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Ahead of the launch of India's maiden human spaceflight venture '<keyword id="6797456" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gaganyaan">Gaganyaan</keyword>' in December 2021, the Indian Space Research Organisation will undertake two unmanned missions in December 2020 and June 2021, ISRO chairman K Sivan said on Wednesday. Addressing the inaugural session of a symposium on "Human Spaceflight and Exploration - Present Challenges and Future Trends," Sivan said the Gaganyaan mission not only aims at India's maiden human flight to the space but also setting up a new space station for 'continuous space human presence'. "We are doing all this (Gaganyaan) on three points - short term plan of two unmanned mission in December 2020 and June 2021, followed by human space flight demonstration in December 2021. We have the mid term goal of sustaining the human space programme and continuous space human presence in space on a new space station", he said. In this regard, the ISRO has initiated a full-fledged astronaut training facility in close proximity to Bengaluru for meeting its future requirements. The space agency is also in talks with NASA and other space agencies and industries on how it can collaborate on human space flight and learn from their experience. The Gaganyaan will also assist in ISRO's long term goal of inter-planetary mission. "Inter-planetary mission is also on the agenda in the long term," the ISRO Chief said. On Gaganyaan mission, Sivan said the space agency has already developed and demonstrated key technologies such as having an operational launcher with 10-tonne playload capability to lower orbit, demonstration ofmission design and management, and recovery system like space qualified parachutes. "The only missing element were human life science and life support system, which we are developing now," he said. ISRO, Sivan said, has taken onboard many national labs, academic institutions, DRDO labs, Indian Air Force, CSIR Labas well as many industries as stakeholders for Gaganyaanprogramme. Noting that the astronauts have been selected from a pool of Indian Air Force test pilots, Sivan said the generic space flight training will commence in India shortly. A mission specific training will be carried out in India using a host of simulators and other facilities, he added. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2020-isro-needs-rs-666-cr-for-chandrayaan-3/articleshow/73462546.cms">Exploring space is expensive — and ISRO needs more money from the 2020 Union Budget</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/chandrayaan-3-and-gaganyaan-top-priorities-for-isro-in-2020/articleshow/73063629.cms">India's second mission to land on the Moon, Chandrayaan 3, confirmed by ISRO chief</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/madhavans-rocketry-isro-spy-case-nambi-narayan-gets-1-3-compensation/articleshow/72991747.cms">An Indian rocket scientist lost 25 years falsely accused of being a spy— now he will get $180,000 as compensation</a>

ISRO will send two unmmaned missions into space before Gaganyaan

<ul><li><keyword id="63710" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="ISRO-chief">ISRO chief</keyword> confirms that they want <keyword id="624" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Women">women</keyword> astronauts to be a part of the three member-crew </li><li><keyword id="6797456" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gaganyaan">Gaganyaan</keyword> will take off in December, 2021 </li><li>The Indian government had earlier approved a $1.4 billion budget for the same, which could make the mission the cheapest in history</li></ul>India is set to launch its first crewed <keyword id="139576" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-mission">space mission</keyword> – Gaganyaan – in December 2021 and <keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword> chief <keyword id="2003919" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="K-Sivan">K Sivan</keyword> has announced that woman astronauts could be a part of the three-member team. In a press conference held in Bengaluru, the <a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/technology-science/article/isro-briefing-k-sivan-talks-about-chandrayaan-2-gaganyaan-and-other-key-projects-in-2019-for-the-indian-space-research-organisation-isro/345618">ISRO chief confirmed</a> the timeline for the space mission while adding that both men and women are being trained. However, while the initial part of the training will be done in <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/mission-gaganyaan-cabinet-approves-10-000-crore-budget-send-indians-to-space-2022-1418941-2018-12-28">India</a>, the advanced training will take place abroad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had initially<a href="https://www.livemint.com/Politics/FNpqM0Da1muJBPiDr9G5tN/Cabinet-approves-Rs-10000-crore-Gaganyaan-project.html"> announced Gaganyaan</a>, a seven-day low Earth orbit mission, as a part of his Independence Day speech. India also gave a go-ahead for a $1.4 billion budget to send three people into space for seven days. China’s space mission Shenzhou program had cost them $2.3 billion whereas US in 1969 had <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/india/india-to-send-three-person-crew-on-landmark-space-mission">reportedly</a> spent $110 billion in current values. With this move, India will become the fourth nation in the world to send humans to space, ranking right after US, Russia and China. It could possibly also be the cheapest space mission, with the entire project from technology development to flight hardware realization and infrastructure to be done within the approved budget. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/2018-was-a-remarkable-year-for-indias-space-agency-isrohere-were-the-top-5-successful-missions/articleshow/67284873.cms">2018 was a remarkable year for India’s space agency ISRO—Here were the top 5 successful missions</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-space-agency-is-planning-a-massive-launch-of-over-30-satellites-this-week-including-one-capable-of-hyperspectral-imaging/articleshow/66811381.cms">India’s space agency is planning a massive launch of over 30 satellites this week, including one capable of ‘hyperspectral’ imaging</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-big-bird-india-marks-successful-launch-of-its-heaviest-satellite-gsat-11-onboard-space-vehicle-ariane-5/articleshow/66948736.cms">‘The Big Bird’: India marks successful launch of its heaviest satellite GSAT-11 onboard space vehicle Ariane-5</a>

India's first ‘manned’ mission to space may have women too

<ul><li>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to set up its own <keyword id="7953498" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-debris-monitoring">space debris monitoring</keyword> system. </li><li>K Sivan, ISRO Chief, claims that data from the North America Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) wasn’t accurate enough. </li><li>ISRO will use a network of telescopes and satellite across the country to safeguard its 50 functional satellites currently in space. </li></ul>The threat from space debris is only growing and so is the need for accurate data. Until now, India monitored its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-asat-mission-shakti-creates-space-debris/articleshow/68594904.cms">space debris</a> using the North America Aerospace Defence Command (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/Western-Space-Agencies-Are-Tracking-What-Could-Be-A-Russian-Satellite-Killer/articleshow/45198218.cms">NORAD</a>). But that’s set to change. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) planning to set up its own space debris monitoring system because NORAD data isn’t precise enough, according to K Sivan, ISRO Chief — speaking to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/new-isro-system-to-shield-its-assets-from-space-debris/articleshow/70528348.cms">TOI.</a> Replacing NORAD Used rocket parts, non-functional satellites, lost astronaut tools and, in some cases, out-of-control space stations threaten functional satellites in space. <div type="image" title="Space_debris_GIF_ESA380488" msid="70550245" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Space debris&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 K Sivan, ISRO Chief, told TOI that NORAD’s publically available data isn’t accurate and the data which is accurate is exclusively available to NORAD members. In order to safeguard its 50 functional satellites in space, ISRO is going to set up a network of telescopes and radars under the Directorate of Space Situational Awareness and Management to monitor space debris. Accurate information on the location of space debris and where it’s headed, is integral to protecting satellites. This data can help determine the difference between an actual collision, and one that ‘might’ happen. As the space gets more crowded, the information needs to be more precise. <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/mic-space-satellites-junk-GkS0Rc1uEVXIQ">via GIPHY</a>
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 Space pile-ups Lost objects in space fly around, gaining speed. It can take a few hundred years before they fall back to Earth, or burn up in the atmosphere. Monitoring these objects is all the more important since colliding would result in even more debris. “It’s not like a highway here (on Earth), where there’s an accident and you can just come and clean it up and traffic continues,” explains <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-trash-in-outer-space-makes-way-for-a-new-kind-of-map/articleshow/69751105.cms">Stewart Bain</a>, the CEO of NorthStar Earth and Space — a Canadian company focused on space situational awareness — told Business Insider India. “When we create it (an accident) up in space, it stays. You’re driving around the garbage mound. And the garbage becomes an obstacle to get around,” Bain adds. India is also currently processing the ‘<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-space-activities-bill-addresses-damage-in-outer-space/articleshow/69960212.cms">Space Activities Bill</a>’ to align its liability in outer space with international standards. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/union-budget-2019-isros-new-commerical-arm-is-new-space-india-limited/articleshow/70086097.cms">India forms a new space company to sell ISRO’s space technology products</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-space-station-plan-by-isro-plans-k-sivan/articleshow/69775780.cms">India wants to set up its own space station to carry out experiments in microgravity</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-asat-mission-shakti-creates-space-debris/articleshow/68594904.cms">India's test of its anti-satellite weapon may have weakened its fight against dangerous space debris</a>

India doesn't trust US with measuring space debris — and so it will set up its own agency

Chennai, The Indian space rockets are set to go <keyword id="6355671" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="green">green</keyword> as <keyword id="6358064" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword> is working to replace its existing hazardous <keyword id="4869" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Fuel">fuel</keyword> with non-hazardous and environment- friendly fuels for its rockets and <keyword id="41530" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellites">satellites</keyword>, the ISRO Chairman said. He also said that the <keyword id="116095" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> (ISRO) is looking at green propulsion through hydrogen peroxide in its rocket that would take Indians into the space under its 'Gaganyaan' mission. "Since humans will be inside the rocket, we want only non-hazardous fuel and not the hazardous one to power the human space mission's Gaganyaan rocket," ISRO chief K Sivan, who is also Secretary in <keyword id="245720" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Department-of-Space">Department of Space</keyword>, told IANS. According to him, ISRO is also looking at rocket engines powered by hydrogen peroxide as a mono-propellant or as a bi-propellant along with ethanol. ISRO is also developing another green fuel - LOX/Methane- liquid oxygen as oxidiser and methane as fuel. "One month back, we tested the LOX/Methane engine and the results were good," Sivan said. The LOX/Methane propellant has advantages in terms of specific impulse, storability, low toxicity, and cost. According to Sivan, the space agency is looking to replace its existing liquid engine fuels with green fuel-powered ones. ISRO has also developed ISROSENE, which is a rocket-grade version of kerosene as an alternative to conventional hydrazine rocket fuel. Queried about the green option for its solid fuel-fired engines, Sivan said the work towards this end is also progressing well. As regards powering the satellites, ISRO is working towards lightweight electrical propulsion in place of chemical fuel. "Now, fuel constitutes nearly 50 per cent of the satellite weight. On the other hand, the electrical propulsion system is much lighter, say 200-300 kg. When electrical propulsion is used, then the satellite's payload can be increased or the satellite can be put into orbit by a lightweight rocket," Sivan said. The ISRO chief said that the payload of six-tonne satellite with chemical fuel can be configured in a satellite weighing four tonnes when powered by electrical propulsion. Presently, ISRO can put into orbit communication satellites weighing up to four tonnes with its rockets and satellites over four tonnes are orbited using European space agency Arianespace's Ariane rocket. "When the weight of the satellite goes down due to electric propulsion, we can use a normal geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) rocket instead of GSLV-Mk III rocket or the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) instead of the normal GSLV rocket," Sivan added. "We will soon launch an electric propulsion technology demonstrator satellite," he added. ISRO has successfully demonstrated electric propulsion system for station-keeping operations in the South Asia Satellite, launched on May 5, 2017. In 2010, ISRO flew its communication satellite GSAT-4 with electrical propulsion and other new technologies. The satellite however did not reach its intended orbit owing to problems in the GSLV rocket's third stage. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-tata-steel-vedanta-adani-green-tata-motors-maruti-mm-dhfl-v-mart-indian-bank-and-others/articleshow/80038635.cms">Top stocks to watch — Tata Steel, Vedanta, Adani Green, Tata Motors, Maruti, M&amp;M, DHFL, V-Mart, Indian Bank, and others</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/checkout-the-list-of-upcoming-new-mobiles-in-january-2021-with-expected-price/articleshow/80039794.cms">Upcoming smartphones in India in January 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/ten-of-the-most-outrageous-predictions-for-2021-according-to-saxo-bank/slidelist/80040045.cms">From Amazon buying Cyprus to Germany bailing out France — here are ten of the most ‘outrageous’ predictions for 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/india-edtech-in-charts-how-the-shi[%E2%80%A6]es-of-byjus-unacademy-and-others/articleshow/80040270.cms">India’s edtech in charts – How the shift to online learning meant money, valuation and users for the likes of BYJU’S, Unacademy, and others</a>

ISRO is working on green fuel to its reduce carbon footprint and cut down on costs

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) here is going to set up a <keyword id="6422364" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-technology">space technology</keyword> cell in collaboration with the <keyword id="116095" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> (ISRO). The announcement was made on Friday by IIT Delhi Director V Ramgopal Rao, a day ahead of the varsity's 50th annual convocation where ISRO Chief K Sivan will be the chief guest. "IIT Delhi is going to set up a space technology centre in collaboration with ISRO to contribute to the space technology research," Rao told reporters. With the move, IIT Delhi will join the league of other premiere institutions like IISc Bangalore, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee where the Space Technology Cells (STCs) have been set up to play a major role in taking up the space technology research and applications to the newer heights.

IIT Delhi and ISRO are teaming up to research space technology

Chennai, June 25 (IANS) The proposed Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), part of space sector reforms aimed at bringing in private sector participation, will be a separate vertical under the Department of Space (DOS), said ISRO Chairman K.Sivan on Thursday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief also said a new Navigation Policy is also being proposed. Suitable changes in Remote Sensing Data Policy as well as SATCOM policy are also on the anvil as a part of aligning them to an open and inclusive space sector. In an online address from Bengaluru, Sivan said the IN-SPACe as a separate vertical for permitting and regulating the activities of private industry in the space sector. He said IN-SPACe will have its own directorates for technical, legal, safety and security, monitoring as well as activities promotion for assessing the private sector's needs and further coordination of the activities. As to its structure Sivan said IN-SPACe will have a board and will have representatives from industry, academia and the government. On Wednesday the Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its nod for the setting up of IN-SPACe to promote private sector participation in the space sector while making ISRO to focus on research and development (R&amp;D) of new technologies, exploration missions and human spaceflight programme. According to the government, IN-SPACe will also provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure. The entry of the private sector in the space sector in a bigger way will create large job opportunities and prevent brain drain, the government said. Sivan said the major reform measure is to enable the private sector including academia to carry out end-to-end space activities viz, building of rockets and satellites, owning satellites, providing launch services and providing space based services on a commercial basis. Till now ISRO was the end-to-end player in the Indian space sector. With the government's decision to open up the space sector, the private sector can now play a larger role than being a component supplier, Sivan said. Sivan also said ISRO will also share its technological expertise with the private parties. According to Sivan, there was a need for a mechanism to allow the private sector taking into account the safety, security and also provide the ease of doing business. He said private sector players will apply to IN-SPACe and the latter will process the application and its decision is binding on ISRO. While it will take about 3-6 months for IN-SPACe to be in place, the private sector can send their applications to DOS. As regards NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), a public sector unit under DOS, Sivan said its role is being re-defined to transform the approach of supply driven model to demand driven model for space based services. Sivan said NSIL will be strengthened and empowered to off-load operational activities of ISRO in the areas of launch vehicle and satellite production, launch services as well as space based services. The NSIL will execute these activities through industry consortiums. Sivan said this move will allow ISRO to allocate more time and resources for R&amp;D endeavours. The ISRO will continue to carry out its present activities with greater emphasis on development of advanced technology, missions and capacity building besides supporting private endeavours in space sector. --IANS vj/in

New navigation policy on anvil, IN-SPACe to be separate vertical: ISRO chief

The Indian Space Research Organisation and Chinese mobile manufacturer Xiaomi are in advanced stage of talks on provision of chipsets that can support NaVIC, the Indian version of Global Positioning System (GPS), an official said here on Wednesday. The NavIC-friendly chipset, being manufactured by the US chip manufacturer Qualcom, is designed to provide accurate position information service to users in India as well as the region extending up to 1500 km from its boundary, which is its primary service area, the <keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword> has stated earlier. "Qualcom has announced that its chip is going to have NaVIC and they are releasing it. Now almost Xiaomi is in agreement to have it. Xiaomi may launch its mobile phones with NavIC chipsets," the ISRO official said. NavIC is the abbreviation of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). According to the ISRO, the IRNSS was developed for terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet management and integration with mobile phones. It would provide Standard positioning Service (SPS) to all users and Restricted Service (RS), which is an encrypted service for only authorised users. The IRNSS is expected to provide a position accuracy of better than 20 metre in the primary service area. The ISRO official said the international body 3GPP has formally approved usage of NavIC, allowing the ISRO to collaborate with Qualcom. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/chandrayaan-3-and-gaganyaan-top-priorities-for-isro-in-2020/articleshow/73063629.cms?src=hp_nav">India's second mission to land on the Moon, Chandrayaan 3, confirmed by ISRO chief</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-moon-is-shining-brighter-than-the-sun-and-that-is-dangerous/articleshow/70737236.cms">The Moon is shining brighter than the Sun — and that is dangerous</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/supermassive-black-hole-is-eating-meals-worth-four-moons-thrice-a-day/articleshow/71090624.cms">Supermassive black hole is eating meals worth four Moons thrice a day</a>

ISRO in talks with Xiaomi to create an Indian version of GPS

<ul><li>The Indian government has just given its approval to set up a new company under the Department of Space. </li><li>The company will look at technology transfer as well as explore manufacturing opportunities with private players. </li><li>The space industry was a part of the Narendra Modi government’s Vision 2030, during the announcement of the Interim Budget in February. </li></ul>The space industry was part of the Narendra Modi government’s Vision 2030 announced during the recent interim budget. Now, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will be able to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-oks-setting-up-of-firm-to-boost-commercial-exploitation-of-isros-rd/articleshow/68070011.cms">sell</a> its research and development work to further enable private players in India, according to an official release. The Indian government just gave its approval to set up a new company under the Department of Space to commercially exploit the research and development work carried out by ISRO and constituent units of DOS. This will give ISRO the opportunity to also explore manufacturing of small satellite launch vehicle with private sector players, productionisation and marketing of space-based products and services including launch and applications. Through the new company, ISRO will also look at the transfer of technology from its centres to private players for the latter to leverage on the same. According to official documents from the government of India, for technology transfer the new company will have to take license from DoS/ISRO and sub-license to industries. This is a landmark move as it will allow private companies access to breakthrough technologies that have remained in ISRO’s domain. ISRO has already been creating multiple hits in recent months. In late 2018, it put into orbit a whopping 31 satellites in one go and also <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/isro-wants-private-players-to-take-over-pslv-satellite-production-by-2020-118090600564_1.html">expressed </a>interest in working with private players. In January, ISRO chief K Sivan announced that under the Gaganyaan mission, a three-member team will be sent to space which could also include a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isros-first-manned-space-mission-might-have-women/articleshow/67486206.cms">woman</a> astronaut. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-is-to-trying-to-beat-elon-musks-spacex-success/articleshow/67550362.cms">India’s apex space agency is following Elon Musk's idea — and taking it a step forward</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isros-first-manned-space-mission-might-have-women/articleshow/67486206.cms">India's first ‘manned’ mission to space may have women too</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/gsat-31-india-successfully-launches-its-40th-communication-satellite/articleshow/67861257.cms">India successfully launches its 40th communication satellite</a>

A new Indian government company will sell space technology to private players

<ul><li>The <keyword id="116095" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) has launched its third radar imaging earth observation satellite, RISAT 2-B into space today. </li><li>Over the past ten years, only two such satellites have been launched.</li><li>ISRO Chief, K Sivan, promises that within the coming year, India will see at least five more RISAT launches. </li></ul>India just launched its newest ‘eye in the sky’ at 5:30am today morning. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief, K Sivan, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/risat-2br1-satellite-to-be-launched-today-can-see-through-clouds-isro-chief/articleshow/69434236.cms">confirmed</a> that the rocket will take off as scheduled in the morning after which the space agency announced the successful placement of the RISAT-2B in orbit. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="isro" handlename="ISRO" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/413572279734247424/LshYgwCH_normal.jpeg" favoritecount="6439" retweetcount="1715" status="🇮🇳 #ISROMissions 🇮🇳 #PSLVC46 successfully injects #RISAT2B into Low Earth Orbit. Here's the view of #RISAT2B separ… https://t.co/YAItevZAfA" createdat="1558484442000" id="1130991839836696576"></div>



 The RISAT-2B satellite will took off from the SHAR Range in Sriharikota — the same location used in April to launch India’s surveillance satellite, <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/update/01-apr-2019/pslv-c45-successfully-launches-emisat-and-28-customer-satellites">EMISAT</a>. 
 <div type="image" title="3 (1)" msid="69438349" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;PSLV-C46 liftoff with the RISAT-2B onboard at 5:30am today morning&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>



 This isn’t India’s first radar imaging earth observation satellite. It’s not even the second. It’s the third satellite in what ISRO promises to be multiple RISAT launches in the coming year. At least five, according to Sivan — a big step up from just two RISAT launches over the past ten years. Big brother in the sky India’s all-weather observation satellites, the RISATs, watch the India’s borders day and night. The aim is to help the Indian Army keep an eye on uninvited incursions along the border where human partol is difficult and monitor potential terrorist hideouts, and launch pads. In fact, imaging from RISAT-1 and RISAT-2 were <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/surgical-strikes-satellite-images-pakistan-loc-indian-army-344075-2016-09-30">reportedly</a> instrumental in the surgical strike that India carried out in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2016 and again, this year, during the Balakot ariel attack. The need for more surveillance isn’t limited to India’s borders on land, but also extends to the seas. The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/2-of-asias-biggest-militaries-are-working-on-a-deal-that-could-give-them-an-edge-over-china/articleshow/66324453.cms">growing presence of China</a> in the Indian Ocean isn’t only a worrying factor for India but also for its neighbouring countries. But, a RISAT satellite can track ships in the can giving India the opportunity to head off any threats. Not just surveillance and reconnaissance Since a 615-kilogram satellite can monitor the Earth — come rain, come shine — it’s also useful in situations of disaster management. Where ordinary cameras depend on light, RISAT’s active sensor, or SAR, can observe the Earth without clouds or bad weather getting in the way. After the successful launch of the RISAT-2B, ISRO plans to launch the RISAT-2BR1, RISAT-2BR2, RISAT-1A and RISAT-2A satellites within the year. The first of these is expected in April, according to India’s apex space agency along with two other defence satellites. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-launches-satellite-to-keep-an-eye-on-pakistan-china-and-bangladesh/articleshow/67634701.cms">India responds to China-Pakistan satellite launch with its own border surveillance satellites</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-launched-polar-satellite-pslv-into-space/articleshow/68665331.cms">India now has an intelligence satellite in space that will watch ‘enemy radars’</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-nasa-just-spotted-a-black-hole-spinning-so-fast-that-it-could-be-making-space-itself-rotate/articleshow/66416605.cms">ISRO, NASA just spotted a black hole spinning so fast that it could be making space itself rotate</a>

India launched its third 'eye in the sky' — and has five more on the way

The <keyword id="9387733" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="first-unmanned-test-flight">first unmanned test flight</keyword> of Indian rocket <keyword id="502946" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Geosynchronous-Satellite-Launch-Vehicle">Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle</keyword> (GSLV), as part of the country's human space mission Gaganyaan, will not happen this year, said officials. <keyword id="4491776" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">The Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) had planned the first of the two test flights later this year. "The first flight of the rocket as part of <keyword id="6827364" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gaganyaan-mission">Gaganyaan mission</keyword> will not happen this year (2020)," a senior ISRO official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told IANS. While the actual reason for the delay is not known, perhaps the Covid-19 lockdown had its impact on the first test flight. In his address at the 70th Annual General Meeting and National Conference on "Recent Developments in Aerospace and Defence Technology" organised by Aeronautical Society of India in February, ISRO chief K. Sivan had said that the "design and engineering of the launch vehicle and orbital module system for India's human space flight has been completed. A series of tests have to be competed to validate the design and engineering of the systems in 2020". As per the original plans, during the first test flight ISRO would send its humanoid Vyommitra. The human space flight demonstration is planned before India's 75th Independence Day in 2022 and four Indians are undergoing astronaut training in Russia. Meanwhile, suspense continues on the revised date of launch of India's first Geo Imaging Satellite-1 (GISAT-1). On March 4, a day before the scheduled launch GISAT-1 onboard the GSLV-F10 rocket and hours before the start of the launch countdown, ISRO announced postponement of the mission owing to some technical glitch. The ISRO did not share any detail about the technical glitch and its rectification since then. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/a-russian-rocket-broke-up-in-space-above-the-indian-ocean-leaving-dangerous-debris-in-its-wake/articleshow/75667093.cms">A Russian rocket broke up in space above the Indian Ocean — leaving dangerous debris in its wake</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/china-ahead-of-india-in-human-spaceflight-after-successful-landing-on-spacecraft/articleshow/75621273.cms">China’s unmanned spacecraft makes a successful return to Earth⁠— racing ahead of India on the path to having a space station</a>

Gaganyaan's first unmanned test flight won't be happening this year

Even before orbiting astronauts on India's first manned mission to the space in December 2021, the Indian Space Research Organisation will send 'Vyomamitra', a '<keyword id="7617165" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="lady-robot">lady robot</keyword>', in unmanned <keyword id="6797456" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gaganyaan">Gaganyaan</keyword> spacecraft. The robot was the centre of attraction at the inaugural session of the "<keyword id="1064783" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-spaceflight">Human Spaceflight</keyword> and Exploration - Present Challenges and Future Trends" here on Wednesday. Vyomamitra, a combination of two Sanskrit words Vyoma (Space) and Mitra (Friend), took everyone by surprise when she introduced herself to the audience gathered there. "Hello everyone. I am Vyomamitra, the prototype of the half-humanoid, been made for the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission," the robot said. Explaining about the role in the mission, she said, "I can monitor though module parameters, alert you and perform life support operations. I can perform activities like switch panel operations..." The robot said she can also be a companion and converse with the astronauts, recognise them and can also respond to their queries. ISRO chairman K Sivan told reporters the humanoid will simulate human functions in space and also interact with the environment control life support system. "It will be simulating exactly the human functions there (in space). It will check whether the system is right. This will be very useful to simulate, as if a human is flying," said Sivan. Earlier, addressing the inaugural function, Sivan said ahead of the launch of India's maiden human spaceflight venture 'Gaganyaan' in December 2021, ISRO will undertake two unmanned missions in December 2020 and June 2021. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isros-gsat-30-satellite-successfully-rides-the-ariane-5-rocket-into-orbit-abroad-the-first-launch-of-2020/articleshow/73312278.cms">ISRO's GSAT 30 satellite successfully rides the Ariane 5 rocket into orbit abroad the first launch of 2020</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2020-isro-needs-rs-666-cr-for-chandrayaan-3/articleshow/73462546.cms">Exploring space is expensive — and ISRO needs more money from the 2020 Union Budget</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/chandrayaan-3-and-gaganyaan-top-priorities-for-isro-in-2020/articleshow/73063629.cms">India's second mission to land on the Moon, Chandrayaan 3, confirmed by ISRO chief</a>

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ISRO will send two unmmaned missions into space before Gaganyaan

PTI

India's first ‘manned’ mission to space may have women too

Sanchita Dash

India doesn't trust US with measuring space debris — and so it will set up its own agency

Prabhjote Gill

ISRO is working on green fuel to its reduce carbon footprint and cut down on costs

IANS

IIT Delhi and ISRO are teaming up to research space technology

PTI

New navigation policy on anvil, IN-SPACe to be separate vertical: ISRO chief

IANS

ISRO in talks with Xiaomi to create an Indian version of GPS

PTI

A new Indian government company will sell space technology to private players

Sanchita Dash

India launched its third 'eye in the sky' — and has five more on the way

Prabhjote Gill

Gaganyaan's first unmanned test flight won't be happening this year

IANS

ISRO's humanoid lady robot will fly into space before they send astronauts out on Gaganyaan

PTI

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