Location: Byalalu Village, Bangalore Outskirts
Organized by: Department of CSE, GCEM
Attendees: 4th Semester Students of BE - CSE
Date & Time: 5th July 2024, @ 8:00 am- 4:45pm
The Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) is a crucial part of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), providing essential support for deep space missions. Our visit to IDSN offered an in-depth look into the sophisticated technologies and operations that enable communication with distant spacecraft. This report summarizes our visit, detailing the itinerary, key learnings, and overall experience.
Objective
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the technology, operations, and challenges involved in deep space communication and mission management at the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN).
Overview of ISTRAC Facility:
Our visit began with an overview of the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC), highlighting its role in supporting space missions through telemetry and tracking services.
Overview of ISRO:
We received a detailed presentation on ISRO’s history, achievements, and future missions. This included significant milestones like the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions.
ISRO Achievements:
A discussion on ISRO's notable achievements provided insights into the various successful missions and technological advancements made by ISRO over the years. They also discussed the shortcomings of Chadrayan 2 and also the success of the Chandrayan 3.Other success of ISRO includes Aditya L1 and Mangalayan.
Types of Antennas:
We learned about the different types of antennas used in deep space communication, including the 32m and 18m diameter antennas. The technical aspects and capabilities of these antennas were explained.
Ground Station Network:
The tour included a visit to the ground station network where we observed the operations involved in tracking and communicating with spacecraft.
Indian Remote Sensing Satellite:
Information on the Indian Remote Sensing Satellites was provided, detailing their applications in areas such as agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
Indian Space Science Data Center:
We visited the Indian Space Science Data Center, where data from various space missions is processed and analyzed.
SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope):
A brief on the SUIT project, which involves the use of solar UV telescopes, was given. This included details on its applications and importance in space research.
NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation):
We had a detailed discussion on NAVIC, India's indigenous navigation system, with Mr. Aman Naveen from the ISRO Navigation Center. NAVIC provides accurate position information services to users in India and the surrounding region, improving navigation capabilities for various applications including terrestrial, aerial, and marine navigation.
Interaction with Scientists and Engineers:
The session included a discussion with Mr. Aman Naveen from the ISRO Navigation Center, who shared valuable insights into his work with NAVIC and the challenges faced in enhancing navigation accuracy and reliability.
Key Learnings
Advanced Communication Technology: Understanding the use of large diameter antennas and ground stations in maintaining communication with deep space missions.
ISRO’s Milestones: Gaining knowledge about the significant achievements of ISRO and their impact on space research and technology.
Data Processing and Analysis: Observing how data from space missions is processed and utilized for various applications.
Solar Observations: Learning about the SUIT project and the role of solar UV telescopes in space research.
NAVIC System: Acquiring knowledge about NAVIC, its capabilities, and its importance in providing precise navigation services across India and its surroundings.
Conclusion
The visit to the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) at ISRO was an invaluable experience that provided us with a deeper understanding of space communication and mission management. The exposure to advanced technologies and the insights shared by the ISRO team, especially about NAVIC from Mr. Aman Naveen, have inspired us to pursue our studies with renewed enthusiasm and consider careers in space technology. We express our gratitude to ISRO for this educational opportunity and look forward to future visits.
