice displacement. The presentations during the symposium were
Megha-Tropiques (SAPHIR, ROSA, SCARAB), organised in several parallel technical sessions under
SARAL (Ka-band Altimeter) and GNSS also provide the themes - Advances in monsoon studies, Weather
complementary observations. The theme of the forecasting, Hydrometeorology, Air-sea interactions,
symposium was “Advances in Space-based Earth
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Cloud and precipitation, Atmospheric process studies,

Observations and Services for Weather and Climate”. Meteorological data archival and dissemination,
Extreme events monitoring and forecasting, Tropical
INTROMET-2017 was inaugurated on cyclones, Climate change, Emerging trends in

November 07, 2017 in the august presence of the retrieval of geophysical parameters, Air quality,
Chief Guest, Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO Agro-meteorology, Ocean studies, Aerosol-cloud
& Secretary, DOS, GoI and the Guest of Honour, interaction and Special sessions on SCATSAT-1 and
Dr. M Rajeevan, Secretary, MoES, GoI. The inaugural INSAT-3D/3DR. Young researchers from Jammu
function was attended by many of the distinguished and Kashmir to Nagaland participated enthusiastically.
invitees from IMD, ICRS, IITM and IISc etc., A dedicated session was conducted for undergraduate
INTROMET-2017 got its international flavor with students specially selected by IMS local chapters
the participation of about 25 foreign delegates from and sponsored by IMS to attend and present in the
all over the world including eminent meteorologists symposium.
from NASA. More than 500 National delegates
attended the symposium, which included practicing The concluding session of the symposium was
meteorologists, academia, researchers, members of chaired by Director, SAC in a panel discussion
the industry and students from across the country. involving eminent delegates on the theme of extreme
events-observations, modelling and dissemination.
Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO expressed his There was a unanimous agreement on the need to
optimism for the deliberations during the four days spruce up the communication system for disaster
to bring out the specific observational needs of the information dissemination to the last mile in a user-
meteorological community across the globe which friendly language and dialects for better actionable
strategies on the ground.
The symposium provided an opportunity for weather

and climate scientists to present their research,
exchange ideas, explore prospects for collaboration
and discuss on the current and futuristic aspects of
space based weather and climate studies. Awards
were distributed for best papers in students and
young scientist categories. Students nominated by
Dignitaries releasing the Souvenir IMS local chapters were also awarded.
38th Asian Conference on
Remote Sensing
The 38th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing Utilisation of Space technology for common man
(ACRS-2017) was organised during October 23-27, is the main aim of the country’s space missions.
2017 at New Delhi, jointly by Asian Association on Shri A S Kiran Kumar in his address, emphasised the
Remote Sensing (AARS), Indian Society of Remote role of space technology for various
Sensing (ISRS) and Indian Society of Geomatics national developmental imperatives in
(ISG) and Co-hosted by ISRO. The theme of the governance, societal benefits, climate change
Conference was “Space Applications: Touching and disaster risk reduction & mitigation.
Human Lives”. ACRS-2017 is a forum to bring He elucidated various applications, which are directly
together students, researchers, scientists, engineers, touching the lives of citizens like farmers, fishermen,
policy makers, professionals and practitioners from students, decision makers, etc. He also inaugurated
developed and developing countries from and the technical exhibition after the inaugural session.
around Asia. The main aim of the conference is to
share insights into the challenges and opportunities Presidents of AARS, ISRS and ISG shared their views
of Remote Sensing and geo-spatial technologies. The on contributions of the respective societies, followed
conference was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, by Awards conferred to eminent personalities by
Page 11
the Hon’ble Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s these societies.
Office, Department of Space, Department of Atomic

Energy, Government of India. Shri A S Kiran Kumar, A total of 6 plenary sessions, 13 special sessions,
Chairman ISRO was the Guest of Honour. 67 technical sessions and 6 poster sessions were
organised during the conference. 670 research
In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh recounted papers were presented in oral and poster sessions in
ISRO’s efforts in initiating collaborative projects various themes namely, Advance Image Processing &
with Ministries and Government Departments for Data Analytics, Climate Change & its Impact, Cultural
stronger utilisation of space-based tools for effective Heritage Documentation, Cal/Val of EO Sensors,
governance. He stressed the extended support Disaster & Risk Reduction, Agriculture & Soils, Forest
of space technologies to neighbouring countries & Environment, Group on Earth Observations Global
through the recently launched South Asia satellite. Agricultural Monitoring Initiative: Asian Experience,
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that ISRO missions are Geosciences & Mineral Exploration, Health GIS, High
capable to provide more accurate information not Resolution Data Applications, AVIRIS-NG; Climate
only on the Earth but also the neighbouring planets. Change & its Regional Impacts for Nature & Human
Activities in Asia, Geo-spatial Education: Methods &
Modalities, Citizen Science: Methods & Applications,
Online Platforms for Education & Outreach, Crop
Productivity from EO Satellites, Agro-met Information
from EO Satellites, Marine Geology & Coastal
Studies, NISAR - NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture
Radar, Night-time Lights Imaging & Applications,
Ocean & Atmospheric Studies, Open Source
Geo-spatial, SAR Polarimetry: Methods & Applications,
Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Hon’ble Minister of State PMO, Urban & Infrastructure Planning and Water Resources
addressing the gathering during the inaugural session Management.
The Conference witnessed scientific presentations
during plenary sessions. Very eminent speakers
across the globe namely Prof. Dr. Deren Li (Professor,
Wuhan University), China; Dr. Christian Heipke
(President, ISPRS); Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar (Chairman,
Space Commission and Secretary, Department
of Space, Government of India); Dr. Hsin-Chia
Lin (Albert), NSPO, Taiwan; Dr. C. Silapathong,
GISTDA, Thailand; Prof. G.Xingfa, RADI, China;
Dr. M. Annadurai, ISRO, India; Dr. Shin-ichi
(Takashima), Sobue, JAXA, Japan; Dr. C.D. Elvidge Inauguration of technical exhibition by
Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO
(NOAA, USA); Dr. P.A. Rosen, JPL/CIT, USA and
Improving Human Lives”. Experts from AARS, ISRS,
Prof. M.V. Marek, GCRI-CAS, Czech Republic
ISRO and Indian industries provided their views on
delivered the invited talks. Dr. K.Shivan, Director,
the topic. Active participation of the delegates made
VSSC delivered Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Lecture on
the session lively and interactive.
India’s Space Transportation System. ISG Millennium
Lecture was delivered by Dr. Upendra Tripathy (ISA,
During the conference, a web contest was also
India) on Solar Energy Prospects and ISA’s emerging organised and awarded the best web developer.
role in energy segment. The conference was also Best paper awards were also given during concluding
attended by many of the former Directors and session. 32 Industries/Institutions exhibited their
pioneer scientists of ISRO. products and services related to geo-spatial
Page 12
technologies in the technical exhibition held during

A panel discussion was organised on the final day of the conference. The conference was attended by
the conference on “Strengthening Academic, Industry, more than 900 participants from 53 countries across
Scientific Societies and Space Agencies Interface for the globe.
ISRO releases MOM Second Year

Science Data
Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), the maiden nine MOM-AO project teams were made during
interplanetary mission of ISRO, launched on the Science Meet. About 100 participants attended
November 5, 2013, was successfully inserted in the Science Meet.
into Martian orbit on September 24, 2014 in its
first attempt. MOM completed three years on On the occasion of three year completion of MOM,
September 24, 2017, though the designed mission second year
life of MOM was six months. The Spacecraft is in data (Sep 24,
good health and continues to work as expected. 2015 to Sep 23,
Scientific analysis of the data, which is being received 2016) consisting
from the Mars Orbiter spacecraft, is in progress. of 492 data
products was
On the occasion of three years completion of MOM made available
in Martian orbit on September 24, 2017, Space to the public
Science Programme Office, ISRO HQ organised through ISRO-
a ‘MOM Science Meet’ on September 25, 2017. ISSDC website
Presentation from five payload teams and twenty https://mrbrowse.issdc.gov.in/MOMLTA.
ISRO Celebrates
World Space Week-2017
World Space Week (WSW) is an international annual Satellite Centre (ISAC) also celebrated the event by
celebration of space science and technology, observed visiting two schools around Bengaluru.
during the week of 04-10 October. The commencing
and concluding dates of World Space Week recalls Details of the celebrations are given in the following
two important dates in space history. paragraphs:
October 04, 1957: Journey to space started with WSW-2017 Celebrations at VSSC, LPSC,
the launch of the first man-made Earth satellite, IISU and IPRC
Sputnik 1. The WSW-2017 was inaugurated by Honourable Chief
Minister of Kerala Shri Pinarayi Vijayan on October 04,
October 10, 1967: The signing of the treaty on 2017 at Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram.
principles governing the activities of states in the A Space Expo was organised at S.T. Hindu College,
exploration and peaceful uses of outer space, including Nagercoil during October 5-9, 2017. The space expo
Moon and other celestial bodies. showcased ISRO’s achievements and contributions
Page 13
in space based technologies and applications. The
The Theme of WSW-17 is “Exploring New exhibitions drew more than 1,00,000 people
Worlds in Space”

including students from more than 170 Government
WSW-2017 was celebrated across the country schools. Science students were trained and deployed
by various Centres of ISRO from October 04-10, as communicators for the exhibition. Career guidance
2017. The programmes were organised jointly and interactive sessions were conducted for students
by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Liquid with lectures on variety of space related topics like
Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), ISRO Inertial space exploration, space technologies and applications
Systems Unit (IISU) and ISRO Propulsion Complex etc. The open forum attracted space enthusiasts from
(IPRC) at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and Nagercoil, various walks of life and provided opportunities for
Tamilnadu. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) has active discussions. Films related to space science
were also screened at the venue. A special quiz zone
organised celebrations in 22 venues spanning 5 states,
was also set up exclusively for school students. The
namely, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamilnadu,
visitors could touch and feel actual engines and power
Odisha and Puducherry with a grand inauguration
heads used in ISROs work horse launch vehicles
at Sriharikota by Hon’ble Vice President of India,
and satellites. Free bus services were provided to
Shri M Venkaiah Naidu. Vikram Sarabhai Space
transport the students to the venue.
Exhibition (VSSE) at Space Applications Centre (SAC)
also celebrated the event, which was witnessed by the
A workshop for students was organised in VSSC,
people in and around Ahmedabad, Delhi, Rajasthan Thiruvananthapuram on October 06, 2017 with the
and Madhya Pradesh. Whereas, National Remote participation of around 370 students. The students
Sensing Centre (NRSC) along with its five Regional were chosen from institutions in rural areas across
Centres (RC), had conducted WSW celebrations the state including tribal schools and care centre for
on a large scale by collaborating with the NE-SAC, cancer patients. The initiative was aimed at creating
State Remote Sensing Centres and Academia. ISRO interest and awareness among the students. Senior
WSW- 2017 events were concluded in a formal
function held at VSSC on October 10, 2017.
WSW-2017 Celebrations at SHAR

Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR), the Spaceport
of India, celebrated the World Space Week through
public outreach programmes spread across 22
venues. After the inauguration by Honorable Vice
President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, SDSC
Dr. K Sivan, Director, VSSC briefing exhibits to Shri N Suresh SHAR teams moved out to other 21 venues with the
Rajan, MLA after inauguration at ST Hindu College, Nagercoil exhibition materials conveying ISRO’s achievements.
scientists of ISRO interacted with the students and

Exhibitions of scaled down models of launch vehicles
several interesting queries were raised and answered.
and satellites, informative panel displays, video
Lecture session was also conducted on space science
screening of ISRO Space activities, interactive lectures
and technology.
by senior executives of SDSC SHAR, competitions
Open Innovation Contest was organised for students for students and “Space Awareness Walk” were
of engineering colleges & science colleges in Kerala. organised in each venues, mainly to educate the
students on space research activities and to hone the
The three day long Open House featured visit to scientific inclination in them. Video wall displays were
Page 14
VSSC Space museum, sounding rocket launch pad arranged in the schools including those in the rural
and control centre. Open house drew more than areas. Sounding Rocket launches were also arranged
10,000 visitors. The public could see the location at Sriharikota on four days during the week. Students
where ISRO’s space programme took shape and and Public were offered the opportunity to visit the
where pioneers of Indian Rocketry forged their ideas. various facilities at the Spaceport of India on all the
The visitors also witnessed sounding rocket launch at days during the week.
TERLS and visited the Space Museum.
The hosting institution at each venue was chosen
Citizen’s familiarisation programme were considering the approachability to public, availability
conducted in VSSC for 300 registered participants. of large exhibition hall to showcase the exhibits,
The main objective was to provide scientific availability of video screening halls and infrastructure
awareness, increase knowledge and understanding to accommodate a multitude of students participating.
of the benefits from space. Resource materials on Inauguration and valedictory functions were organised
theme of WSW-2017, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission
and Astrosat mission were distributed for students
and other participants.
WSW-2017 programme was broadcast in AIR,

AIR FM Kumari and DD Malayalam channel. The
programme included LIVE discussion panel about
role of space as a most critical and indispensable
infrastructure for the world. pre-recorded video
on WSW theme and talks on space transportation
systems, navigation systems, extra-terrestrial habitat,
benefits of space programme, etc., were also
Inauguration of Space Week Celebrations at Sriharikota by
broadcast. Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu
at all the venues jointly with the hosting institution up enthusiastically for hours late in the night and
and local state government authorities, graced by early mornings to observe these spectacular objects
important dignitaries / eminent personalities. in the sky.
WSW-2017 Celebrations at SAC WSW-2017 Celebrations at NRSC

The celebration of WSW-2017 by SAC was WSW-2017 celebrations at NRSC included
witnessed by a large number of Space enthusiasts; promotional activities focused on campaigning about
more than 15,000 visitors of all age-groups and ISRO’s Space Programme and its contributions to
various sections of society participated in the event. the nation benefiting citizens, various applications
Various competitions such as Paper model making, of Remote Sensing (RS) data, support in disaster
Coloring/Drawing, Water Rocket Launching, Space management and monitoring climate change, etc.,
Quiz, Elocution, Presentations, etc., were organised
for students and specially-abled people wherein all Exhibitions of various miniaturised models of Launch
participants were given a certificate and Do-It-Your- Vehicles and Satellites of ISRO were arranged.
self GSLV-MkII model. Live demos of BHUVAN Portal was organised and
interaction with Antarctica scientists to the students at
Many posters were designed to explain the WSW the exhibitions were also arranged. Satellite/Aerial data
theme. 3D movies on various missions of ISRO and Fly through demos of Hyderabad City, Mumbai City,
Images obtained from various satellites like Cartosat, Himalayas, including Kedarnath, etc., were made for
MOM and Resourcesat were displayed on a large providing a deep insight into RS capabilities. Satellite
Page 15
screen throughout the day and night. A live display Images and Aerial Data, pertaining to RS Applications
of INSAT-3D imager was also organised. Mobile were displayed. Audio-visual programmes showcasing
Planetarium shows were run throughout the day for ISRO activities, Satellite Launches, Interactive sessions

kids and visitors. with scientists at Balanagar, Jeedimetla and Shadnagar
campuses were organised.
Talks by eminent speakers were arranged and visitors
got an opportunity to interact with eminent scientists Scientists delivered lectures at various schools in
throughout the day and got their queries answered and around Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts
and their curiosity satisfied. especially focusing on the underprivileged students.
Study material on ISRO Space Programmes and
applications of Remote Sensing were provided to all
the schools throughout the country using e-media
like ftp, Internet from RCs and State Centres.
Across India, celebrations were conducted in the

States / Union Territories of Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Bihar,
Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, J & K, Haryana, Punjab,
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa,
Maharashtra, Delhi, Chandigarh and Diu & Daman.
The highlight of the week was sky observation using
telescope. Four telescopes (11”, 8”, 5” and 3”) were
Quiz programmes for students were organised at
used to show Moon, Saturn, Venus, Mars, Orion
various states. A total of 18 teams, which are toppers
Nebula, Pleiades, Sirius, Vega, Altair, Antares, Lyre,
at their respective state levels have participated in the
Double Stars etc. Thousands of people queued
National Quiz held at Earth Station, Shadnagar. Assam
Team participated through Video Conference at A team visited the Government Primary/High School
NE-SAC. 75 students visited Shadnagar to participate at Araleri, Malur Taluk, Kolar District on October
in the Quiz finals. 06, 2017 and explained the significance of World
Space Week to children. Different types of Spacecraft
As part of painting competitions, 50 paintings were and rockets launched by ISRO, their subsystems,
received. 50 Teachers from all parts of the country construction materials, orbits, mission manoeuvres,
came to Shadnagar and took part in the concluding facilities at ISAC, space environment and different
sessions of the celebrations. Live demonstration tests carried out on spacecraft, etc., were explained
of Satellite data acquisition was witnessed by the in local language followed by a question and answer
participating students. session. As a motivational aspect the children were
informed about the career prospects in ISRO / DOS
ISRO deputed two scientists of NRSC to Nigeria on and what it takes to enter ISRO / DOS. A brief about
invitation from Nigerian Government for participation how space technology is being leveraged for societal
in World Space Week Celebrations Organised by / national development was made. The principles on
Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project which the satellites and launch vehicles work were
(NEWMAP). also explained. The future ISRO plans were also
touched upon in the end. Demonstration of a launch
Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Secretary, DOS & Chairman, vehicle model formed part of the briefing. Nearly 150
ISRO had participated in the valedictory function students and staff members participated in the event.
through Video Conference from New Delhi and
Page 16
addressed the students participating in the function Another team visited the Devasandra Govt. High
and 1,80,000 plus students from nearly 3600 schools School near Harohalli in Kanakapura Road on
of Telengana state through the live telecast. October 07, 2017 and briefed nearly 250 students
on the topics mentioned above.

The exhibitions had overwhelming response from
the students of various schools. Overall, 4,19,536 ISRO succeeded in conducting the World Space
students/general public across the country participated Week celebrations as one of the biggest and popular
in the celebrations of WSW-2017 organised by outreach programmes of the Organisation. Important
State Remote Sensing centres, Regional centres of task of this programme was to inform the public about
NRSC, NE-SAC, Professional Societies and NRSC, the latest advances and discoveries in the space field,
Hyderabad and viewers through TV network. application of space technologies in daily lives and
to develop programmes to inspire young people to
WSW-2017 Celebrations at ISAC pursue careers in science and technology. In summary,
A group of Engineers and Technicians of ISAC through WSW-2017 events, ISRO could reach out
visited two schools in the outskirts of Bengaluru and to all the major cross sections of society, made them
acquainted the school children with the working of aware of space technologies and inspired children to
satellites and launch vehicles besides briefing them learn. The entire programme was very well received.
about the Indian Space Programme, its pioneers, The interaction with students was a great success with
number and types of satellites/launch vehicles teachers expressing their appreciation. The exhibition
launched so far, their applications and benefit to and video show fascinated everyone. World Space
society and country besides future plans of ISRO. Week activities received broad coverage by print and
Posters and stickers were distributed to the students electronic media also.
and schools were presented with a scaled model of
spacecraft for their science laboratory.
Successful Completion of one
year of Service by SCATSAT-1
Scatterometer
SCATSAT-1, the state-of-the-art satellite with a has commenced with the switch-on of main TWTA
dedicated Scatterometer payload was launched on (Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier) on October 03,
September 26, 2016. It is a continuity mission for 2016. The instrument had undergone calibration and
Oceansat-2 Scatterometer (OSCAT) to provide wind validation (Cal-Val) phase during which sensor stability
vector data products for weather forecasting, cyclone monitoring, fine-tuning of algorithms took place.
detection and tracking services to the users. SCATSAT-1 As the sensor is providing very high quality observations
inherits the design of OSCAT, hence operates in without any glitch, which provided good confidence
Ku-band having 13.53GHz central frequency and on the instrument performance and led to the
having a pencil beam design with two beams with early public release of wind products (Beta version)
incidence angles of 490 and 570 on ground with through MOSDAC and NRSC as a Beta version on
HH and VV polarization respectively. With a swath October 22, 2016. Subsequently after successful
width of 1800 km, this instrument covers 90% of the completion of the Cal-Val phase, the mission entered
earth’s surface in a single day. With the experience into operational phase from April 21, 2017.
Page 17
gained through OSCAT, a few improvements have
been made to the sensor characteristics for better The main operational products from this mission are

sensitivity in backscatter, especially in Polar Regions. global ocean surface wind products at 25 km and
50 km swath grids. Apart from this, various value
added products such as (1) High Resolution Winds
at 6.25 km swath grid (2) Daily Analysed Winds and
(3) High Resolution Sigma0 products over land
and polar regions, are routinely generated and
disseminated to the user community through
MOSDAC.
SCATSAT-1 provided invaluable wind observations

during various cyclones such as, Matthew, Hima,
Nina, Nada, Vardha, Maarutha, Moora, Harvey Irma,
etc., Apart from this, the SCATSAT-1 wind products
are able to cater to various applications like - improved
weather forecast through data assimilation in NWP
models, improved Cyclone track and intensity
prediction, improved ocean state forecast through
SCATSAT-1 derived wind forcing. SCATSAT-1
derived ocean surface winds are being operationally
assimilated by National Centre of Medium Range
Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), MoES and
Global Ocean Surface winds (m/s)from SCATSAT-1 during October Space Applications Centre, ISRO in Numerical
04- 05, 2016 (Top) and October 01- 02, 2017 (Bottom)
Atmospheric Weather Prediction Models to improve
The radar backscatter measurement of SCATSAT-1 the predictions. Moreover, using the SCATSAT-1
measured backscatter data, land applications like soil ice derived from SCATSAT-1 was studied with respect
moisture estimation and hydrological applications to the median value of sea ice extent from 1978 to
such as, river water level change detection studies, 2010. The climatological sea ice behaviour shows
etc., and polar studies of studying the spatio-temporal that this year the sea ice remained below normal
variability of Ice coverage, are well demonstrated. (1981- 2010 median value) for all the months.
Analysis of SCATSAT-1 super resolution data derived The SCATSAT-1 data is extensively used on daily
sea ice had revealed that the seasonal minima of basis by both National as well as International users.
the Antarctic sea ice (occurred in the first week of It provided valuable input data to the global
March 2017) and the seasonal maxima (occurred community in the area of weather forecasting and
on September 15, 2017) were delayed with respect cyclone detection & tracking.
to 2016. An animation was prepared from sea ice
images from January to September 15, 2017. The sea
Many Satellites Celebrated Birth Anniversary

during last week of September
Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), the maiden interplanetary mission of ISRO, launched on November 5, 2013,
was successfully inserted into Martian orbit on September 24, 2014 in its first attempt. MOM completed
three years orbiting around the Planet Mars as on September 24, 2017.
Page 18
• On this occasion, Space Science Programme Office, ISRO HQ conducted a ‘MOM Science Meet’ on
September 25, 2017.
The first dedicated Indian Astronomy mission, AstroSat, also completed two years in orbit on
September 28, 2017.
• In order to commemorate two years completion of AstroSat in orbit, Space Science Programme Office
(SSPO), ISRO Headquarters organised an “AstroSat Science Meet” at ISRO HQ, Bangalore during
26-27 September 2017.
• AstroSat successfully completed 10,000th Orbit on Aug 03, 2017 at 23:49 Hrs (IST) and had observed
more than 360 celestial sources.
• A Poster “AstroSat Picture of the month - September 2017” was also released on this occasion.
SCATSAT-1 completed one year in orbit on September 26, 2017. It was launched on September 26, 2016
on-board PSLV-C35. SCATSAT-1 is a continuity mission for Oceansat-2 Scatterometer to provide wind
vector data products for weather, forecasting, cyclone detection and tracking services to the users.
• It has provided valuable input in the area of weather forecasting and cyclone detection & tracking to the
National as well as International users. The SCATSAT-1 data is extensively used on daily basis with the
usage touching about 85,000 downloads per month from NRSC web portal.
All these Satellites are in good health and continue to work as expected. Analysis of the data received from
these satellites is in progress.
Other Satellites launched during Last Week of September are GSAT-10 on Sep 29, 2012, Oceansat-2 on
Sep 23, 2009, INSAT-3E on Sep 28, 2003 and IRS-1D on Sep 29, 1997.
Operationalisation of
Thunderstorm Nowcasting Services
over NE Region Using DWR Data
North Eastern-Space Applications Centre Meghalaya which was dedicated to the nation by
(NE-SAC) has been providing thunderstorm Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
nowcasting (forecasting upto 4 hours) services for on May 27, 2016. NE-SAC is operating the DWR
North Eastern Region (NER) of India since 2015 continuously since then, and the data is made available
under the North Eastern Regional node for Disaster in near real time for public through the MOSDAC
Risk Reduction (NER-DRR) initiatives. This was done (Meteorological and Oceanographic data archival
using the data from satellite images and sounder centre) and IMD websites. The DWR is calibrated
onboard INSAT-3D / INSAT-3DR, automatic weather at regular intervals and the data products are being
station data, and by analysing numerical weather validated. It has unobstructed coverage for the entire
forecast data. However, it was difficult to detect, state of Meghalaya, Tripura, Southern Assam, and part
track and forecast using this data alone as most of of Mizoram and Manipur. For the western and central
Page 19
the thunderstorms being localised events, extending Assam region, the DWR has coverage beyond three
only over a few tens of km and having a lifetime of degree elevation only. The DWR also sees large part

less than one hour. The availability of DWR data of India’s neighboring country, Bangladesh. The radar
has opened a new window for precise identification completes one volume scan in 11 minutes, comprising
of thunderstorm weather systems, track them and of 360 degree azimuth scan for 10 elevation angles
forecast the probable areas which may get affected, ranging from 0.5 to 21 degrees. It also allows sector
albeit with lesser lead time. scan (in both azimuth and elevation) for high temporal
observation of any event. The DWR covers a distance
The first S-band dual polarimetric Doppler Weather of 250 km (up to 500 km only for Z) with a spatial
Radar (DWR) was installed at Cherrapunjee, resolution of 300 m.
The DWR, Cherrapunjee coverage for elevation angle of 3 degree (left). Calibration of the DWR using metal sphere attached to
hydrogen gas filled balloon & Pisharoty sonde (right)
Thunderstorm is a pre-monsoon season (April- reflectivity, Z and its vertical profile (Max Z plots)
May) phenomenon over the NER of India. The data was the backbone of thunderstorm identification and
collected by the DWR during 2016 was used to identification of individual storm cells in large cloud
understand the thunderstorm and storm signatures bands that appear in satellite images. All clouds having
and calibrate the nowcasting model. During 2017, Z value more than 40 dBZ could become a thunder
nowcasting service was made operational. Severe cloud and were tracked in real time. Z of 50-56 dBZ
thunderstorm nowcasting services for Southern was categorised as severe thunderstorm and Z of
Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura were done primarily more than 56 dBZ was categorised as very severe
using the DWR data and for the rest of the NER, thunderstorm with hail. The reflectivity and velocity
the earlier methodology was used. In addition to the of clouds were studied to track every individual storm
Z (radar reflectivity), S (spectral width) and V (velocity) and forecast the likely affected areas within certain
data collected by the DWR, extensive use of the time intervals, based on sustenance potential of such
polarimetric data like ZDR (differential reflectivity) storms, estimated by analysing the local atmospheric
and HV (Correlation coefficient) were also made condition.
to differentiate thunderstorm clouds from non-
thunderstorm clouds. The use of the Cherrapunjee DWR data has
improved the thunderstorm nowcasting accuracy
Almost all the thunderstorms affecting Meghalaya, over Meghalaya, Southern Assam, and Tripura states.
southern Assam, and Tripura could be identified using Altogether 48 severe and very severe thunderstorms
Page 20
the data from Cherrapunjee DWR during the pre- were forecast in these three states during April 1 to
monsoon season of 2017. The spectral width (S) June 15, 2017 period. The accuracy of nowcasting
data was used to characterise the internal turbulence was more than 90% with lead time varying from
within a cloud system that helped in quantifying the 30 minutes to more than 2 hours. The nowcasting
storm potential (S>5) of a particular cloud. Hail services were disseminated through NER-DRR
potential could also be identified using ZDR (ranging website and also through direct communication to
from 0.5 to - 0.5) and HV (~0.9) data. The radar the concerned at state level.
A squall line formed over Meghalaya, Southern Assam, and Manipur which is clearly identified using DWR data (left). INSAT-3D TIR1
channel image of the same time is also shown (right). The DWR data helped in identifying the individual storm cloud cells in a large cloud
band as seen in satellite image
NARL Studies Tropical Tropopause
Aerosol Layer
Aerosols, Radiation and Trace Gases Group (ARTG) of cirrus clouds, thereby having climate impact.
of National Atmospheric Research Laboratory is Observed increasing pollution trends is a matter
engaged in studying atmospheric aerosols, trace of concern as these trace gases and aerosols could
gases, radiations, clouds and their interactions. affect ozone in the lower stratosphere and modulate
Aerosols, the sub-micron size particles suspended in radiative properties of cirrus clouds. To date, no
air are produced from a variety of man-made as well attempt has been made to prove it as a aerosol layer
as natural processes such as vehicle exhaust, waste- due to its complicity in nature.
burning, wind blown dust, volcanic eruptions, etc.
These aerosols are mostly restricted to the first few In order to ascertain this as aerosol layer, Scientists
kilometers from the surface of Earth’s atmosphere. from University of Wyoming and Science Systems
It is natural to detect them in the Upper Troposphere and Applications Inc., NASA from USA, in
and Lower Stratosphere (UTLS) only during episodes collaboration with NARL carried out balloon borne
like volcanic eruptions. in-situ measurements of Asian Tropopause Aerosol
Page 21
Layer (ATAL) since 2014. Under an Implementing
However, recently an intense aerosol layer persisting Arrangement between NASA and ISRO, in-situ

at the tropical tropopause altitude (~16-17km) over measurement campaign to characterise the ATAL in
South Asia is discovered in the satellite observations. UTLS region was carried out in July-August 2017.
They are perceived to be result of increased pollutant A series of balloon field campaigns were carried out
gases and aerosols reaching UTLS altitudes due to during the Asian Summer Monsoon to understand
strong convective activity over this region during the nature, formation and impacts of the ATAL better.
summer months. These pollutants on entering
stratosphere reside there for long duration and can The overall campaign comprised of six small balloon
affect the Earth’s energy budget, stratospheric ozone launches to measure ozone, water vapor and aerosol
through heterogeneous chemistry and the formation from NARL, Gadanki, and 9 medium to big balloon
launches from TIFR balloon facility, Hyderabad.
Several ground based instruments like MST radar,
Mie Lidar, surface aerosol and trace gas instruments
are being operated from Gadanki during the campaign
period. Among the instruments flown on balloons
are COBALD (Compact Optical Backscatter Aerosol
Detector), CFH (Cryogenic Frost point Hygrometer),
Ozonesonde, Optical Particle Counter (OPC), and
Impactor / Filter. OPC and Impactor are relatively
heavy instruments which require plastic balloons.
Payload weight ranged from 2 kgs to 30 kgs with the
Zero Pressure flight launched on Aug 21-22, 2017 from overall weight as high as 80 kgs. All the payloads were
TIFR balloon facility, Hyderabad
recovered with 100% success rate. Particle sampling Preliminary chemical analysis of samples collected
using Impactor with controlled ascent rate is the in this campaign indicates the dominant presence of
highlight of this campaign. nitrate, which is a new finding. Converging air masses
over northern part of India, particularly centered
These measurements confirmed the presence of around head Bay of Bengal during Asian Monsoon
aerosol layer seen in satellite measurements over which is generally active during July – August months
Asian region as shown in the figure. Sharp increase is found to be the main forcing for vertical transport
of aerosol concentration (r > 0.075 micron) near of the aerosols and trace gases to the UTLS region
16.5-18.5 km is observed. This layer has distinct along with long-range transport from northern parts
size distribution as opposed to that from background of India.
mineral aerosol dust that is naturally present in the
atmosphere. This layer contains particles of size less However, detailed analysis yet to be carried out
than 0.25 micron and are 90% volatile. It appears the with all the data collected during the campaign. One
aerosol is formed from precursor pollutant gases in additional campaign during winter months for obtaining
the UTLS region which are transported via convection the background conditions is planned. Presence of
from the ground. The layer is strongly correlated with different pollutants which results from interplay of
cold point tropopause and influenced by convective different circulation patterns and pollutant source
moisture indicating meso-scale convective systems regions also necessitates multiple campaigns spread
role in transport of pollutant gases and moisture to over a few years (until 2020) to comprehensively
Page 22
UTLS region. characterise the aerosol layer in the UTLS region

and study its impact on radiation budget and ozone
chemistry. Additionally, this campaign seeks to use

balloon-borne measurements of aerosol, water
vapor, and ozone to validate measurements from
NASA’s Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder
Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite and
NASA’s Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment
(SAGE) III instrument along with Cloud-Aerosol
Transport System (CATS) on the International Space
Station.
Profile of scattering ratio at 940 nm and Color Index

(Source: Jean-Paul Vernier/SSAI-NASA Langley)
Haze Removal Algorithm
Developed for Cartosat Images
High resolution optical imaging Earth Observation information is retrieved from sensor measurements in
Satellite (EOS) systems such as Cartosat provide VNIR channels and by selecting appropriate aerosol
multi-spectral remote sensing data in the optical properties from a set of defined aerosol
Visible and Near-Infrared (VNIR) wavelengths of the models. The algorithm uses lookup tables generated
order of sub-meter to few-meters. These datasets with vector radiative transfer calculations. Derived
can be used in a variety of applications, particularly aerosol information and pre-computed lookup tables
associated with precise mapping, monitoring and are employed to derive surface reflectance. Good
change detection of earth’s surface, if Top Of the quality surface reflectances have been obtained
Atmosphere (TOA) measurements can be properly when this algorithm was applied on Cartosat-2 Series
compensated for atmospheric absorption and Satellite data. It is found that this algorithm significantly
scattering effects. Existing physics based Atmospheric removes the haze from the images, making surface
Correction (AC) algorithms for multi/hyper-spectral features distinctly visible, and hence more useable for
remote sensing data over land involves simultaneous qualitative as well as quantitative analysis and further
Page 23
use of visible and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) applications.
channels to derive aerosol information. Hence, such

algorithms cannot be used for AC of data acquired by Following figures illustrate the drastically improved
VNIR sensors to derive “surface reflectance”. quality of the images after applying the AC algorithms,
where contribution of light due to molecular scattering
Towards this, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad and scattering from a thick layer of aerosol to the
has developed a new algorithm for AC of high sensor measurement at top of the atmosphere is
resolution VNIR remote sensing data in which aerosol removed.
Parts of Ahmedabad as viewed from Cartosat-2 Series Satellite on November 03, 2016
National Workshop on
Popularisation of Remote Sensing
Based Maps and GIS
A National Workshop on Popularisation of Remote Remote Sensing in the country as well as in the Asia-
Sensing Based Maps and Geo-spatial Information Pacific region. He said that ISRS believes that Remote
was organised jointly by ISRS and ISRO on the Sensing and GIS should be the mainstay of our
eve of National Remote Sensing Day on August planning of economic, environmental as well as social
11, 2017 at Indian Institute of Remote Sensing programmes. He urged the participants to contribute
(IIRS), Dehradun. National Remote Sensing Day towards enhanced use of Remote Sensing based
(August 12) is celebrated every year on the occasion information in the development of the country.
of birth anniversary of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the Father
of the Indian Space Programme. The Indian Society Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar, Secretary, DOS and Chairman,
of Remote Sensing (ISRS), having around 5000 life ISRO in his inaugural address, greeted the participants
members, has been in the forefront in popularising on the occasion of National Remote Sensing Day.
Page 24
Remote Sensing in the country as well as in the He told that the remote sensing has come a long
Asia-Pacific region. This workshop is a follow-up way since the beginning of satellite remote sensing
programme in 1975. He mentioned that today,
action of National Meet held in September 2015,

with an objective to popularise space-based products Indian satellites have capability to provide even sub-
and services in the central and state user departments meter spatial resolution and temporal coverage at
to benefit social welfare schemes. 15 minutes interval. These data are being used for
informed decision making in various applications
The programme was broadcast through different such as prospective fishing zone identification, bore
modes like live streaming at ISRS/ISRO/IIRS websites, well location and identification, forest fire detection,
A-View/Youtube channel and in offline modes. The and disasters management etc. He said ISRO is
Development and Educational Communication Unit accomplishing the vision of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai who
(DECU) of ISRO provided the support in video emphasised the use of remote sensing applications
coverage and packaging of the programme for video for addressing the problems of common man in the
streaming. country.
Dr. A. Senthil Kumar, Director, IIRS welcomed all the Dr. Y. V. N. Krishna Murthy, Director, NRSC gave an
participants. While addressing the participants he said overview of activities of NRSC and diverse areas of
that Remote Sensing and Geographic Information space technology, which is helping central ministries
System provides critical inputs to various welfare and state departments. Dr. Tapan Misra, Director,
programmes / schemes of Govt. of India for effective Space Applications Centre (SAC) in his address,
planning and decision-making. talked about ISRO’s Earth Observation sensors, their
characteristics and applications. Dr. P.G. Diwakar,
Dr. Shailesh Nayak, President, ISRS in the opening Scientific Secretary, ISRO talked about India’s Bhuvan
remarks highlighted the role of ISRS in popularising Geo-portal, its features, products, services and
future activities, Dr. S.K. Srivastav, Group Director, IIRS and CSSTEAP, Dehradun. The panel discussion
IIRS provided an overview of capacity building and was moderated by Director, IIRS. The panelist
outreach programme of IIRS. Dr. Uday Raj, Chief put forward their views on the utilisation of space
General Manager, RRSC/NRSC talked about the technology in their respective domains and also
space inputs for decentralised planning, and SIS-DP highlighted the areas in which application of geo-
initiatives of ISRO. Shri P.L.N. Raju, Director, NE-SAC spatial technologies needs to be demonstrated and
talked about the use of geo-spatial technology in the transferred to the user departments. Dr. Sameer
North-Eastern region. Saran, Secretary, ISRS and Head, Geo-informatics
Department, IIRS offered a formal vote of thanks
ISRO’s Bhuvan team gave a demo on ISRO’s Bhuvan for all those who contributed to organisation of the
Geo-Portal and its use for various projects / schemes workshop and also the participants.
of Government of India. SAC team highlighted the
features and services provided through VEDAS The workshop proved to be one of the largest mass
Portal. IIRS team gave a demo on Indian Bio-resource awareness and sensitisation programmes on remote
Information Network (IBIN) Portal and its online sensing applications in the country. Nearly one lakh
services. people witnessed the proceedings of the workshop
from different parts of the country. The participants
A live panel discussion was held at the state-of- belong to ISRS local chapters, IIRS Distance Learning
the-art studio of IIRS. The panel was joined by the Network of academic and research institutions, IITs,
Page 25
senior dignitaries from Forest Survey of India (FSI), ICAR, MoEF&CC and DST institutes, ISRO Centres
Dehradun, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, (ISRO HQ, ISAC, NRSC including RRSCs, SAC, IIRS,

Wadia Institute of Himalyan Geology (WIHG), Earth NE-SAC and State Remote Sensing Centres), NGOs
and Climate Sciences Area (ECSA), National Remote and many schools.
Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad and Director,
ISRO Organises Outreach
Programme in Hindi at Ranchi
Creating awareness among the general public, interest in the scientific activities and stressed the need
especially students, about the benefits that have for taking such programmes to large parts of the country.
accrued from India‘s applications driven space
programme to the society and the progress made by The highlight of the ISRO Exhibition was that all
the country in space science and technology has been the information was presented in Hindi since the
given utmost importance at ISRO. Media campaigns Department of Space has a mandate to organise
on important events, campaign through social media, such programmes in the language of the masses to
organisation of exhibitions, educational activities like enable them to understand better. Accordingly, this
lectures, interactive sessions with students, quiz exhibition, was organised, especially to implement the
programmes, water rocket making and launching recommendations of the Joint Hindi Salahkar Samiti for
events, publications, video documentaries, etc., have DOS & DAE to effectively reach out to the masses.
helped in not only keeping the public abreast of the
About 70 colourful exhibition panels highlighted the
latest developments in our space programme but also
Page 26
achievements of India in space to the student community

to evoke interest in them on the nuances of space
as well as the general public. Besides, the exhibition also
science and technology.
featured panels providing fundamentals of the various

In this regard, an outreach programme was organised facets of space flight and the unique contribution of
by ISRO at Jawahar Vidya Mandir at Ranchi, the capital space technology to the country’s rapid and all round
of the state of Jharkand during August 3-4, 2017. development. Eight scale models of various satellites
The various events of this programme consisted of and spacecraft including the Mars Orbiter Mission
an exhibitions, interactive programme with students spacecraft as well as Chandrayaan-1 and its Moon
and the teaching staff, parents, visiting general public; Impact Probe were showcased in the exhibition. There
a water rocket launch event; and a quiz programme were also three scale models of India’s rockets – the
on space and astronomy. The event was inaugurated workhorse launch vehicle PSLV that launched a record
by the Honorable Chief Minister of Jharkhand State, 104 satellites in February 2017, GSLV-Mk II equipped
Mr Raghuvar Das, on August 03, 2017. In his inaugural with the indigenous cryogenic upper stage and which
speech, the Chief Minister said that science promotes has scored four consecutive successes, and more
both nationalism and self-reliance. He appealed to the importantly, GSLV-Mk III that launched the heaviest
people to encourage the younger generation to take Indian satellite launched so far from India (3136 kg
GSAT-19 in June 2017), exhibited.
Video documentaries on various space endeavours of

India like Mars Orbiter Mission and AstroSat, were
repeatedly screened during the exhibition. A group of
students were trained to provide explanation about
the exhibits for empowering them to explain the
Hon’ble Chief Minister in the Inaugural Function
nature, importance and significance of the country’s round. The extent of involvement of students in the
space capabilities. During the interaction, students quiz programme revealed their interest in spaceflight
and general public evinced keen interest in the Indian as well as their fundamental scientific knowledge. The
Space Programme and asked insightful questions. finalists were suitably rewarded by the department
with cash prizes as well as a book on spaceflight.
Another important feature of this ISRO outreach
programme was the launch of water rockets in the The ISRO outreach programme at Ranchi yet again
school grounds. During the launches, students were revealed the country’s student community’s interest
provided with information about the basic principles in as well as the appreciation of the country’s space
behind rocket propulsion in general and water programme and their eagerness to pursue a career in
rockets in particular. Many students were provided science and technology in general and join the country’s
with opportunity to launch water rockets themselves. space endeavour in particular. The facilities provided
Both students and teachers as well as the general for the event by the Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali,
public enthusiastically participated in the water rocket the host institution at Ranchi, were instrumental in the
launching events. success of this outreach event in Hindi.
A quiz on space and astronomy was also organised More than 10,000 students from 60 schools in Ranchi
during the event. About 100 students from various attended the outreach event, which was widely
schools in Ranchi participated in the preliminary round reported by the print and electronic media.
Page 27
in which 18 students were short listed for the final

PSLV-C39 Flight Carrying IRNSS-1H
Navigation Satellite Unsuccessful
The forty-first flight of India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C39), carrying IRNSS-1H Navigation
Satellite conducted on August 31, 2017 from SDSC, SHAR, Sriharikota, was unsuccessful. The IRNSS-1H
satellite was identified as the eighth satellite to join the NavIC navigation satellite constellation. PSLV-C39
had a normal lift-off and all the launch events occurred successfully except the heat shield separation, due
to which the satellite could not be injected into the orbit. Detailed failure analysis was completed by the
Failure Analysis Committee to identify the anomaly that led to the non-separation of the heat shield. The
recommendations of the Failure Analysis Committee were implemented.
ISRO Develops Optical Imaging
Detector Array for Hyperspectral
Imaging Applications
ISRO is endeavouring to enter the domain of out at SAC to meet project requirements with
operational hyperspectral imaging from earth orbit. respect to spatial and temporal resolution, Dynamic
To find a suitable detector array for the proposed Range, Modulation Transfer Function, Smear and
Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite’s (HySIS) payload spectral responsivity. 1000 X 66 pixels were designed
in terms of performance and delivery schedule for to be readout, from both top and bottom directions,
meeting the project requirements, a detailed survey using four analog video ports to meet the frame rate
was conducted. requirement. Metal strapping was used for swiftly
transferring integrated charges from image to storage
Vis-NIR Hyperspectral payload of HySIS satellite is a
hyperspectral imaging sensor operating in the visible
and near infrared regions of the electronmagnetic
spectrum. This earth observing imaging spectrometer
will operate in the 0.4 to 0.95 μm spectral range, will
have 55 spectral bands with 10 nanometre spectral
Page 28
sampling and 30 metre spatial sampling. Push-broom

scanning mode is the operating mode of this sensor
from a 630 km orbit.

(FT CCD 1000 x 66, Chip Architecture)
Following the survey to find detector arrays, region, in order to reduce image smear. Designs
Vis-NIR Hyperspectral Imaging payload was originally (both at chip and package levels) went through
conceptualised around a commercial off-the-shelf detailed review, before clearing for mask making and
detector array developed by a foreign supplier. For the package fabrication, by a team consisting of members
shortlisted detector array from that supplier, the pixel from SCL and SAC.
size, charge handling capacity and Signal-to-Noise
ratio were not complying with the requirements. Wafer processing was completed at SCL with top
priority. During wafer processing at SCL, the SAC
So, these requirements were subsequently proposed team developed a test bench (Hardware, Firmware,
to be met at the system level by employing the and software for providing electro-optical stimuli) for
technique of ‘spatial and spectral signal binning’. But, electro-optical evaluation of the chip. Wafer level
following the recommendations during a prominent testing, assembly and packaging were carried out at
review, the payload team worked out a plan for SCL. Few dies were packaged (Chip-on-board) at
indigenous development of a ‘Frame Transfer Charge SCL for functionality verification.
Coupled Device’ (CCD 1000 X 66, 11 µm x 26 µm).
In this regard, the Space Applications Centre (SAC) The Chip on Board (COB) packages have successfully
discussed the work breakdown and sharing structure gone through functionality verification checks at SAC.
with Semi Conductor Limited (SCL), Chandigarh, an
autonomous body under the Department of Space,
and the same was laid out between SAC and SCL
team members.
As per the discussion, chip architecture, device

design, chip layout, and package design were carried
Flood Monitoring using
SCATSAT-1 Satellite
Monsoon was active over different regions of India SCATSAT-1 is a continuity mission for Oceansat-2
especially in Gujarat, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Western Scatterometer for Ocean weather forecasting,
Bihar, Assam and lately in West Bengal during mid cyclone detection and tracking. The satellite carries
July 2017. Heavy rains have created severe floods Ku-band Scatterometer and scans in a conical fashion
in these regions with extreme flood in parts of in HH and VV polarizations and allows developing
Gujarat and neighboring areas. Districts namely high-resolution datasets due to high overlapping
Banaskantha, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, areas. SCATSAT-1 observations in Ku-band for
Patan, Sabarkantha, etc., recorded more than 300% backscattering and brightness temperatures have
rainfall above average level during July 20, 2017 to been analyzed for flood detection and monitoring
July 26, 2017. over India with special emphasis in Gujarat and
southern parts of Rajasthan.
Satellite plays an important role in the detection and
monitoring of flood situations over large regions. Optical Merging of backscattering and brightness temperature
Page 29
remote sensing from geostationary platform (INSAT- data helped to delineate the regions, which were
3D/3DR) provides rapid and valuable information flooded, partially submerged or existed in different

soil wetness conditions (saturated or dry). Inundated
areas have been obtained during second week of
July over Ganga (Kanpur to Patna and Kosi river)
and Brahmaputra flood plains. Extreme flooding
conditions were observed in Ahmedabad, Mehsana,
Kheda, Banskantha and Bhavnagar as compared to
relatively dry conditions in Bharuch during fourth
week of July along with moderate inundation in parts
of West Bengal.
Flood as Observed from SCATSAT-1 Sentinel-1A, a C-band SAR imaging satellite high
on cloud patterns and meteorological parameters resolution data on July 24, 2017 helped to compare
(rainfall); however, unable to image the surface water inundated regions over parts of Gujarat. Observations
conditions in presence of cloud. Microwave remote on flooding conditions were well correlated in
sensing techniques have unique advantage in which SCATSAT-1 and Sentinel-1A data.
electromagnetic radiation penetrate the clouds and
Analysis showed the usefulness of SCATSAT-1 mission
senses the surface hydrological characteristics. The
in detecting and monitoring extreme events such as
data from SCATSAT-1 (launched by PSLV-C35 on
flood with high temporal resolution (daily). Further
September 26, 2016) was used for the detection of
details can be obtained from VYOM and VEDAS web
the flood situations over India.
portal of Space Applications Centre.
Indigenous Ship Bound Terminal
Tracks PSLV-C38 Geo-spatial
Information Trajectory Successfully
ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network the entire system within the standard ISO container
(ISTRAC), Bengaluru is entrusted with the major is a very important requirement towards shipping to
responsibility to provide tracking support for all other countries; and Redundancy in drive systems.
the satellite and launch vehicle missions of ISRO.
ISTRAC has also been mandated to provide space The final system performance and validation was
operations support for Deep Space Missions of carried out by a sea trial, wherein, the Antenna system
ISRO. For supporting Deep Space Missions, a large was integrated on SAGAR MANJUSHA Ship hired
number of ground stations are required to provide from National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
Telemetry Tracking and Command (TTC) support The ship was stationed at a specified observation
during the launch and initial phase. Based on the point in Bay of Bengal and has successfully tracked
launch vehicle trajectory and visibility requirement, PSLV-C38 launch vehicle from predicted Acquisition
Page 30
many a time, the TTC stations are to be located in Of Signal (AOS) time (T+60sec) to Loss Of Signal
mid sea, wherein, conventional Ground Station (LOS) time (T+596sec) in auto track mode. The
quality of the data acquired was as per the prediction.
Antenna will not be suitable. In order to cater to

these specific requirements, ISTRAC has designed
and developed a 4.6 meter Ship Borne Transportable The Antenna system was realised with the participation
(SBT) Antenna Terminal that meets the launch vehicle of Indian Industries and has been tested and validated
TTC requirements. on a motion simulator. ISRO has built this 4.6 meter
Ship Borne Antenna System indigenously, thus
The SBT Antenna system consists of 3-axis Antenna fulfilling all the specifications and has established
Mount, a Motion Simulator, Reflector & Feed, Servo in-house capability for meeting future requirements.
Control Systems and RF Electronics. Mechanical
Systems Area (MSA) of ISTRAC made a detailed
study of the technical requirements, availability of
similar systems internationally and derived state-of-
the-art specifications. The major design challenges
in this system are: Development of a 3-axis antenna
mount to compensate for the pitch, roll and yaw
disturbances of the ship during tracking of the launch
vehicle; Design and develop a motion simulator to
simulate the base disturbances experienced by the SBT Antenna on sea trial during PSLV-C38 launch
ship during sea state condition; Flexibility for change

over from S-Band TTC station to X-Band TTC It also improved the operational reliability due to in-
station with minimum hardware changes; Packaging house know-how of the systems engineering, besides
reducing the cost considerably.
Outreach Facility at
NRSC Inaugurated
National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) established Mint crops, Geo-tagging applications of MGNREGA
a new Outreach Facility at Jeedimetla Campus in and other Remote Sensing & GIS applications.
Hyderabad to cater to the ever growing requirements Presentations were also done on mobile app “Bhuvan
of capacity building in Space-based applications. The - Aahar”, a new application for food donor and the
facility was inaugurated by Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, food receiver with a focus on facilitating the food
Chairman, ISRO / Secretary, Department of Space on dissemination to needy. Specific application on Bhuvan
June 26, 2017. This facility caters to several activities Kiosk was also demonstrated during the occasion.
like Training and Capacity Building, Information
Kiosks, Content Generation, Outsourcing and Mass Chairman, ISRO interacted with all the participants on
Communication, which could be conducted in parallel. various aspects of the project works undertaken by
them. He was also of the opinion that the benefits
The facility has a large number of thin client systems of space technology developments should reach the
connected to database servers and Bhuvan Geo- common man and youth should join this endeavor in
portal for massive content preparation. In addition, large number. He urged the Academia and Industries
Page 31
the user has access to satellite data and various to utilize the facilities, made available at Jeedimetla, to
applications software for meeting specific requirements the fullest extent and provide best possible solutions

of NRSC. Student community and industry can fully to the scientific challenges and help in national
take advantage of this facility for various developmental development.
activities.
Contact: NRSC Jeedimetla Outreach facility,
Students and faculty members from various academic Jeedimetla, Hyderabad by Email: gmoutreach@nrsc.
institutions including Telangana State Social Welfare gov.in
Residential Educational Institutions actively participated
in the inauguration. Technical presentations were also
made by enthusiastic students on High value Menthol
Jeedimetla Outreach Facility

A Tribute to Prof. U R Rao
(March 10, 1932 – July 24, 2017)
Prof. Udupi Ramachandra Rao, popularly known as

Prof. U R Rao, is an internationally renowned space
scientist who made original contributions to the
development of space technology in India and its
extensive application to communications and remote
sensing of natural resources.
He was the Chairman of the Governing Council of the

Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad and the
Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and
Technology at Thiruvananthapuram. After working as
a Faculty Member at MIT and Assistant Professor at University of Texas at Dallas where he carried out
investigations as a prime experimenter on a number of Pioneer and Explorer spacecrafts, Prof. Rao returned
to India in 1966 as Professor at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.
Convinced of the imperative need to use space technology for rapid development, Prof. Rao undertook the
Page 32
responsibility for the establishment of satellite technology in India in 1972. Under his guidance, beginning
with the first Indian satellite ‘Aryabhata’ in 1975, over 18 satellites were designed and launched for providing
communication, remote sensing and meteorological services.
After taking charge as Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space in 1984, Prof.
Rao accelerated the development of rocket technology, resulting in the successful launch of ASLV rocket
and the operational PSLV launch vehicle, which can launch 2.0 ton class of satellites into polar orbit. Prof.
Rao initiated the development of the geostationary launch vehicle GSLV and the development of cryogenic
technology in 1991.
Prof. Rao had published over 350 scientific and technical papers covering cosmic rays, interplanetary physics,
high energy astronomy, space applications and satellite and rocket technology and authored many books.
He was also the recipient of D.Sc. (Hon. Causa) Degree from over 25 Universities including University of
Bologna, the oldest University in Europe.
Prof. U R Rao was awarded with Padma Bhushan – the third highest civilian award – by the Indian
Government in 1976 for his contribution to Indian Space technology. In 2017, he was awarded the Padma
Vibhushan - the second highest civilian award. Prof. Rao had the unique distinction of being the First one
from outside the select group of countries like USA, USSR and Europe to be elected as Chairman of the
United Nations Committees on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS), Vienna in 1997. He was
also the first Indian Space Scientist to be inducted into the “Satellite Hall of Fame” at Washington in
2013 and “IAF Hall of Fame” at Guadalajara in Mexico in 2016.
Prof. Rao served ISRO as Chairman from 1984 to 1994.
The ISRO/DOS community grieves the passing away of Prof. U R Rao on July 24, 2017 and
remembers with gratitude his precious contributions to the Indian space programme.
July –December 2017 Page 37
This image covers Mars Disc in a Perspective/Ortho view with 3.5 km per pixel resolution and obtained after the
blackout period experienced by MOM. Olympus mons, and three volcano systems Arsia mons, Pavonis mons,
Ascraeus mons opposite to Olympus mons system are seen prominently in this shot. This picture was taken by
MCC on Oct 08, 2017 from an altitude of 70,157 km.
Antariksh Bhavan, New BEL Road, Bengaluru - 560 094, India.

www.isro.gov.in

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•Öã»ÖÖ‡Ô - ×¤ÃÖÓ²Ö¸ 2017 July - December 2017

AstroSat Picture of the Month

NGC 40: A Planetary Nebulla with an Ultra-Violet Halo Dec 2017

Space activities in the country were initiated with the

Department of Space (DOS) in June 1972 and brought ISRO

Resourcesat-2A was launched in December

The growth of a typical annual crop (120 days) during

National Land Use / Land Cover mapping using multi-

July –December 2017

With respect to rural regions, the monitoring of

Microwatershed Monitoring Using Satellite Data

The SPA is carved exclusively with a focus on efficient

and production of precise attitude sensors for all

with the state-of-the-art test facilities. In addition to

Honouring Dr. T.K. Alex, Founder Director of LEOS

further in tune to the need of the hour. All former

July –December 2017

An Exhibition was also organised during the seminar,

achievements in the area of Space Science and

screen display allocated to major centres of ISRO,

The Seminar was inaugurated by Shri AS Kiran Kumar,

- Talk on - Perspective of ISRO’s Programme

July –December 2017

While giving his valedictory address, Foreign

The 24th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space

July –December 2017

Cloud and precipitation, Atmospheric process studies,

INTROMET-2017 was inaugurated on cyclones, Climate change, Emerging trends in

The symposium provided an opportunity for weather

July –December 2017

technologies in the technical exhibition held during

ISRO releases MOM Second Year

July –December 2017

WSW-2017 Celebrations at SHAR

scientists of ISRO interacted with the students and

WSW-2017 programme was broadcast in AIR,

WSW-2017 Celebrations at SAC WSW-2017 Celebrations at NRSC

July –December 2017

Across India, celebrations were conducted in the

on the topics mentioned above.

July –December 2017

SCATSAT-1 provided invaluable wind observations

Many Satellites Celebrated Birth Anniversary

July –December 2017

July –December 2017

UTLS region. characterise the aerosol layer in the UTLS region

chemistry. Additionally, this campaign seeks to use

Profile of scattering ratio at 940 nm and Color Index

July –December 2017

action of National Meet held in September 2015,

July –December 2017

achievements of India in space to the student community

featured panels providing fundamentals of the various

Video documentaries on various space endeavours of

July –December 2017

sampling and 30 metre spatial sampling. Push-broom

from a 630 km orbit.

As per the discussion, chip architecture, device

July –December 2017

Antenna will not be suitable. In order to cater to