ISRO Annual Report

The recently published ISRO annual report 2023-24 highlights significant advancements in during last year. Here are some of the achievements especially in the field Earth Observation and Navigation system.

The report highlights significant advancements in satellite data reception, processing, and applications by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the context of the Indian Space Policy 2023. The primary aim is to enhance remote sensing capabilities and accessibility to support various user communities, including agriculture, water resources, and disaster management.

Satellite data reception

ISRO’s satellite data reception systems focus on archiving and processing payload data from both Indian and foreign remote sensing satellites to ensure comprehensive coverage. In 2023, ISRO supported 15 Indian missions and 9 foreign missions, successfully receiving approximately 10,494 satellite passes with an impressive efficiency rate exceeding 99.8%.

ISRO has made notable strides in technology development for satellite data reception:
• Tri-band Antenna Systems: New in-house designed tri-band antennas (S/X/Ka) enhance data reception across multiple frequency bands.
• Servo Control Loops: Implementation of advanced control systems on antenna drives has improved tracking accuracy to within 100 milli-degrees.
• Machine Learning Models: These models have been developed to improve the pointing accuracy of the 7.5-meter antenna systems, achieving targeted precision levels.

The report emphasizes the importance of data processing and dissemination, particularly through the Bhoonidhi portal, which was enhanced to provide free and open access to remote sensing data as per the Indian Space Policy 2023. This portal facilitates user engagement by allowing downloads of extensive datasets, including those collected since 1988.

In 2023, ISRO processed over 640,150 satellite data sets, generating approximately 268,558 products available for open access. Significant upgrades to the Bhoonidhi portal have improved the user experience, including new features for data searchability and visualization.

Remote sensing applications

ISRO’s remote sensing capabilities are being effectively utilized across various sectors:
• Agriculture: Satellite data has been pivotal for yield estimation and drought impact assessments, providing critical information to state governments. Specific projects have been implemented to enhance agricultural productivity and monitor crop health.
• Water Resources: The development of a national hydrology modeling framework utilizes geospatial and hydro-meteorological datasets to compute water balance components. This framework aids in flood management and drought monitoring.
• Forestry and Ecology: Satellite data is being employed for estimating forest biomass and detecting long-duration fire events, demonstrating its versatility in environmental monitoring.

Disaster Management Support

ISRO’s commitment to disaster management is underscored by its realtime monitoring of natural disasters. The organization has utilized multi-sensor and multi-temporal satellite datasets to map and monitor significant flood events across 14 states, providing valuable insights to disaster response organizations. Moreover, ISRO has generated comprehensive atlases, such as the Flood Affected Area Atlas and the Landslide Atlas, which compile historical data on flood and landslide occurrences to support risk assessment and management efforts. These resources are made available on national disaster management portals.

ISRO actively participates in international initiatives to support disaster response efforts worldwide. Under the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, ISRO provided assistance for 29 events across 24 countries in 2023, delivering a total of 170 products. Similarly, cooperation through Sentinel Asia resulted in servicing 31 requests, further showcasing ISRO’s commitment to global collaboration in emergency management.

Navigation Systems

India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate positioning services over India and an area extending 1,500 km beyond its borders. ISRO has developed both the space and ground infrastructure necessary for this system, continuously promoting its utilization in civilian sectors such as land transportation, aviation, maritime operations, mapping, surveying, geodesy, telecommunications, and more. Additionally, the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system, which ISRO established for civil aviation, is supported by ground infrastructure provided by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Major Developments in 2023
1. NavIC Base Layer Constellation: The NVS-01 satellite, launched on May 29, 2023, marked a significant addition to the NavIC constellation. It introduces advanced features, including an optimized long code, a civilian L1 signal, and an indigenous atomic clock (iRAFS). Following successful in-orbit tests in June 2023, the satellite was cleared for navigation operations in July. With the inclusion of NVS-01, the base layer now comprises five operational satellites (IRNSS-1B, 1C, 1F, 1I, and NVS-01).
2. Aadhaar Enrolment Devices: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is procuring NavIC-enabled receivers for use in Aadhaar enrolment centers. A technical committee, including ISRO experts, is finalizing the technology and encryption algorithms for these receivers.
3. National Disaster Warning System: The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has implemented a Common Alert Protocol (CAP) for various natural disasters. NavIC messaging has been integrated into this system, and the service is accessible to the public through the Sachet mobile app.
4. Consumer Devices: Over 50 mobile handsets in India are now equipped with NavIC capabilities. This includes devices from well-known manufacturers as well as domestically produced handsets. Consumergrade devices such as wearables and trackers are increasingly using small, low-power GNSS chips, with future NavIC satellites providing civilian signals in the L1 band alongside existing signals in L5 and S-bands.
5. Indigenous Multi-GNSS Chip: Under a MeitY contract, Indian company Accord has developed a multi-GNSS SPS chip based on NavIC. The chip has passed technical evaluations and is now cleared for production.
6. Indigenous Reference Receiver:
A tri-band reference receiver (L1, L5, and S-band) has been developed and integrated into the NavIC ground segment, enhancing operational capabilities.
7. Industry Standards:
▪ Maritime Equipment: The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has released the IEC 61108-6 standard for NavICbased maritime receiver equipment, with ISRO contributing to its formulation. A related standard for augmentation systems, including GAGAN, is under review.
▪ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established the national standard IS 18381:2023 for general-purpose drones, which incorporates NavIC specifications for navigation systems. ISRO has actively participated in developing this standard.

Space science exploration and research in India

The Indian space program emphasizes space science exploration, research, and capacity building across several key areas. These activities are organized into distinct verticals: Heliosphere, Astronomy & Astrophysics; Solar System Bodies; Space Weather; and Atmospheric Science. ISRO and its affiliated laboratories conduct various activities such as modeling, simulation, observations (both space and ground-based), and laboratory analyses of meteoroids. International collaboration is vital for advancing India’s space exploration goals. Some of the highlights of 2023-24 are:

Chandrayaan-3 Mission: After its successful soft landing on August 23, 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 lander-rover module began deploying its science payloads as per ISRO’s science plan. Preliminary findings include measurements of the lunar plasma environment, temperature gradients in the lunar regolith, and the detection of elemental compositions, showcasing significant advances in lunar science.

Aditya-L1 Mission: Launched on September 2, 2023, Aditya-L1 is India’s first solar mission aimed at studying solar activities. It was successfully placed in a halo orbit around the SunEarth L1 point, collecting valuable data on energetic particle environments.

Chandrayaan-2: The orbiter, operational for over four years, has released around 20 TB of data, aiding in significant discoveries like lunar hydration and mapping noble gas dynamics.

AstroSat Mission: Ongoing projects under AstroSat have yielded nearly 70 publications in 2023, showcasing its substantial contributions to astrophysics research.

XPoSat Mission: Following successful reviews, XPoSat is scheduled for launch on January 1, 2024, to further enhance observational capabilities.

ISRO is also working on future missions such as:
• Venus Mission: Discussions are underway to focus on the science surrounding Venus, aiming to build capacity and interlink payloads for a proposed orbiter mission.
• DISHA Mission: This proposed aeronomy mission aims to improve understanding of ionospheric dynamics and enhance GNSS services.
• LuPEX Mission: Collaboration with JAXA continues as plans for a lunar polar exploration mission develop, with configurations being finalized.
• Mars Lander Mission: A task force has been established to identify potential landing sites on Mars and address scientific observation requirements.

International Cooperation in Space

India’s space agency, ISRO, has significantly expanded its international partnerships, notably through the signing of various agreements. A pivotal agreement between ISRO and NASA aims to establish a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation, enhanced by India’s recent signing of the Artemis Accords on June 21, 2023. This collaboration explores opportunities in critical and emerging technologies, including quantum communication and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.

India’s partnership with Russia focuses on human spaceflight and the development of advanced launch vehicle engines, with ongoing discussions about enhancing payload capacities for future missions. Collaboration with France has also progressed, with agreements for the TRISHNA mission and maritime awareness initiatives. Additionally, ISRO’s engagement with the French space agency, CNES, has facilitated support for the Aditya-L1 mission and discussions about joint engine development.

Engagements with other nations are equally dynamic. Cooperation with Japan includes receiving signals from JAXA’s Venus mission and exploring a joint lunar mission. Discussions with Australia have centered on establishing an ISRO ground station and support for recovery operations related to the Gaganyaan mission.

ISRO is also fostering relationships with countries like Bhutan, where it has launched a satellite and conducted training on satellite data usage, and Mauritius, with a joint satellite initiative. The agency has launched a geospatial data portal for Pacific Island countries and actively participates in international forums to discuss and promote the global space economy.

Furthermore, ISRO’s commitment to capacity building is evident through its training programs, benefiting over 3,500 participants from 109 countries. Through these initiatives and collaborations, ISRO is solidifying its role as a key player in the global space community.

IN-SPACe: Authorization, Promotion, and Enablement

IN-SPACe, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center, operates in three key areas: Authorization of Space Activities, Promotion, and Enablement of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs). Here’s an overview of recent initiatives and activities.

Authorization of Space Activities As of October 15, 2023, IN-SPACe received 402 applications from over 250 NGEs, including ISRO, MSMEs, start-ups, and academic institutions. Of these, 219 proposals have been processed, with 52 specifically for launch authorizations; 22 have already been granted. Applications that need inter-ministerial consultations are reviewed by a Standing Committee chaired by the IN-SPACe Chairman, ensuring comprehensive oversight.

In a bid to streamline operations, INSPACe has drafted detailed guidelines in alignment with the Indian Space Policy – 2023. Additionally, 45 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and 25 Joint Project Initiatives (JPIs) have been established to support various space activities, with 18 JPIs already completed.

Initiatives to Enable NGEs IN-SPACe is actively fostering a conducive environment for NGEs through several initiatives. Notably, a framework MoU was signed with the Gujarat government to establish a manufacturing park for space systems. IN-SPACe is also facilitating technology transfers from ISRO, with 10 technologies already transferred to 8 NGEs.

To enhance NGEs’ capabilities, a state-of-the-art Design Lab has been set up in Ahmedabad, providing access to advanced simulation tools. Furthermore, IN-SPACe has released a “Catalogue of Indian Standards for Space Industry” and is collaborating with the Bureau of Indian Standards to establish additional standards.

To support startups, IN-SPACe introduced a Seed Fund scheme, offering financial assistance up to INR 1 crore. Recent initiatives also include a new “Space Technology” course developed in collaboration with IIT Bombay and IIT Madras, aimed at equipping future engineers with essential skills for the space sector.

These efforts position IN-SPACe as a pivotal player in transforming India’s space landscape, driving innovation and collaboration in the industry.

The complete report can be accessed at https://www.isro.gov.in/media_ isro/pdf/AnnualReport/Annual_ Report_2023_24_English.pdf