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Space activities in the country started during early 1960s with
the scientific investigation of upper atmosphereand ionosphere over
the magnetic equator that passes over Thumba near
Thiruvananthapuram using smallsounding rockets Realising the
immense potential of space technology for national development, Dr.
VikramSarabhai, the visionary leader envisioned that this powerful
technology could play a meaningful role in nationaldevelopment and
solving the problems of common man. Thus, Indian Space programme
born in the churchbeginning, space activities in the country,
concentrated on achieving self reliance and developing capability
tobuild and launch communication satellites for television
broadcast, telecommunications and meteorologicalapplications;
remote sensing satellites for management of natural resources. The
objective of ISRO is to developspace technology and its application
to various national tasks. ISRO has established two major space
systems,INSAT for communication, television broadcasting and
meteorological services, and Indian Remote SensingSatellites (IRS)
system for resources monitoring and management. ISRO has developed
two satellite launchvehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place INSAT and IRS
satellites in the required orbits Accordingly, Indian SpaceResearch
Organisation (ISRO) has successfully operationalised two major
satellite systems namely IndianNational Satellites (INSAT) for
communication services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites
formanagement of natural resources; also, Polar Satellite Launch
Vehicle (PSLV) for launching IRS type ofsatellites and
Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching INSAT
type of satellites. TheSpace Commission formulates the policies and
oversees the implementation of the Indian space programme topromote
the development and application of space science and technology for
the socio-economic benefit ofthe country. DOS implements these
programmes through, mainly Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO),Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), National Atmospheric
Research Laboratory (NARL), North Eastern-Space Applications Centre
(NE-SAC) and Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL). The Antrix
Corporation,established in 1992 as a government owned company,
markets the space products and services.
From the beginning, space activities in the country,
concentrated on achieving self reliance and developingcapability to
build and launch communication satellites for television broadcast,
telecommunications andmeteorological applications; remote sensing
satellites for management of natural resources. Accordingly,
IndianSpace Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully
operationalised two major satellite systems namelyIndian National
Satellites (INSAT) for communication services and Indian Remote
Sensing (IRS) satellites formanagement of natural resources; also,
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launching IRS type
ofsatellites and Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for
launching INSAT type of satellites.Indian National Satellite
(INSAT) System
The INSAT series, commissioned in 1983, has today become one of
the largest domestic satellites systemsin the Asia, pacific region
comprising Nine satellites in service.
1. INSAT-4CR Launched on Sep 02, 20072. INSAT-4B Launched on Mar
12, 2007
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3. INSAT-4A Launched on Dec 22, 20054. INSAT-3E Launched on Sep
28, 20035. GSAT-2 Launched on May 08, 20036. INSAT-3A Launched on
Apr 10, 20037. KALPANA-1 Launched on Sep 12, 20028. INSAT-3C
Launched on Jan 24, 20029. INSAT-2E Launched on Apr 03, 1999
YOUTHSAT is a joint Indo-Russian stellar and atmospheric
satellite mission with the participation of studentsfrom
Universities at graduate, post graduate and research scholar level.
With a lift-off mass of 92 kg, Youthsatis a mini satellite and the
second in the Indian Mini Satellite (IMS) series. Youthsat mission
intends to investigatethe relationship between solar variability
and thermosphere-Ionosphere changes. The satellite carries
threepayloads, of which two are Indian and one Russian. Together,
they form a unique and comprehensive packageof experiments for the
investigation of the composition, energetics and dynamics of earths
upper atmosphere.The Indian payloads are:1.RaBIT (Radio Beacon for
Ionospheric Tomography)- For mapping Total Electron Content (TEC)
of theIonosphere.2. LiVHySI (Limb Viewing Hyper Spectral Imager) -
To perform airglow measurements of the Earths upperatmosphere (80-
600 km) in 450-950 nm.The Russian payload SOLRAD - To study
temporal and spectralparameters of solar flare X and gamma ray
fluxes as well as charge particles in the earth polar cap
regions.Lift-off Mass 92 kgOrbit Period 101.35 minDimension 1020
(Pitch) x 604 (Roll) x 1340 (Yaw) mm3Attitude and Orbit Control
3-axis body stabilised using Sun and Star Sensors, Miniature
Magnetometer,Miniature Gyros, Micro Reaction Wheels and Magnetic
TorquersPower Solar Array generating 230 W, one 10.5 AH Li-ion
batteryMechanisms Paraffin Actuator based Solar Panel Hold Down and
Release MechanismLaunch date April 20, 2011Launch site SHAR Centre
Sriharikota IndiaLaunch vehicle PSLV- C16Orbit Circular Polar Sun
SynchronousMission life 2 years
GSAT-10, Indias advanced communication satellite, is a high
power satellite being inducted into the INSATsystem. Weighing 3400
kg at lift-off, GSAT-10 is configured to carry 30 communication
transponders in
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normal C-band, lower extended C-band and Ku-band as well as a
GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation(GAGAN) payload operating in L1
and L5 bands. GSAT-10 is the second satellite to carry GAGAN
payloadafter GSAT-8, which is already providing navigation services
from orbit. GSAT-10 also carries a Ku-bandbeacon to help in
accurately pointing ground antennas towards the satellite.The 30
communication transponders onboard GSAT-10 will further augment the
capacity in the INSAT system.The GAGAN payload provides the
Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS), through which the
accuracyof the positioning information obtained from the GPS
satellites is improved by a network of ground basedreceivers and
made available to the users in the country through geo-stationary
satellites.PAYLOADS OF GSAT-10
COMMUNICATION PAYLOADS
12 Ku-band transponders each with 36 Mhz usable bandwidth
employing 140 W Travelling WaveTube Amplifier (TWTA) with footprint
covering Indian mainland with an Edge of Coverage
EffectiveIsotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of 51.5 dBW and Andaman
& Nicobar islands with an EIRP of49.5 dBW.
12 C-band transponders each with 36 MHz usable bandwidth
employing 32 W TWTA withfootprint covering Indian mainland and West
Asia with an Edge of Coverage EIRO of 40 dBW
6 Lower Extended C-band transponders each with 36 MHz usable
bandwidth employing 32 WTWTA with footprint covering Indian
mainland and island territories with an Edge of CoverageEIRP of 38
dBW and 37 dBW respectively
NAVIGATION PAYLOAD
Two-channel GAGAN payload operating in L1 and L5 bands provides
Satellite-based Navigation serviceswith accuracy and integrity
required for civil aviation applications over Indian Air
Space.Mission CommunicationWeight 3400 kg (Mass at Lift off)1498 kg
(Dry Mass)Power Solar array providing 6474 Watts (at Equinox) and
two 128 AH Lithium-Ion batteriesPropulsion 440 Newton Liquid Apogee
Motors (LAM) with Mono Methyl Hydrazine (MMH) as fueland Mixed
oxides of Nitrogen (MON-3) as oxidizer for orbit
raising.Satbilisation 3-axis body stabilised in orbit using Earth
Sensors, Sun Sensors, Momentum and ReactionWheels, Magnetic
Torquers and eight 10 Newton and eight 22 Newton bipropellant
thrustersAntenns East : 2.2 m dia circular deployable Dual Gridded
Reflector (DGR) West : 2.2 m X 2.4 melliptical deployable DGREarth
Viewing Face (top) : 0.7 m parabolic, 0.9 m parabolic and 0.8 m X
0.8 msixteen element helical antenna for GaganLaunch date September
29, 2012
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Launch site Kourou, French GuianaLaunch vehicle Ariane-5
VA-209Orbit Geostationary (83 East longitude), co-located with
INSAT-4A and GSAT-12Mission life 15 Years
GSAT -8 Launch Date21.05.2011 GSAT-8, Indias advanced
communication satellite, is a high powercommunication satellite
being inducted in the INSAT system. Weighing about 3100 Kg at
lift-off, GSAT-8 isconfigured to carry 24 high power transponders
in Ku-band and a two-channel GPS Aided Geo AugmentedNavigation
(GAGAN) payload operating in L1 and L5 bands. The 24 Ku band
transponders will augment thecapacity in the INSAT system. The
GAGAN payload provides the Satellite Based Augmentation
System(SBAS), through which the accuracy of the positioning
information obtained from the GPS Satellite is improvedby a network
of ground based receivers and made available to the users in the
country through the geostationarysatellites.GSAT-12, the latest
communication satellite built by ISRO, weighs about 1410 kg at
lift-off. GSAT-12 isconfigured to carry 12 Extended C-band
transponders to meet the countrys growing demand for transpondersin
a short turn-around-time. The 12 Extended C-band transponders of
GSAT-12 will augment the capacity inthe INSAT system for various
communication services like Tele-education, Telemedicine and for
Village ResourceCentres (VRC).Mission CommunicationWeight1410 kg
(Mass at Lift off)559 kg (Dry Mass)Power Solar array providing 1430
Watts and one 64 Ah Li-Ion batteriesPhysical Dimensions1.485 x
1.480 x 1.446 m cuboidPropulsion 440 Newton Liquid Apogee Motors
(LAM) with Mono Methyl Hydrazine (MMH) as fuel andMixed oxides of
Nitrogen (MON-3) as oxidizer for orbit raising.Attitude Orbit
Control 3-axis body stabilised in orbit using Earth Sensors, Sun
Sensors, Momentum andReaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquers and eight
10 Newton and eight 22 Newton bipropellant thrusters AntennaeOne
0.7 m diameter body mounted parabolic receive antenna and one 1.2 m
diameter polarisation sensitivedeployable antennaLaunch dateJuly
15, 2011Launch site SHAR, Sriharikota, IndiaLaunch vehicle
PSLV-C17Orbit Geosynchronous (83 longitude)Mission life About 8
Years
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The nanosatellite SRMSat weighing 10.9 kg is developed by the
students and faculty of SRM Universityattempts to address the
problem of Global warming and pollution levels in the atmosphere by
monitoringCarbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour (H2O). The
satellite uses a grating Spectrometer, which will observeabsorption
spectrum over a range of 900nm -1700nm infrared range.The
nanosatellite Jugnu weighing 3 kg is designed and developed by
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpurunder the guidance of ISRO.
The satellite is intended:1. To prove the indigenously developed
camera system for imaging the Earth in the near infrared region
and
test image processing algorithms.2. Evaluate GPS receiver for
its use in satellite navigation.3. Test indigenously developed MEMS
based Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in space.
INSAT4CR spacecraft is configured with exclusive Ku band
employing the I-2K Bus with a mass of 2130Kg. It was injected into
the orbit by GSLV-F04 rocket with enhanced Russian Cryogenic engine
and co-located at 74o East longitude along with INSAT3C / Kalpana1
/GSAT 3(EDUSAT). INSAT-4CR carries 12 high-power Ku-band
transponders designed to provide Direct-to-home (DTH) television
services, Video Picture Transmission (VPT) and Digital Satellite
News Gathering(DSNGMissionCommunicationWeight 2,130 kg (Mass at
Lift off)Onboard power3000 WCommunication Payload 12 Ku-band
transponders employing 140 W Travelling Wave Tube
Amplifiers(TWTA)Ku-band BeaconLaunch date September 2, 2007Launch
site SHAR, Sriharikota, IndiaLaunch vehicle GSLV-F04Orbit
Geosynchronous (74 E)Mission life 12 Years
INSAT4B Spacecraft is the second in the INSAT 4 series of
spacecrafts and is configured with exclusivecommunication payloads
to provide services in Ku and C frequency bands. This is co-located
with INSAT3A at 93.5 o E longitude.Mission CommunicationWeight 3025
Kg (at Lift off)Onboard Power 5859 W
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Stabilization It uses 3 earth sensors, 2 digital sun sensors, 8
coarse analog sun sensors, 3 solar panel sunsensors and one sensor
processing electronics. The wheels and wheel drive electronics were
imported withindigenous wheel interface modul to interface the
wheel drive electronics & AOCE.Propulsion The propulsion system
is employing 16 thrusters, 4 each located on east, west and AY
sides and2 each on north and south sides. There is one 440 N liquid
apogee motor (using Mono Methyl Hydrazine(MMH) as fuel and oxides
of Nitrogen ( MON3 as oxidizer) and three presurant tanks mounted
on the LAMdeck.Payload12 Ku band high power transponders covering
Indian main land using 140W radiatively cooledTWTAs.12 C band high
power transponders with extended coverage, covering southeast and
northwestregion apart from Indian main land using 63 W TWTAsLaunch
date March 12, 2007Launch SiteFrench GuyanaLaunch Vehicle
Ariane5Orbit Geostationary (93.5o E Longitude)Mission Life 12
Years
Indian Remote Sensing Satellites System (IRS)
The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite system is one of the
largest constellations of remote sensing satellitesin operation in
the world today. The IRS programme commissioned with launch of
IRS-1A in 1988 andpresently includes Nine satellites that continue
to provide imageries in variety of spatial resolutions from
betterthan a metre ranging upto 500 metres.1. CARTOSAT-2B Launched
on July 12, 2010 by PSLV-C152. OCEANSAT-2 Launched on Sept 23, 2009
by PSLV-C143. RISAT-2 Launched on Apr 20, 2009 by PSLV-C124.
CARTOSAT-2A Launched on Apr 28, 2008 by PSLV-C95. IMS-1 Launched on
Apr 28, 2008 by PSLV- C96. CARTOSAT - 2 Launched on Jan 10, 2007 by
PSLV-C77. CARTOSAT-1Launched on May 05, 2005 by PSLV-C68.
RESOURCESAT-1Launched on Oct 17, 2003 by PSLV-C59. TES Launched on
Oct 22, 2001 by PSLV-C3
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SARAL The Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA (SARAL) is a joint
Indo-French satellite mission foroceanographic studies. SARAL will
perform altimetric measurements designed to study ocean circulation
andsea surface elevation. The payloads of SARAL are:Ka band
Altimeter, ALTIKA- built by the French National Space Agency CNES.
The payload is intendedfor oceanographic applications, operates at
35.75 Giga Hertz.ARGOS Data Collection System- built by the French
National Space Agency CNES. ARGOS contributesto the development and
operational implementation of the global ARGOS Data Collection
System. It willcollect a variety of data from ocean buoys to
transmit the same to the ARGOS Ground Segment for
subsequentprocessing and distribution.Solid State C-band
Transponder (SCBT) is from ISRO and intended for ground RADAR
calibration. It isa continuation of such support provided by C-Band
Transponders flown in the earlier IRS-P3 and IRS-P5missions.The
payloads of SARAL are accommodated in the Indian Mini Satellite-2
bus, which is built by ISRO.
SARAL Applications
SARAL data products will be useful for operational as well as
research user communities in many fields likeMarine meteorology and
sea state forecasting, Operational oceanography,Seasonal
forecasting, Climatemonitoring,Ocean, earth system and climate
research ,Continental ice studies, Protection of
biodiversity,Management and protection of marine ecosystem,
Environmental monitoring Improvement of maritime securityLift-off
Mas 407 kgOrbit 781 km polar Sun synchronousSensors 4 PI sun
sensors, magnetometer, star sensors and miniaturised gyro based
Inertial Reference UnitOrbit Inclination 98.538oLocal Time of
Equator18:00 hours crossingPower Solar Array generating 906 W and
46.8 Ampere-hour Lithium-ion batteryOnboard data storage 32
GbAttitude and Orbit Contro 3-axis stabilisation with reaction
wheels, Hydrazine Control System basedthrustersMission Life 5
yearsLaunch date Feb 25, 2013Launch site SDSC SHAR Centre,
Sriharikota, IndiaLaunch vehicle PSLV - C20
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RISAT
Radar Satellite-1 (RISAT-1) is a state of the art Microwave
Remote Sensing Satellite carrying a SyntheticAperture Radar (SAR)
Payload operating in C-band (5.35 GHz), which enables imaging of
the surface featuresduring both day and night under all weather
conditions.Application
Active Microwave Remote Sensing provides cloud penetration and
day-night imaging capability. These uniquecharacteristics of C-band
(5.35GHz) Synthetic Aperture Radar enable applications in
agriculture, particularlypaddy monitoring in kharif season and
management of natural disasters like flood and cyclone.Lift-off
Mass 1858 kgOrbit Circular Polar Sun SynchronousOrbit Altitude 536
kmOrbit Inclination 97.552oOrbit Period 95.49 minNumber of Orbits
per day 14Local Time 6:00 am / 6:00 pmof Equator Crossing
Power Solar Array generating 2200 W and one 70 AH Ni-H2
batteryRepetivity 25 daysAttitude and Orbit Control 3-axis body
stabilised using Reaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquers andHydrazine
ThrustersNominal Mission Life 5 yearsLaunch date April 26,
2012Launch site SDSC SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, IndiaLaunch vehicle
PSLV- C19
Megha-Tropiques is an Indo-French Joint Satellite Mission for
studying the water cycle and energy exchangesin the tropics. The
main objective of this mission is to understand the life cycle of
convective systems thatinfluence the tropical weather and climate
and their role in associated energy and moisture budget of
theatmosphere in tropical regions.Megha-Tropiques will provide
scientific data on the contribution of the water cycle to the
tropical atmosphere,with information on condensed water in clouds,
water vapour in the atmosphere, precipitation, and evaporation.With
its circular orbit inclined 20 deg to the equator, the
Megha-Tropiques is a unique satellite for climateresearch that
should also aid scientists seeking to refine prediction
models.Megha-Tropiques carries the following four payloads:
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Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric
Structures (MADRAS), an
Imaging Radiometer developed jointly by CNES and ISRO
Sounder for Probing Vertical Profiles of Humidity (SAPHIR), from
CNES
Scanner for Radiation Budget (ScaRaB), from CNES
Radio Occultation Sensor for Vertical Profiling of Temperature
and Humidity (ROSA),
procured from Italy
Lift-off Mass 1000 kgOrbit 867 km with an inclination of 20 deg
to the equatorThermal Passive system with IRS heritagePower 1325 W
(at End of Life) Two 24 AH NiCd batteriesTTC S-bandAttitude and
Orbit Control 3-axis stabilised with 4 Reaction Wheels, Gyros and
Star sensors, Hydrazinebased RCSSolid State Recorder 16 GbLaunch
date October 12, 2011
RESOURCESAT-2 is a follow on mission to RESOURCESAT-1 and the
eighteenth Remote Sensing satellitebuilt by ISRO. RESOURCESAT-2 is
intended to continue the remote sensing data services to global
usersprovided by RESOURCESAT-1, and to provide data with enhanced
multispectral and spatial coverage aswell.Important changes in
RESOURCESAT-2 compared to RESOURCESAT-1 are: Enhancement of
LISS-4multispectral swath from 23 km to 70 km and improved
Radiometric accuracy from 7 bits to 10 bits for LISS-3 and LISS-4
and 10 bits to 12 bits for AWIFS. Besides, suitable changes,
including miniaturisation in payloadelectronics, have been made in
RESOURCESAT-2.RESOURCESAT-2 also carries an additional payload
known as AIS (Automatic Identification System) fromCOMDEV, Canada
as an experimental payload for ship surveillance in VHF band to
derive position, speedand other information about
ships.RESOURCESAT-2 carries two Solid State Recorders with a
capacity of 200 Giga Bytes each to store theimages taken by its
cameras which can be read out later to ground stations.Mission
Remote SensingOrbit Circular Polar Sun Synchronous
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Lift-off Mass 1206 kgOrbit Period 101.35 minNumber of Orbits per
day 14Local Time of Equator crossing 10:30 am
Repetivity 24 daysAttitude and Orbit Control 3-axis body
stabilised using Reaction Wheels,Magnetic Torquers and
HydrazineThrustersPowerSolar Array generating 1250 W at End Of
Life, two 24 AH Ni-Cd batteriesLaunch date April 20, 2011Launch
site SHAR Centre Sriharikota IndiaLaunch vehicle PSLV- C16Mission
life 5 years
CARTOSAT - 2B is the seventeenth satellite in the Indian Remote
Sensing Satellite series (IRS). CARTOSAT-2B carries a Panchromatic
camera (PAN) similar to those of its predecessors - CARTOSAT-2 and
2A. It iscapable of imaging a swath (geographical strip) of 9.6 km
with a resolution of better than 1 1.metre. The scenespecific spot
imagery sent by CARTOSAT-2Bs PAN will be useful for cartographic
and a host of otherapplications. The highly agile CARTOSAT-2B is
steerable up to 26o along as well as across track to
obtainstereoscopic imagery and achieve a four to five day revisit
capability.Mission Remote SensingWeight 694 kg (Mass at lift
off)Onboard Orbit 930 WattsStabilization3 axis body stabilised
based on inputs from star sensors and gyrosusing Reaction
wheels,Magnetic Torquers and Hydrazine ThrustersPayloads
Panchromatic CameraLaunch date July 12, 2010Launch siteSHAR Centre
Sriharikota IndiaLaunch vehiclePSLV- C15Orbit 630 kms, Polar Sun
SynchronousInclination 97.71
OCEANSAT -2 satellite mainframe systems derive their heritage
from previous IRS missions and launched byPSLV-C14 from Satish
Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on Sept. 23, 2009. It carries
three payloads:* Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM)
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* Ku-band Pencil Beam scatterometer (SCAT) developed by ISRO*
Radio Occultation Sounder for Atmosphere (ROSA) developed by the
Italian Space ency. Oceansat-2is envisaged to provide continuity of
operational services of Oceansat-1(IRS-P4) with enhanced
applicationpotential
Launch date Sept 23, 2009Launch site SHAR, SriharikotaLaunch
vehicle PSLV - C14Orbit Polar Sun SynchronousAltitude 720
kmInclination 98.28Period 99.31 minutesLocal time of Eq. crossing
12 noon 10 minutesRepetitivity cycle 2 daysPayloads OCM, SCAT and
ROSAMass at lift off 960 kgPower 15 Sq.m Solar panels generating
1360W, Two 24 Ah Ni-Cd BattriesMission Life 5 years
RISAT-2 is a Radar Imaging Satellite with all weather capability
to take images of the earth. This Satellite willenhance ISROs
capability for Disaster Management applications.Altitude 550
kmInclination 41 degOrbit Period 90 minutesMass 300 kg
CARTOSAT 2A is the thirteenth satellite in the Indian Remote
Sensing Satellite series (IRS). It is a sophisticatedand rugged
remote sensing satellite that can provide scene specific spot
imagery. This satellite carries aPanchromatic Camera (PAN). The
spatial resolution of this camera is better than 1m and swath of
9.6 km.Imageries from this satellite are used for cartographic
applications like mapping, urban and ruralinfrastructuredevelopment
and management, as well as application in Land Information (LIS)
and GeographicalInformation System (GIS).MissionRemote
SensingWeight690 Kg (Mass at lift off)Onboard Power 900 Watts
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Stabilization3 axis body stabilised using high torque reaction
wheels, magnetic torquers and hydrogenthrustersPayloadsPanchromatic
CameraLaunch date28 April 2008Launch siteSHAR Centre Sriharikota
IndiaLaunch vehiclePSLV- C9Orbit635 kms, Polar Sun
SynchronousInclination97.94 degMission life5 years
5. IMS-1, previously referred to as TWSat (Third World
Satellite), is a low-cost microsatellite i m a g i n gmission of
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization).OrbitPolar Sun
SynchronousAltitude635 kmMission Life2 yearsPhysical
Dimensions0.604x0.980x1.129 mMass83 kgPowerTwo deployable sun
pointing solar panels generating 220 W power, 105 Ah Lithiumion
batteryTelemetry, Tracking and CommandS-bandAtlitude and Orbit
Control System Star Sensor,Miniature Sun Sensors, Magnetometers
Gyros, MiniatureMicro Reaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquers, single 1
N Hydrazine ThrusterData Handling S-bandData Storage 16 Gb Solid
State RecorderLaunch Vehicles Today, Indian space programme has
become self-reliant with the operationalisation of twosatellite
launch vehicles, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), mainly for
launching IRS class of satellites inpolar orbits and Geosynchronous
Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching communication
satellites intogeo-synchronous transfer orbit. GSLV can carry 2-
2.5 tonne satellite in to 36,000 Kilometer range for geostationery
transfer orbit and India was the sixth country in the world to have
this capability. So far ;
* PSLV has sixteen consecutively successful flights out of
seventeen launches
* GSLV has four successful flights of seven launches
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle,usually known by its
abbreviation PSLV is the first operational launchvehicle of ISRO.
PSLV is capable of launching 1600 kg satellites in 620 km
sun-synchronous polar orbit and1050 kg satellite in geo-synchronous
transfer orbit. In the standard configuration, it measures 44.4 m
tall, with
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a lift off weight of 295 tonnes. PSLV has four stages using
solid and liquid propulsion systems alternately. Thefirst stage is
one of the largest solid propellant boosters in the world and
carries 139 tonnes of propellant. Acluster of six strap-ons
attached to the first stage motor, four of which are ignited on the
ground and two areair-litThe reliability rate of PSLV has been
superb. There had been 16 continuously successful flights of PSLV,
tillJuly 2010. With its variant configurations, PSLV has proved its
multi-payload, multi-mission capability in asingle launch and its
geosynchronous launch capability. In the recent
Chandrayaan-mission, another variant ofPSLV with an extended
version of strap-on motors, PSOM-XL, the payload haul was enhanced
to 1750 kgin 620 km SSPO. PSLV has rightfully earned the status of
workhorse launch vehicle of ISRO.
PSLV MILESTONE
PSLV-C20 launched SARAL and six commercial payloads on February
25, 2013 (Successful)PSLV-C21 launched SPOT 6 and PROITERES on
September 09, 2012 (Successful)PSLV-C19 launched RISAT-1 on April
26, 2012 (Successful)PSLV-C18 launched Megha-Tropiques, SRMSat,
VesselSat-1 and Jugnu on October 12, 2011
(Successful)PSLV-C17 launched GSAT - 12 on July 15, 2011
(Successful)PSLV-C16 launched RESOURCESAT - 2, YOUTHSAT and X-SAT
on April 20, 2011 (Successful)PSLV-C15 launched CARTOSAT-2B,
ALSAT-2A, NLS 6.1 & 6.2 and STUDSAT on July 12, 2010
(Successful)PSLV-C14 launched Oceansat - 2 and Six
Nanosatellites on September 23, 2009 (Successful)PSLV-C12 launched
RISAT-2 and ANUSAT on April 20, 2009 (Successfully)PSLV-C11
launched CHANDRAYAAN-I, on October 22, 2008 (Successful)PSLV-C9
launched CARTOSAT-2A, IMS-1 and Eight nano-satellites on April 28,
2008 (Successful)PSLV-C10 launched TECSAR on January 23, 2008
(Successful)PSLV-C8 launched AGILE on April 23, 2007
(Successful)PSLV-C7 launched CARTOSAT-2, SRE-1, LAPAN-TUBSAT and
PEHUENSAT-1 on January 10,
2007 (Successful)PSLV-C6 launched CARTOSAT-1 and HAMSAT on May
5, 2005 (Successful)PSLV-C5 launched RESOURCESAT-1(IRS-P6) on
October 17, 2003 (Successful)PSLV-C4 launched KALPANA-1(METSAT) on
September 12, 2002 (Successful)PSLV-C3 launched TES on October 22,
2001 (Successful)
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PSLV-C2 launched OCEANSAT(IRS-P4), KITSAT-3 and DLR-TUBSAT on
May 26, 1999 (Success)ful)
PSLV-C1 launched IRS-1D on September 29, 1997
(Successful)PSLV-D3 launched IRS-P3 on March 21, 1996
(Successful)PSLV-D2 launched IRS-P2 on October 15, 1994
(Successful)PSLV-D1 launched IRS-1E on September 20, 1993
(Unsuccessful)The GSLV-III or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch
Vehicle Mark III , is a launch vehicle currentlyunder development
by the Indian Space Research Organization. GSLV Mk III is conceived
and designed tomake ISRO fully self reliant in launching heavier
communication satellites of INSAT-4 class, which weigh 4500to 5000
kg. It would also enhance the capability of the country to be a
competitive player in the multimilliondollar commercial launch
market. The vehicle envisages multi-mission launch capability for
GTO, LEO, Polarand intermediate circular orbits.GSLV-Mk III is
designed to be a three stage vehicle, with 42.4 m tall with a lift
off weight of 630 tonnes. Firststage comprises two identical S200
Large Solid Booster (LSB) with 200 tonne solid propellant, that
arestrapped on to the second stage, the L110 re-startable liquid
stage. The third stage is the C25 LOX/LH2 cryostage. The large
payload fairing measures 5 m in diameter and can accommodate a
payload volume of 100 cum. The development work on Mk III is
progressing as per schedule for a launch in 2012.Satellite
Applications
Space has become the mainstay of national infrastructure
providing vital services. INSAT with more than 210transponders, is
providing tele-communications, television broadcasting, weather
forecasting and societalapplication services such as tele-medicine
and tele-education IRS System with Nine satellites in operationis
providing data for a variety of application programmes such as
Groundwater Prospects Mapping, CropAcreage and Production
Estimation, Potential Fishing Zone Forecast, Biodiversity
Characterisation etc., Inorder to reach space-based services
directly to the rural population, nearly 500 Village Resource
Centres(VRCs) have been set up in association with NGOs, Institutes
and Government Agencies.
1. INSAT Applications
The telephone circuit devices through INSAT connect remote
inaccessible areas to major cities in India. Thelaunch of INSAT-4A
during December 2005, INSAT-4B in and INSAT- 4CR in 2007 have
ushered in DirectTo Home (DTH) television services in the country.
Television reaches 85 percent of Indias population viaINSAT. Over
200 AIR stations are linked via INSAT network. In the recent years,
Very Small ApertureTerminals (VSAT) have revolutionised our
telecommunications sector. INSAT supports over 20,000 VSATsfor
e-commerce and e-governance. National Stock Exchange and Bombay
Stock Exchange use VSATtechnology across the country for
instantaneous transactions. Today exclusive channels are provided
for
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interactive training and Developmental communication including
distance learning. India has an exclusivemeteorological satellite
Kalpana - 1. The imaging instruments (VHRR) & (CCD) collect
meteorological dataand provide timely warnings on impending
cyclones. The data relay transponder in the INSAT system is usedfor
collect real time hydro meteorological data for river monitoring
flow forces. The launch of EDUSAT onSeptember 20, 2004 heralded new
era in the field of distance education and today, about 35,000
class roomsare in the EDUSAT network providing services at primary,
secondary and university levels. The satellite basedtelemedicine
network has expanded its network connecting 375 hospitals (305
remote and rural hospitalsincluding those in Jammu & Kashmir,
North Eastern region and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 13 mobile
unitsand 57 super specialty hospitals in major cities)
2. IRS Applications
Imagery taken by Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellite System
has found application in diverse fields rangingfrom agriculture to
urban planning. Crop health monitoring, crop yield estimation and
drought assessment arethe significant areas of application in the
agriculture and the allied fields. Soil mapping at different scales
withrelative ease has become a reality. IRS data has also been used
for Ground Water potential zone mapping andmineral targeting tasks.
The ocean applications of IRS data include potential fishing zone
identification andcoastal zone mapping. Forest cover mapping,
biodiversity characterisation and monitoring of forest fire is
nowcarried out using IRS imagery. IRS spacecraft provide timely
inputs to Flood and earthquake damage assessmentthereby providing
the necessary supportive strength to disaster management. Even in
the field of Archaeologicalsurvey, the utility of IRS imagery has
been well established. The judicious combination of information
derivedfrom space based imagery with the ground based socio
economic data is leading to a holistic approach forresource
monitoring and its management.
3. Village Resource Centre (VRC)
Combining the services offered by INSAT and IRS satellites, a
new concept namely Village Resource Centre(VRC) to provide
information on natural resources, land and water resources
management, tele-medicine,tele-education, adult education,
vocational training, health and family welfare programmes has been
established.Nearly 500 such VRCs have been established in the
country.
Future Programme
* Forthcoming Satellites
* Forthcoming Launches
* Future Launch Vehicle
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* Reusable Launch Vehicle
* Human Space Flights
* Space Science Missions
* Satellite Navigation (Gagan)
1. Forthcoming Satellites
ASTROSATASTROSAT is a first dedicated Indian Astronomy satellite
mission, which will enable multi-wavelength observations of the
celestial bodies and cosmic sources in X-ray and UV spectral
bandssimultaneously. The scientific payloads cover the Visible
(3500-6000 ), UV (1300-3000 ), soft and hardX-ray regimes (0.5-8
keV; 3-80 keV). The uniqueness of ASTROSAT lies in its wide
spectral coverageextending over visible, UV, soft and hard X-ray
regions.GSAT-6 / INSAT-4E The primary goal of GSAT-6/INSAT-4E,
which is a Multimedia broadcast satellite, isto cater to the
consumer requirements of providing entertainment and information
services to vehicles throughDigital Multimedia consoles and to the
Multimedia mobile Phones. The satellite carries a 5 spot beam BSS
and5 spot beam MSS. It will be positioned at 83 East longitude with
a mission life of 12 years, and planned to belaunched on-board
GSLV.GSAT-7 / INSAT-4FGSAT-7/INSAT-4F is a multi-band satellite
carrying payloadsin UHF, S-band, C-band and Ku-band. It is planned
to be launched onboard GSLV and positioned at 74East. The satellite
weighs 2330 kg with a payload power of 2000W and mission life of 9
years.GSAT-8 / INSAT-4G GSAT-8/INSAT-4G is a Ku-band satellite
carrying 18 Ku band transponders. It willalso carry a GPS Aided Geo
Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload with a mission life of 12
years andpositioned at 55 E longitude. This I-3K satellite with a
lift-off mass of 3150 kg and a payload power of5300W will be
launched on board ARIANE-5.GSAT-12 GSAT-12 is being realised as
replacement INSAT-3B. The satellite will carry 12 Extended
C-bandtransponders and will be positioned at 83 East longitude with
a mission life of 7 years. The bus system is basedon I-1K platform
with ASIC based BMU and 64 Ah Li-ion batteries. The satellite
weighs 1375 kg with apayload power of 550W and launch is planned
onboard PSLV during 2011.GSAT-9 GSAT-9 will carry 6 C band and 24
Ku band transponders with India coverage beam. The satelliteis
planned to be launched during 2011-12 with a mission life of 12
years and positioned at 48 East longitude.This I-2K satellite has a
liftoff mass of 2330 kg and payload power of 2300W.2. Forthcoming
Launches
PSLV-C16 Preparation for the next flight Polar Satellite Launch
Vehicle (PSLV-C16) carryingRESOURCESAT-2 is in advanced stage of
realisation. The PSLV-C16 is expected be launched in the
beginningof 2011.
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3. Future Launch Vehicle
GSLV-Mk IIIGSLV-Mk III is envisaged to launch four tonne
satellite into geosynchronous transfer
orbit. GSLV-Mk III is a three-stage vehicle with a 110 tonne
core liquid propellant stage (L-110) and a strap-on stage with two
solid propellant motors, each with 200 tonne propellant (S-200).
The upper stage will becryogenic with a propellant loading of 25
tonne (C-25). GSLV Mk-III will have a lift-off weight of about
629tonne and will be 42.4 m tall. The payload fairing will have a
diameter of 5 metre and a payload volume of 100cubic metre. GSLV Mk
III is planned to be launched during 2011-12.
4. Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD)
As a first step towards realizing a Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO)
fully re-usable launch vehicle, a series oftechnology demonstration
missions have been conceived. For this purpose a Winged Reusable
Launch Vehicletechnology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) has been configured.
The RLV-TD will act as a flying test bed to evaluatevarious
technologies viz., hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered
cruise flight and hypersonic flightusing air breathing propulsion.
First in the series of demonstration trials is the hypersonic
flight experiment(HEX).5. Human Space Flight Mission Programme
Proposal for a management plan for Human Spaceflight Programme
(HSP) was prepared and pre-projectactivities were approved. The
program envisages development of a fully autonomous orbital vehicle
carryingtwo or three crew members to about 300 km low earth orbit
and their safe return. It is planned to realise theprogramme in
2015-16 time frame.
6. Space Science Missions
(a) Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-II)The main objective
of SRE II is to realize a fullyrecoverable capsule and provide a
platform to conduct microgravity experiments on Micro-biology,
Agriculture,Powder Metallurgy, etc. SRE-2 is proposed to be
launched onboard PSLV-C19.(b) Chandrayaan-2Chandrayaan-2 mission is
planned to have an orbiter/lander/rover configuration. The
missionis expected to be realised by 2012 - 13. The science goals
of the mission is to further improve our understandingof origin and
evolution of the Moon using instruments onboard Orbiter and in-situ
analysis of lunar samples andstudies of lunar regolith properties
(remote & direct analysis) using Robots/Rovers.(c) Aditya-1The
First Indian space based Solar Coronagraph to study solar Corona in
visible and near IRbands. Launch of the Aditya mission is planned
during the next high solar activity period 2012. The mainobjectives
is to study the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) and consequently the
crucial physical parameters forspace weather such as the coronal
magnetic field structures, evolution of the coronal magnetic field
etc. This
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will provide completely new information on the velocity fields
and their variability in the inner corona having animportant
bearing on the unsolved problem of heating of the corona would be
obtained.(d) YouthSat is a participatory scientific mission with
payloads from both Russia and India. It would be carryingthree
scientific payloads one from Russia and two from India. It is a
micro satellite carrying scientific payloadswith participation from
universities at graduate, postgraduate and research scholar level
and would participatefrom testing of the payloads in laboratory to
the utilisation of the data from payloads. Participation of
youngscientists will inculcate interest in space related activities
and provide opportunities for realisation of futurescientific
payloads at the university level. YOUTHSAT is scheduled to be
launched as auxiliary satellite alongwith Indian remote sensing
satellite during beginning of 2011 with an orbital altitude of 630
km at aninclination of 97.9.7. Satellite Navigation GAGANThe
Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to implement an
indigenousSatellite-Based Regional GPS Augmentation System also
known as Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS)as part of the
Satellite-Based Communications, Navigation and Surveillance
(CNS)/Air Traffic Management(ATM) plan for civil aviation. The
Indian SBAS system has been given an acronym GAGAN - GPS AidedGEO
Augmented Navigation. A national plan for satellite navigation
including implementation of TechnologyDemonstration System (TDS)
over the Indian air space as a proof of concept has been prepared
jointly byAirports Authority of India (AAI) and ISRO. TDS was
successfully completed during 2007 by installing eightIndian
Reference Stations (INRESs) at eight Indian airports and linked to
the Master Control Center (MCC)located near Bangalore. The first
GAGAN navigation payload has been fabricated and it was proposed to
beflown on GSAT-4 during Apr 2010. However, GSAT-4 was not placed
in orbit as GSLV-D3 could notcomplete the mission. Two more GAGAN
payloads will be subsequently flown, one each on two
geostationarysatellites, GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.SATELLITE AND
ORBITS
For the past four decades, ISRO has launched more than 50
satellites for various scientific and technologicalapplications
like mobile communications, Direct-to-Home services, meteorological
observations, telemedicine,tele-education, disaster warning, radio
networking, search and rescue operations, remote sensing and
scientificstudies of the space.ISRO has established two major space
systems, the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) series
forcommunication, television broadcasting and meteorological
services which is Geo-Stationary Satellites, andIndian Remote
Sensing Satellites (IRS) system for resources monitoring and
management which is EarthObservation Satellites. ISRO has launched
many Experimental Satellites which are generally smallcomparing to
INSAT or IRS and Space Missions to explore the space.* (SROSS )
Stretched Rohini satellite series* (APPLE) Ariane Passenger Pay
Load Experiment* (RTP) Rohini Techonology Pay Load
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Geo Stationary Satellite
The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system which are placed in
Geo-stationary orbits is one of the largestdomestic communication
satellite systems in Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1983 with
commissioning ofINSAT-1B, it initiated a major revolution in Indias
communications sector and sustained the same later. INSATspace
segment consists of 24 satellites out of which 9 are in service
(INSAT-2E, INSAT-3A, INSAT-4B,INSAT-3C, INSAT-3E, KALPANA-1,
GSAT-2, INSAT-4A and INSAT-4CR)Earth observation Satellite
Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite system was commissioned
with the launch of IRS-1A, in 1988. Withnine satellites in
operation, IRS is the largest civilian remote sensing satellite
constellation in the world providingimageries in a variety of
spatial resolutions, spectral bands and swaths. The data is used
for several applicationscovering agriculture, water resources,
urban development, mineral prospecting, environment, forestry,
droughtand flood forecasting, ocean resources and disaster
management.Space Mission
Indian space programme encompasses research in areas like
astronomy, astrophysics, planetary and earthsciences, atmospheric
sciences and theoretical physics. Balloons, sounding rockets, space
platforms and ground-based facilities support these research
efforts. A series of sounding rockets are available for
atmosphericexperiments. Several scientific instruments have been
flown on satellites especially to direct celestial X-ray
andgamma-ray bursts.Experiment/Small Satellite
ISRO has launched many small satellites mainly for the
experimental purposes. This experiment include RemoteSensing,
Atmospheric Studies, Payload Development, Orbit Controls, recovery
technology etc.GROUND FACILITY
India has established a strong infrastructure for executing its
space programme. They include facilities for thedevelopment of
satellites and launch vehicles and their testing; launch
infrastructure for sounding rockets andsatellite launch vehicles;
telemetry, tracking and command network; data reception and
processing systems forremote sensing. A number of academic and
research institutions as well as industries participate in the
IndianSpace Programme. Several Indian industries have the expertise
to undertake sophisticated jobs required forspace systems. SDSC
SHAR has the necessary infrastructure for launching satellite into
low earth orbit, polarorbit and geostationary transfer orbit. The
launch complexes provide complete support for vehicle
assembly,fuelling, checkout and launch operations. Apart form
these, it has facilities for launching sounding rocketsmeant for
studying the earths atmosphere.
First Launch Pad The individual stages of PSLV or GSLV, their
subsystems and the spacecraft are preparedand checked out in
separate facilities before they are sent to launch pad for
integration A-76-meter tall mobileservice tower (MST) facilitates
the vertical integration of the vehicle. The foldable working
platforms of MST
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provide access to the vehicle at various elevations. A massive
launch pedestal, made up of steel plates, acts asthe base on which
the vehicle is integrated. The spacecraft is integrated to the
vehicle in a clean room, set upinside the MST. However, in the case
of GSLV, the spacecraft is interfaced with the payload adopter and
thenencapsulated in the heat shield in the preparation facility
itself. The encapsulated assembly is moved to thelaunch pad for
integrating with the 3rd stage of GSLV. The umbilical tower houses
the feed lines for liquidpropellants and high-pressure gases,
checkout cables, and chilled air duct for supplying cool air to the
satelliteand equipment bay. Second Launch Pad In order to provide
redundant facilities for launching the operationalPSLVs and GSLVs
and also to have quick turn around time for launch, an additional
launch pad with associatedfacilities was constructed. It was
designed to accommodate, both the present PSLVs and GSLVs, and also
thefuture launch vehicle configurations such as GSLV-MkIII. As per
the integrate, transfer and launch (ITL)concept, based on which the
new launch pad and the associated facilities are designed, the
entire vehicle isassembled and checked-out on a mobile pedestal in
the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and then moved invertical
position to the launch pad on a roll track.Other facilities
include, Solid Stage Assembly Building (SSAB)connected to the
Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) by a rail track, Technical
Complex-2 (TC2), SpacecraftPreparation Facility, Range
Instrumentation facilities comprising tracking, telemetry and
tele-command systemsTracking facility
ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) provides
mission support to low-earth orbitsatellites as well as launch
vehicle missions. ISTRAC has its headquarters and a multi-mission
SpacecraftControl Centre at Bangalore. It has a network of ground
stations at Bangalore, Lucknow, Sriharikota, PortBlair and
Thiruvananthapuram in India besides stations at Mauritius,
Bearslake (Russia), Brunei and Biak(Indonesia).ISTRAC activities
are organised into network operations, network augmentation,
mission operation andspacecraft health monitoring, communications
and computers and control centre facilities and
developmentprojects. Programme planning and reliability groups
support ISTRAC activities.The Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN),
commissioned during the year 2008, at Byalalu village near
Bangaloreforms the Ground segment for providing deep space support
for Indias prestigious and first Lunar mission,
theChandrayaan-1.The technical facilities in IDSN include a 32
metre Deep Space Antenna, an 18 metre AntennaTerminal, an 11 metre
Antenna Terminal, Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) and a
Technical Servicescomplex.The IDSN is the first of its kind project
in the country that provides ISRO the capability to handle deep
spacemissions of India and also provides cross support to other
deep space missions of external space agenciesbecause of its
inter-operable features and state-of-the-art capabilities.
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NEW DEVELOPMENTS
2012 was a memorable year for the Indian Space programme with
two successful launches of Polar SatelliteLaunch Vehicle (PSLV)
from Sriharikota, of which one orbited Indias Radar Imaging
Satellite (RISAT-1) andthe other a French Remote Sensing Satellite
SPOT-6 and the Japanese satellite PROITERES.The successfullaunch of
SPOT-6 and PROITERES had the added significance since PSLV-C21
mission that launched themwas the 100th Indian space mission.
Besides, it was the twenty first successive successful launch of
PSLV. TheHonourable Prime Minister of India witnessed this historic
launch live from Satish Dhawan Space CentreSHAR, Sriharikota.An
advanced Indian Communication Satellite GSAT-10, which is the
heaviest Indian satellite to be built byISRO, was launched from
French Guyana using the European Launch vehicle ARIANE-V. RISAT-1,
GSAT-10 as well as the two foreign satellites launched by PSLV are
functioning well. RISAT-1 and GSAT-10 havesignificantly enhanced
our national capabilities for various space applications. RISAT-1,
launched on April 26, 2012, is state-of-the-art remote sensing
satellite to provide data to Indianuser community. It is the first
microwave Radar Imaging Satellite built by ISRO. RISAT-1, using an
activeradar sensor system, namely, a C-band Synthetic Aperture
Radar imager, is an important microwave complementto its optical
IRS series of earth observation missions. RISAT-1 can image the
Earths surface day and night aswell as in adverse weather
conditions. The1858 kg RISAT-1 is the heaviest satellite launched
by PSLV so far. Indias advanced communication satellite, GSAT-10,
carrying a total of 30 communications transponders inC, Extended C
and Ku-bands as well as a two-channel GPS Aided Geo Augmented
Navigation (GAGAN)payload operating in L1 and L5 bands, was
launched by European Ariane-V launch vehicle on September 29,2012.
The satellite was later placed in the intended geostationary
orbital slot of 83 degree E longitude. Thetransponders are in the
process of augmenting thecapacity of the INSAT system while the
GAGAN payload is intended to provide the Satellite Based
AugmentationSystem through which the accuracy of the positioning
information obtained from the GPS Satellites is improved. ISRO
currently has a constellation of 9 communication satellites, 1
Meteorological satellite, 10 Earth observationsatellites and 1
scientific satellite.Launch Vehicle Programme
Activities for the realisation of Geosynchronous Satellite
Launch Vehicle Mark II with indigenous cryogenicengine and stage
for launching communication and meteorological satellites of two
ton class into GeosynchronousTransfer Orbit and GSLV-Mark III
capable of launching four ton satellites are progressing well.
SARAL, an oceanographic satellite built jointly by ISRO and the
French space agency CNES was successfullylaunched on February 25,
2013 by PSLV-C20. The Honourable President of India was present at
SatishDhawan Space Centre to witness the launch. SARAL carries a
Ka-band altimeter and ARGOS data collectionsystem payload.
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Research and development activities in semi-cryogenic propulsion
engine, air breathing propulsion and re-usable launch vehicle
technology are also being pursued vigorously in an effort towards
reducing the cost ofaccess to space. Development of critical
technologies for undertaking human spaceflight has also made
furtherprogress.Satellite ProgrammeFollowing the launch of GSAT-10
and its subsequent placement in its designated geostationary
orbital slotduring the year, the following satellites are being
built for meeting the countrys future requirements. GSAT-14
satellite, envisaged to enhance extended C-band and Ku-band
communication transponder capacity,carries 6 Extended C-band and 6
Ku-band Transponders as well as 2 Ka-Band Beacons and is planned to
belaunched in the forthcoming launch of GSLV-D5 in 2013. IRNSS-1A,
the first satellite of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
(IRNSS) constellation is plannedto be launched onboard PSLV in
2013. GSAT-7, a multi-band satellite, is planned to be launched
onboard a procured launcher during 2013. INSAT-3D is a state-of-the
art meteorological satellite with 6 channel Imager and 19 channel
Sounderpayloads. The satellite will be located at 82 degree E
longitude in geostationary orbit.The satellite is planned tobe
launched onboard a procured launcher during 2013.
DEFENCE
The Department of Defence Production was set up in 1962, in the
aftermath of the Chinese aggression tocreate a self-reliant and
self-sufficient indigenous defence production base . In November,
1965, Departmentof Defence Supplies was created to forge linkages
between the civil industries and defence production units.The two
departments were merged in December, 1984 into the Department of
Defence Production andSupplies. The Department of Defence
Production and Supplies has been renamed as Department of
DefenceProduction w.e.f. January, 2004. Since 1962, 16 new Ordnance
Factories have been set up. Their capacitieshave been augmented and
modernised selectively keeping in mind the emerging requirements of
the ArmedForces. All the Ordnance Factories and Defence Public
Sector Undertaking (DPSUs) are engaged in the taskof manufacture of
equipment and stores for Defence Services. One more Ordnance
Factory is being setup inNalanda, Bihar. In addition, capacities of
civil sectors are also utilised for the purpose. The following
DPSUsare functioning under the administrative control of the
Department:-
i Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)ii Bharat Electronics
Limited (BEL)iii Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)iv Mazagon Dock
Ltd (MDL)v Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
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vi Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE)vii
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)viii Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited
(MIDHANI)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
was established in October 1964 bymerging Hindustan Aircraft
Limited and Aeronautics India Limited. It is engaged in the design,
development,manufacture, repair and overhaul of aircraft,
helicopters, engines and their accessories. The Company has
12divisions located in six states. Its registered office is at
Bangalore. HAL has evolved into a large AeronauticsComplex and has
built up comprehensive skills in Design, Manufacature and overhaul
of Fighters, Trainers,Helicopters, Transport Aircraft, Engines,
Avionics and System Equipment. Its product tract record consists
of11 types of Aircraft from in- house R&D and 13 type by
licence production inclusive of 8 types of AeroEngines and over 900
items of Aircraft System Equipment (Avionics, Mechanical,
Electrical). The Companyhas the requisite core competence base with
demonstrated potential to become a global player. The Companyhas
exports to more than 20 countries, having demonstrated its quality
and price competitiveness. It has alsodiversified into the field of
Industrial & Marine Gas Turbine business and Real-time software
business.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) The Bharat Electronics Limited,
established in 1954 with its corporateoffice at Bangalore , has
nine units in the country. It is engaged in the design, development
and manufacture ofsophisticated state-or-the-art electronics
equipment components for the use of the defence services,
para-military organisations and other governmental users such as
All India Radio, Doordarshan, Department ofTelecommunications,
Police Wireless Departments, Meteorological Department etc. On line
computerisationfor material management, state-of-the-art test
facilities, facilities for carrying out environment and
reliabilitychecks, electro-magnetic Interference/Electro-Magnetic
Compatibility Testing facility, antenna testing facility,back-up
support from standardisation technical information and
documentation, computer aided design andmanufacture have made BEL a
modern and professional electronic company.
Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) The Bharat Earth Movers
Limited was established in May 1964and commenced operations from
January 1965. With the disinvestment of shares of BEML, Government
ofIndia is still the major shareholder as of end March 2002,
holding over 61.23% of equity shares of thecompany.
BEMLs manufacturing units located at Bangalore, Kolar Gold Fields
(KGF) and Mysore.
All the production units of BEML are fully equipped with
necessary general purpose machines and specialpurpose machines like
extra heavy duty machines, Computer Numerically Controlled boring
machines (CNCmachines), CNC bevel generating system of Gleason
design, flexible manufacturing system, heavy and largesize
fabrication facility, welding robots, etc., to manufacture
transmission and axles, Hydraulic control values,cylinders and
pumps, diesel engines, railway coaches, rail buses, railway wagons,
Alternating Current Electrical
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Multiple Units (ACEMUs), heavy duty all terrain multi axle
trucks, earth moving machinery and Trackedmilitary vehicles like
armoured recovery vehicles, self proplelled gun, tanks and other
military vehicles likeheavy recovery vehicles, bridge laying tank,
truck based mobile bridge system, mounted gun system on
truckchassis, rocket launcher system etc.
Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL)
The Mazagon Dock Limited, which was established in 1960, is the
premier defence shipyard in the country,has a capacity to build
warships upto 6,000 DWT and merchant ship upto 27,000 DWT. Its
product rangeincludes submarines, missile boats, destroyers,
frigates and corvettes for the Indian Navy and patrol vessels
forthe Coast Guard. It has diversified products for the oil
exploration sector through production and installationof wellhead
platforms and diving services for coating/laying sub-sea
pipelines.
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
The Goa Shipyard Limited was established in the year 1957. After
the liberation of Goa , it became a PublicSector Undertaking under
the Ministry of Defence in 1967. Goa Shipyard Limited builds a
variety of modern,medium sized and special purpose ships for the
Defence and Civil sectors.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
BDL was established in 1970 and made great strides in the past
few decades making contribution in theremarkable achievements in
Defence Production and meeting needs of the nation.
In the present globalised market, change usually involves
restructuring, repositioning and securing a viablefuture.
Addressing and managing change allows us to remain competitive over
the long term Fear of failure,feeling of threatened and paucity of
information are issues that reflect upon the basic self-confidence
anddealing with these issues requires strategies and agenda for
action.
In this context, BDL like any other corporate entity, is also
faced with the critical task of making headway inGlobalised Defence
Market successfully. While the trend of Economic Globalisation will
continue to provideexpanded opportunities and challenges, it is
incumbent upon BDL to develop a vision and devise strategies
forbuilding on its strengths and be prepared to face the upcoming
threats.
A fundamental change in business and economic practices has
created a flood of knowledge into diverse andchanging needs of
defence of our nation. BDL is now living in an era where timeframes
for decision makinghave been reduced and rapid change in
fragmenting the rules of the game.
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For understanding this nature of change requires looking beyond
what is fragmenting in the present and focusupon what is coming
together as new systems of operations and rules of game.
Sweeping changes are on the anvil which are to be visualised by
us and should not tend to focus on limitationsset by the prevailing
environment. We cannot afford to become prisoners of the present
but have to take a hardlook of the future.
BDL made an enviable mark in the field of defence production and
supplies till now, while gearing up for thefuture. BDL is ready and
vibrating to breed new strategies to face and shape the future. BDL
is confident thatit will conquer the changing paradigms with
clinical swiftness and surgical precision, backed by
tremendouscapabilities built in earlier
Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI)
The Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), was incorporated as
Public Sector Undertaking in 1973 atHyderabad to achieve
self-reliance in the areas of super-alloys, titanium alloys and
special purpose steelrequired for strategic sectors like
Aeronautics, Space, Armaments, Atomic Energy, Navy special products
likemolybdenum wires and plates, titanium and stainless steel
tubes, alloys for electrical and electronic applicationlike soft
magnetic alloys controlled expansion alloys and resistance
alloys.
MISSILE TECHONOLOGY
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was
formed in 1983 with the aim ofachieving self-sufficiency in missile
development & production and today comprises of five core
missile programsthe strategic Agni ballistic missile, the tactical
Prithvi ballistic missile, the Akash and Trishul
surface-to-airmissiles and the Nag anti-tank guided missile. The
program has given India the capability to produce
indigenousmissiles in other key areas and a few known missiles
under development have been listed below. By enforcingthe Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to stop supplies of all kinds of
missile material, Westernnations are trying to prevent India from
developing these strategic and tactical missiles. Undaunted by this
high-level conspiracy, hats off to all the brilliant Indian
scientists who have toiled so hard, in their dedicated efforts,that
they managed to develop these missiles.The Prithvi (Earth) is a
single stage, dual engine, liquid fuel (red fuming nitric acid as
an oxidiser, with a 50/50mix of xylidiene and triethylamine as
fuel), road-mobile, short-range ballistic missile which began
design in1983 and was first tested in 1988. The missile has a
length of 9 metres, a diameter of 1.1 metres and a weightof 4000
kg. It has a unique appearance, with four delta-shaped wings midway
down the fuselage. The missilesvolatile liquid fuel launch mode
must be loaded immediately prior to launch, which might prove to be
adisadvantage in the field. However liquid fuel gives better
accuracy and the missile crews who operate them
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undergo intense training in three general phases; missile
sub-system, handling & maintenance. An advancedsimulator has
been developed to train the missile crews in its operation. Liquid
fuel also provides the capability,for in-flight manoeuvring; the
missile is capable of being manoeuvred up to 15 in flight. Prithvi
has a distinctivedesign, using a particular gyro system with a
uniquely configured software. When the flight is in progress,
thedrift can be monitored through the on-board computer. It has
other innovations as well; the type of thrusttermination is so
innovatively configured that for a multiple payload, multiple
ranges can be achieved. Thestrap-down inertial guidance system has
a twin microprocessor-based computer integrated with
interrupt-driven, real time software. Its navigation system guides
it to the target within a CEP (Circular Error Probable)equal to 01%
of its range. During one test, the missile reportedly achieved a
high accuracy rate, which suggeststhat guidance system may include
the capability of feeding GPS inputs into its inertial navigation
system.Initiallytwo variants were developed at DRDO, one for the
Army and the other for the Air Force, but presently theSS-250 is
only variant being produced at Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL),
Hyderabad. The Army version,designated as the SS-150 had a range of
150 km and could carry up to a maximum of a 1000 kg as itspayload.
The Air Force version, designated as the SS-250 had a
range of 250 km and could carry up to a maximum of a 500 kg as
its payload. By using boosted liquidpropellant to generate more
thrust-to-weight ratio, DRDO has increased the payload of the
SS-250 to1000 kg. The Prithvi reportedly has the highest
warhead-weight to overall-weight of any missile in its class.The
Agni-I (Fire) is a 15-metre tall, 12-ton, single-stage,
solid-fuelled, medium range ballistic missile. Themissile is
smaller than its big brother - the Agni-II IRBM - in dimensions and
range, but can still carry a one tonnuclear payload to most targets
in Pakistan without having to be deployed at the borders. The core
and triggerscan be swiftly assembled by BARC (Bhaba Atomic Research
Centre) and DRDO (Defense Research &Development Organisation) -
within Indias avowed no-first-use paradigm. Agni-I is also designed
to belaunched from a rail-based mobile launcher; one that can move
on a standard broad-gauge rail system and alsofrom a road-mobile
launcher system. DRDOs Ahmednagar-based VRDE (Vehicle Research
& DevelopmentEstablishment) and the Pune-based R&DE
(Research & Development Engineers) played important roles
invalidating the tractor-cum-transporter-cum-launcher. A mobile
missile system reduces vulnerability and allowsfor greater
operational flexibility, while critics feel that the cost of these
mobile systems could be higher and thatthey greatly increase the
time for moving from one place to another.
The Agni (Fire) is an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile which
had begun development in 1979. It becamepart of Indias Integrated
Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) in 1983. The first Agni
test occurredon 22 May 1989, and two more tests were conducted on
29 May 1992 and 19 February 1994. These testswere technology
test-beds (TTBs) for developing vehicle structure, integration,
navigation and control, flightdynamics and re-entry vehicle
technology. The TTBs achieved a maximum range of 1500 km, however
themain drawback was the missiles solid-liquid propulsion
configuration, which seemed unsuitable for an operational
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IRBM. Thus the Agni-II was developed, which had a length of 20
metres, a diameter of 1.3 metres andweighs 16 tonnes, and is an
improvement over its predecessor which had a length of 21 metres
and weighed19 tonnes.The Astra missile programme is headed by the
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Thegoal of
this programme is to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with an
indigenously-designed beyond visualrange (BVR) air-to-air missile
to equip the IAFs Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Su-30MKI and the future
LightCombat Aircraft (LCA). A model of the Astra was first shown to
the public at Aero India in December 1998.On 25 July 2001 in Indian
Parliament, then-incumbent Defence Minister Jaswant Singh said that
a feasibilitystudy for the Astra has commenced, after the
completion of which a project for development of the Astra
isplanned to be undertaken. Development of this missile is likely
to take about seven to eight years. Unconfirmedreports state that
the first ground-launched ballistic tests of the Astra airframe are
planned for 2003. TheMirage 2000H has been designated as the first
potential platform for the Astra when the weapon enters serviceat
the end of this decade.
The Astra missile uses a terminal active radar-seeker to find
targets and a mid-course internal guidance systemwith updates, to
track targets. The on-board ECCM capability allows it to jam radar
signals from an enemysurface-to-air battery, ensuring that the
missile is not tracked or shot down. This indigenous missile is
intendedto have performance characteristics similar to the
R-77RVV-AE (AA-12), which currently forms part of theIAFs missile
armoury. The missile is 3.8 metres long and is said to be
configured like a longer version of theSuper 530D, narrower in
front of the wings. Astra uses a HTPB solid-fuel propellant and a
15 kg HE (high-explosive) warhead, activated by a proximity fuse.
The missile has a maximum speed of Mach 4+ and amaximum altitude of
20 km. The missile can reportedly undertake 40 g turns close to sea
level, when attackinga manoeuvring target. Although designed to use
a locally-developed solid fuel propellant, DRDO is also lookingat
rocket/ramjet propulsion to provide greater range and enhanced
kinematic performance.The Nag (Cobra) is a third generation, all
weather, top-attack, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile. It
isone of five missile systems developed by the Defence Research
& Development Organization (DRDO) underthe Integrated Guided
Missile Development Program (IGMDP). Design work on the missile
started in 1988and the first tests were carried out in November
1990 The missile uses a tandem HEAT (High Explosive AntiTank)
warhead to penetrate ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) or composite
(Chobham type) armour that isfound in the latest tanks [2]. The
system is expected to supercede Indian production of the Soviet
origin9K113 Konkours (NATO: AT-5 Spandrel) and Euromissile Milan M2
anti-tank missiles As originally conceived,the Nag would have been
available with three different types of guidance, These included a
wire guidedversion, an infra-red version and a millimetric wave
(mmW) version. The cumbersome nature of a wire guidancesystem had
led to plans for this being dropped [4]. Currently, guidance is
based on an imaging infra-red (IIR)passive seeker that ensures a
high-hit accuracy in both top- and front-attack modes. The mmW
seeker, on the
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other hand, is intended to operate as an optional system that
can replace the IIR passive seeker as a module.Also incorporated
into the guidance system, is a CCD camera. The missile has a weight
of 42 kg and canengage targets at ranges up to 6 km. The Nag is
claimed to be first anti-tank missile which has a
completefiberglass structure
The Trishul (Trident) is a short range, quick reaction, all
weather surface-to-air missile designed to counter alow-level
attack. It has been flight tested in the sea-skimming role and also
against moving targets. It has arange of 9 km and is fitted with a
5.5 kg HE-fragmented warhead. Its detection of target to missile
launch isaround 6 seconds. The missile can engage targets like
aircraft and helicopters, flying between 300 m/s and 500m/s by
using its radar command-to-line-of-sight guidance. It operates in
the K-band (20 - 40 GHz), whichmakes it difficult to jam. In the
K-band three-beam system, the missile is initially injected into a
wide beam,which then hands it over to a medium beam, which passes
over to a narrow beam, guiding it to the target. TheTrishul SAM,
being test-fired from a launcher at INS Dronacharya.
RINS -Ring Laser Gyro based INS-GPS-Glonass for long range
missiles and Aircraft.
Su-30M (MK-export version) is a standard Su-30 with the
air-to-ground missiles which can carry twice
the armament (8 tons) compared to the baseline Su-27. The Su-30
export variant of the formidable
Su-27 Flanker, can carry the latest Russian air-to-air missiles,
including the medium-range R-27
family, the short-range R-73 and the new medium-range R-77
AMRAAM-ski. The Sukhoi-30K has a
range in excess of 3,000km, which means it can easily patrol
offshore installations without requiring
aerial refuelling.
DRDOs (lab and Establishment)
Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) was envisaged in
1961 as one of the modern armamentresearch laboratories under the
Department of Defence Research & DevelopmentThe laboratory
became fullyoperational in 1967 and was formally inaugurated in
January 1968 by the then Defence Minister. While themain laboratory
is situated in Chandigarh, the firing range, spread over an area of
5000 acre, is located atRamgarh in Haryana, 22 km away from
Chandigarh.ANURAG was established on May 2nd 1988 to execute
specific, time-bound projects/programmes leadingto the development
of custom designed computing systems and software packages for
numerical analysis andother applications.To design and develop
advanced computing systems, especially those based on
state-of-theart concepts like parallel architectures as well as
associated systems and sub-systems.ARDE Established in 1958,
Armament Research & Development Establishment is on the
threshold of the fifthdecade of its existence, under Defence
Research & Development Organisation.
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CAIR Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) was
established in Oct 1986. Its research focuswas initially in the
areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Control
systems. In November 2000, R &D groups working in the areas of
Command Control Communication and Intelligence (C3I)
systems,Communication and Networking, and Communication Secrecy in
Electronics and Radar DevelopmentEstablishment (LRDE) were merged
with CAIRWith this, CAIR has become the premier laboratory for
R&Din different areas in Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) as applicable to Defence.CFEES This establishment
presently known by the name as CFEES (Centre for Fire, Environment
& ExplosiveSafety) got its name in 2003. Before that its name
was CEES. The CFEES was established in the year 1992by the merger
of three erstwhile establishments viz. (I) DRDO Computer Centre,
Delhi, (ii) Directorate ofExplosives Safety, DRDO, HQ, and (iii)
Fire Advisers Office DRDO, HQ.CVRDE Combat Vehicles Research &
Development Establishment (CVRDE) has its origin as the
ChiefInspectorate of Mechanical Transport Establishment, set up at
Chaklala (now situated in Pakistan) in 1929.AfterIndependence of
India, this establishment was moved to Ahmednagar to form Technical
DevelopmentEstablishment (TDE - Vehicles). It was later transformed
into Vehicle Research & Development Establishment(VRDE),
Ahmednagar.DARE Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE)
initially started as a Project Laboratory - AdvancedSystems
Integration and Evaluation Organisation (ASIEO), which was
established in 1986 at Bangalore topursue the goal of enhancing the
operational capabilities of Indian Air Force through modern
technologies.Over the last decade, DARE has made rapid progress in
the areas of Airborne Electronic Warfare, AirborneProcessors and
Testing & Evaluation of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. It has
implemented concepts inconcurrent engineering in partnership with
the Industry in order to achieve shorter design to induction
timeframes and seamless transfer of technology. DARE has two major
wings - the Electronic Warfare (EW) wingand the Mission Avionics
Wing (MAW)DEBEL Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical
Laboratory (DEBEL) was formed in April 1982 bybringing together the
Aero Bioengineering Unit (ABEU) located in ADE campus and the
ElectromedicalInstrumentation Division (EMID) of LRDE located at
LRDE campus.INMAS At the instance of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the
first Prime Minister of India, a Radiation Cell wasestablished in
1956 at Defence Science Laboratory, Delhi. The initial assignment
was to undertake a study onthe consequences of the use of nuclear
and other weapons of mass destructionBut it was soon realised
thatnuclear energy can also be harnessed for the good of the
mankind. Radioisotopes could find peaceful medicalapplications. The
scope of work was, therefore, enlarged and the cell upgraded to
Radiation Medicine Divisionin 1959.LASTEC The Laser Science And
Technology Centre had its beginning in 1950 as the Defence
ScienceLaboratory (DSL)) established as a nucleus laboratory of
DRDO (then known as Defence ScienceOrganisation). In the beginning,
DSL operated from the National Physical Laboratory building.Later,
on April9th 1960, it was shifted to Metcalfe House and inaugurated
by then Raksha Mantri Dr Krishna Menon in the
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presence of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. DSL had seeded for as many as
15 present DRDO labs with core groupsworking in many diverse area.
In 1982, the Laboratory moved to a new technical building in
Metcalfe Housecomplex and was rechristened as Defence Science
Centre.
INDIAN AIR FORCE
The Indian Air Force (IAF) today, having completed the Platinum
Jubilee of dedicated service to the nation, isa modern,
technology-intensive force distinguished by its commitment to
excellence and professionalism. Keepingpace with the demands of
contemporary advancements, the IAF continues to modernise in a
phased mannerand today it stands as a credible air power counted
amongst the fore-most professional services in the world.The
primacy of Air Power will be a decisive factor in shaping the
outcome of future conflicts. In line with thisdictum, the Indian
Air Force (IAF) has developed into a major Component of National
Power, which can beapplied quickly and decisively. The IAF has
reoriented itself to a multi-role capability of platforms and
equipment,along with multi-skill capability of personnel. The rapid
economic growth of the country dictates the need toprotect our
security interests extending from the Persian Gulf to the Straits
of Malacca.Over the years the IAF has grown from a tactical force
to one with transoceanic reach. The strategic reachemerges from
induction of Force Multipliers like Flight Refuelling Aircraft
(FRA), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) and credible strategic lift
capabilities. There is emphasis on acquiring best of technology
through acquisitionsor upgradation, be it aircraft, systems,
precision missiles or net centricity. The main inductions and
acquisitionsby Indian Air Force are given in the following
paras.
IAF has started upgrading its combat aircraft fleet since the
last few years in order to enhance its operationalcapability and
maintain its aircraft as modern weapon platforms, capable of
meeting the present challengesposed by the security scenario in our
region. Of the available fleet, MiG-21, MiG-27 and Jaguar aircraft
havealready been upgraded and Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 aircraft are
planned for upgradation. The Indian AirForce is considering upgrade
of its medium lift helicopters comprising Mi-8, Mi-17 and
Mi-17-IVs, as also theAN - 32 transport aircraft, with the aim of
improving their overall capability.
The IAF today is in the process of a most comprehensive
modernisation plan. Over the next few years, theforce would induct
more Su-30 aircraft, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the Medium
Multi Role CombatAircraft (MMRCA). There are plans to augment the
helicopter and transport fleets too. The IAF has initiatedthe
process for acquisition of additional Mi-17 IV helicopters, heavy
lift helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopterand Light Combat
Helicopters. For the transport fleet, induction of Boeing Business
Jets (BBJ), Flight RefuellingAircraft (FRA) and Airborne Warning
and Control Systems (AWACS), Heavy Transport Aircraft
(HETAC),C-130J Hercules and Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) is also
planned. Among trainer aircraft, the HawkAdvanced Jet Trainer has
been inducted and the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) would be
acquired in the nearfuture. The IAF is also in the process of
acquiring radars in various categories to meet the Air
Defencerequirements, accurate and advanced weapons, Network Centric
Warfare systems, etc, to meet its assignedtasks.
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Helicopters
The IAFs helicopter fleet has steadily increased in numbers over
the past twenty years, blossoming from ahandfull of U.S. types in
the 60s to over 500 French, Indian and Soviet built types. The
pride of the force is,undoubtedly, the Mi-26 heavy lift helicopter
which has been operated by No. 126 H.U. with outstanding resultsin
the mountains of Northern India. The bulk of rotorcraft are Mi-17s
and Mi-8s, well over one hundred ofthese types serving in
Helicopter Units throughout the country, playing a vital logistic
support role. Mi-8s areoperated for commando assault tasks, for
ferrying supplies and personnel to remote mountain helipads
andjungle clearings, carrying out SAR (Search and Research
Operations) and logistic support tasks in the islandterritories,
employed with the Indian permanent station in the Antarctica and so
on.
The smaller Alouette III, renamed Chetak, is as ubiquitous,
being employed for casevac(Casualty Evacuation),communi- cations
and liaison duties with the IAF having received over 150 examples
of this versatile rotorcraft.
In 1986, however, the Government of India formally constituted
the Armys Aviation Corps and most Chetakand Cheetahs operating in
AOP Squadrons were transferred from the Air Force on 1st November
1986. TheAir Force continues to fly armed Chetaks in the anti-tank
role as well as for CASEVAC and general duties whilethe lighter
Cheetah is operated by (FAC) flights.
In May 1984, No. 125 Helicopter Unit was formed with the
formidable Mi-25 gunship helicopter, used tomuch effect in Sri
Lanka. The upgraded Mi 35 has followed in April 1990, with No. 104
HU being reequippedwith the type. Future requirements for armed
helicopters are planned to be met by the indigenous AdvancedLight
Helicopter (ALH) named DHRUV, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics
Ltd.SU-30 : Twin seater twin engine multirole fighter of Russian
origin which carries 130 mm GSH gun alongwith8000 kg external
armament. It is capable of carrying a variety of medium-range
guided air to air missiles withactive or semi-active radar or Infra
red homing close range missiles. It has a max speed of 2500 km/hr
(Mach2.35).Mirage-2000 : A single seater air defence and multi-role
fighter of French origin powered by a single enginecan attain max
speed of 2495 km/hr(Mach 2.3). It carries two 30 mm integral
cannons and two matra super530D medium-range and two R-550 magic II
close combat missiles on external stations.MiG-29 : Twin engine,
single seater air superiority fighter aircraft of Russian origin
capable of attaining max.speed of 2445 km per hour (Mach-2.3). It
has a combat ceiling of 17 km. It carries a 30 mm cannonalongwith
four R-60 close combat and two R-27 R medium range radar guided
missiles.MiG-27 : Single engine, single seater tactical strike
fighter aircraft of Russian origin having a max. speed of1700 km/hr
(Mach 1.6). It carries one 23 mm six-barrel rotary integral cannon
and can carry upto 4000 kg ofother armament externally.
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MiG-23 MF : Single engine, single seater swing wing air
superiority fighter of Russian origin carrying one 23mm twin barrel
gun and two R-23R/T medium range and two R-60 close combat
missiles. It has a max speedof 2446 km/hr (Mach 2.3).MiG-21 BIS :
Single engine, single seater multirole fighter/ground attack
aircraft of Russian origin whichforms the back-bone of the IAF. It
has a max speed of 2230 km/hr (Mach 2.1) and carries one 23mm
twinbarrel cannon with four R-60 close combat missiles.Jaguar : A
twin-engine, single seater deep penetration strike aircraft of
Anglo-French origin which has a max.speed of 1350 km /hr (Mach
1.3). It has two 30mm guns and can carry two R-350 Magic CCMs
(overwing)alongwith 4750 kg of external stores (bombs/fuel).IL-76 :
A four engine heavy duty/long haul military transport aircraft of
Russian origin with a max speed of 850km/hr. It has a twin 23 mm
cannon in tail turret and capacity to carry 225 paratroopers or 40
tonnes freight, wheeled or tracked armoured vehicles.AN-32 : Twin
engine turboprop, medium tactical transport aircraft of Russian
origin with a crew of five andcapacity to carry 39 paratroopers or
max load of 6.7 tonnes. It has a max cruise speed of 530 km/hr.
AVRO : Twin engine turboprop, military transport and freighter of
British origin having a capacity of 48paratroopers or 6 tonnes
freight and max cruise speed of 452 km/hr.Dornier : Twin engine
turboprop, logistic air support staff transport aircraft of German
origin capable ofcarrying 19 passengers or 2057 kg freight. It has
a max speed of 428 km/hr.Boeing 737-200 : Twin engine turbofan, VIP
passeng