Introduction

The Department of Space (DOS) continues to make forays in the development of new
technologies and space systems to enhance and expand the space services for national development. The two major operational space systems – Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for telecommunication, television broadcasting and meteorological services and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) for resources monitoring and management – together with the two operational launch vehicles, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) primarily for launching remote sensing satellites into polar orbits and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching communication and meteorological satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) – have continued to provide valuable services to the nation.

The successful launch of four satellites – India’s CARTOSAT-2 and Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1), Indonesia’s LAPAN-TUBSAT and Argentina’s PEHUENSAT-1 – by India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C7) on January 10, 2007 was a significant achievement. The successful in orbit operation, conduct of experiments and reentry and recovery of SRE-1 is yet another bench mark in the growing technical capabilities of the Indian space programme. The ground test of the indigenously developed complete cryogenic stage, during the year was important in making the Indian space programme self-reliant. INSAT-4B, the second satellite in INSAT-4 series, which will provide Direct-To-Home (DTH) television and other communication services, is awaiting its launch in March 2007 and once commissioned, will further enhance the television services. The new initiatives in space applications related to telemedicine, tele-education and village resources centres continued to expand during the year. Important commercial forays were made with agreement signed for building communication satellites for international customers jointly with an European company. The signing of Memoranda of Understanding for carrying instruments from NASA, USA on board India’s Chandrayaan-1 and for India’s participation in the Russian GLONASS navigation system were significant events in international cooperation.

PSLV-C7 Mission – Enhancing Technological Capabilities
In its tenth mission on January 10, 2007, India’s PSLV-C7 successfully launched, for the first time, four satellites together – India’s CARTOSAT-2 and Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1), Indonesia’s LAPAN-TUBSAT and Argentina’s PEHUENSAT-1. All the satellites were placed precisely in the predetermined 635 km polar sun synchronous orbit. A specially designed structure, Dual Launch Adopter (DLA), was used for the first time in PSLV to accommodate the two primary Indian satellites. The successful flight of PSLV-C7, the ninth in a row, has once again demonstrated its reliability and versatility to launch multiple satellites and launch satellites precisely in specified orbit. Preparations for the next launch of PSLV, carrying an Italian satellite as the primary payload, are in advanced stage. PSLV will also be used for launching Chandrayaan-1, India’s first mission to moon in 2008.

Space capsule Recovery (SRE-1) – Foundation for Advanced Missions
Space capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1) was an important passenger on board PSLV-C7. The 550 kg SRE-1 was intended to demonstrate India’s capability to orbit a spacecraft for performing experiments in microgravity conditions and, bring it back to earth proving the technology of deorbiting and recovering objects from space. After completion of the experiments, SRE-1 was successfully recovered on January 22, 2007 after maneuvering it to reenter the earth’s atmosphere and descend over Bay of Bengal about 140 km East of Sriharikota. The important technologies involved in the mission were orbit breaking, navigation, guidance and control during the reentry, hypersonic aero-thermodynamics, thermal protection system and, recovery through deceleration and floatation. SRE-1 carried two experiments – one related to study of metal melting and crystallisation under micro gravity conditions and the other intended to study the synthesis of nano-crystals under micro gravity conditions.

The success of SRE-1 is an important beginning for providing a low cost platform for micro-gravity experiments in space science and technology and return specimen from space. The technologies demonstrated through SRE-1 can provide inputs for design of reusable launch vehicles and manned space missions.

GSLV-F02 Mission – Learning from Setback
The fourth launch of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F02), carrying the communication satellite, INSAT-4C, took place from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota on July 10, 2006. However, at around 55 sec into flight, the vehicle started deviating significantly from its nominal flight path resulting in the vehicle experiencing severe aerodynamic loads and its subsequent breakup at about 62 sec. A Failure Analysis Committee (FAC), constituted to review the reasons for the failure, has concluded that the primary cause for the failure was the sudden loss of thrust in one out of the four liquid propellant strap-on stages (S4) immediately after lift-off resulting from the malfunctioning of a propellant regulator. FAC has also concluded that the design of GSLV is robust and recommended implementation of strict control on fabrication, inspection and acceptance procedures. All the recommendations of FAC are being implemented and the launch of GSLV with INSAT-4CR (identical to INSAT-4C) is planned in 2007-08.

Indigenous Cryogenic Stage – Towards Self-reliance
The indigenous cryogenic stage to be used in the upper stage of GSLV replacing the present Russian supplied stage, has been tested for 50 seconds in October 2006 demonstrating the integrated functioning of the complete stage. The stage will be ground tested for the total flight duration of 750 seconds in the coming months before its flight test in GSLV during 2008.

GSLV-Mk III – Making Further Progress
Further progress has been made during the year in the development of GSLV-Mk III that will have the capability to launch 4 tonne class satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The wind tunnel tests have been completed and the vehicle configuration updated. Establishment of major facilities like propellant plant, assembly and integration has reached advanced stage. Some of the hardware have also been realised during the year.

CARTOSAT-2 – Sharper Imageries for Developmental Applications
CARTOSAT-2, the twelfth in the IRS satellite series, has joined the other five remote sensing satellites that are in service – IRS-1D, OCEANSAT-1, Technology Experimental Satellite (TES), RESOURCESAT-1 and CARTOSAT-1. Carrying Panchromatic camera (PAN) to provide imageries with a high spatial resolution of better than one metre and a swath of 9.6 km, data from CARTOSAT-2 will be valuable for detailed mapping of the country and cartographic applications at cadastral level, urban and rural infrastructure development, as well as, applications in land information and geographical information systems.

The completion of the design review and initiation of flight model activities of Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) which will have all weather and night and day imaging capability, completion of preliminary design review and test and evaluation of the payloads for an improved ocean resources survey satellite, OCEANSAT-2, are important achievements during the year towards enhancing the capabilities of Indian earth observation systems in the coming years.

Expanding Space Applications – Reaching Benefits to Society
The space applications programme using the Indian remote sensing and communication satellites have continued to expand during the year. The number of Village Resource Centres (VRC) which provide spatial information along with collateral information and services like telemedicine and tele-education has increased to 200 during the year. Tele-medicine network using INSAT that facilitates expert medical services to reach population in remote and rural areas has expanded to connect 186 hospitals – 152 in remote and rural areas and 34 super specialty hospitals in major cities. EDUSAT network has expanded further and so far, nine networks in the national beam and 22 networks using regional beams have been implemented. In all, nearly 10,200 terminals have been connected in EDUSAT network.

INSAT system continues to aid in telecommunication and nearly 600 telecommunication terminals are operating via INSATs. More than 55,000 closed-user group Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) are operating through INSAT. Direct-To Home (DTH) television has been expanding rapidly with the launch of INSAT-4A in December 2005.

Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) with a constellation of seven satellites to be launched using Indian launch vehicles over the next six-seven years will form an important component of the Indian strategy for establishing an indigenous and independent satellite navigation system.

Disaster Management Support (DMS) using space systems has been given emphasis with the operationalisation of Decision Support Centre (DSC) at National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) as a single-window service provider.

Scientific Missions – Enhancing Scope for Space Exploration
Substantial progress has been achieved during the year towards undertaking India’s first unmanned scientific mission to moon, Chandrayaan-1, during 2007-2008. ISRO and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of USA have signed memoranda of understanding during the year on inclusion of two US scientific instruments – Mini Synthetic Aperture Radar and Moon Mineralogy Mapper – in addition to the five primary Indian instruments and three instruments from European Space Agency and one from Bulgaria. Thus, the scientific scope of Chandrayaan-1 mission has been greatly enhanced. During the year, hardware related to interface simulation have been delivered to NASA and ESA. Development of Indian scientific instruments and the spacecraft is progressing satisfactorily. The 18 m diameter antenna has been installed for the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) near Bangalore.

ASTROSAT, which will be a national space-based platform for astronomical observation, to be launched by PSLV during 2008-09, has made further progress with the finalisation of mechanical configuration and completion of preliminary structural analyses of all the payloads. Preliminary design review of all major payloads has also been completed during the year.

As part of ISRO Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP) two major land aerosol campaigns for studying aerosols, gases and radiation budget covering both land and oceans have been carried out during the year. Atmospheric science programme has been initiated to use satellite data in projects related atmospheric sciences leading to operational applications and generation of products and services. In order to meet the requirement of reliable and accurate weather predictions in time scales of few hours to few days for supporting satellite launches from SDSC SHAR, a project, Prediction of Regional Weather using Observational Network and Modelling (PRWONOM) has been initiated.

Under the Sponsored Research Programme (RESPOND), DOS continued to support research and developmental projects, educational programmes and other scientific activities at the academic institutions and autonomous research and development laboratories in the country. During the year, ten sponsored projects have culminated with meaningful conclusions and 40 new projects at 35 academic institutions were initiated.

Industry Participation – Increasing Commercial Accruals
Indian space industry continues to make forays in space based telecommunications and broadcasting, telemedicine and tele-education. DOS has associated more than 500 small, medium and large scale industries. So far, DOS has transferred 279 technologies to industries for commercialisation and undertaken 270 technical consultancies in various fields. Twenty patent applications have been filed during the year.

Antrix Corporation of DOS and EADS Astrium, Paris, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement during the year to jointly address the commercial market for communications satellites. The first success of this agreement was achieved with the award of W2M satellite contract by Eutelsat Communications followed by the award of one more contract to build Highly Adoptable Satellite (HYLAS) for Avanti Screen Media. The satellites will be built by ISRO while EADS, Astrium, will build the communication payloads.

Along with CARTOSAT-2 and SRE-1, LAPAN-TUBSAT from Indonesia and PEhuensat-1 from Argentina were also launched by PSLV-C7 under commercial agreements during the year and AGILE spacecraft from Italy is slated for launch by PSLV in 2007. Another launch service agreement has been signed for launching a cluster of six nano satellites as piggyback on board PSLV for University of Toronto.

International Cooperation
DOS continues to nurture bilateral and multilateral relations with space agencies and space related bodies to take up new scientific and technological challenges, defining international frameworks for exploitation and utilisation of outer space for peaceful purposes, refining space policies and building and strengthening existing ties between countries. DOS is providing expertise and services for helping other developing countries in the applications of space technology.

During the year, memoranda of understanding was signed with NASA of United States on cooperation concerning NASA’s instruments to be flown on board ISRO’s Chandrayaan-1 mission. Agreements have been signed with Russian Federation on Indian access to navigation signals of the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System, (GLONASS), and Indian access to a part of GLONASS Radio Frequency Spectrum. Progress has also been made in cooperation with Russian Federation in the development and use of the Russian GLONASS navigation satellite programme. India has been elected by the International Astronautical Federation to host the International Astronautical Congress 2007 (IAC 2007) during September 23-28, 2007 at Hyderabad.

Human Resources
The commitment, dedication, knowledge and skills of DOS personnel continue to play a key role in the achievements of Indian space programme. DOS continued to attach importance to the recruitment, training and development of its manpower to meet the increasing demands of space programme. The approved strength of DOS is 16,192 of which 11,057 are in scientific and technical categories and 5,135 in administrative categories. The scheme of induction training programme for newly recruited scientists/engineers, centralised recruitment of scientists and engineers with BE and ME background has been continued during the year. Organisation of training programmes in various areas of technology, management, computer, safety, administrative systems, and in-house training programme for administrative staff have been undertaken. DOS continues to strive for providing its personnel with facilities such as housing, medical, canteen, and schooling for their children.

Public Awareness on Space Programme
DOS continued to make efforts to create awareness among the general public about the progress made under the Indian space programme including the benefits that have accrued from the programme to the society. The two important events – GSLV-F02 and PSLV-C7 launches – were telecast live by Doordarshan. Private TV channels were also provided live
audio-video feed to cover the news. Special video programmes on space applications have been produced and telecast. Media teams from Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai were taken to Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR for familiarising them on the nuances of space technologies. More than 20 exhibitions were organised during the year including in international fora like International Astronautical Congress at Valencia, Spain, Hanover Trade Fair and 36th COSPAR Exhibition at Beijing, China. Celebration of World Space Week during October 4-10, 2006 and National Science Day on February 28 were also important towards creating public awareness.

Right to Information – Ensuring Transparency
DOS has implemented Right to Information Act 2005 by identifying Central Public Information Officers, Assistant Public Information Officers and the Appellate Authority for stage one appeals. As required under the Act, DOS has published the requisite information on the web www.isro.gov.in/Right to Information. During the year, 65 applications were received under RTI on which appropriate responses have been given.

Conclusion
The successful launch of four satellites together by PSLV-C7 including SRE-1 and CARTOSAT-2, and the successful manoeuvring and recovery of SRE-1 after conducting experiments in space for ten days have given further fillip to the Indian space programme to undertake advanced programmes like re-usable space transportation systems and manned space missions in the coming years. Initial studies have been conducted on manned space mission. The continuing expansion of space applications programmes like Village Resources Centres, telemedicine, tele-education, disaster management support and outreach through Direct-To-Home television, reiterates the increasing role played by the Indian space systems in providing direct benefits to the society. The cooperative agreements with space agencies like NASA and ESA to include their instruments on board India’s mission to moon, Chandrayan-1, have further increased the scientific scope of the mission in lunar exploration. The agreement with EADS-Astrium, Paris to jointly build communication satellites and the
award of two contracts to Antrix by international customers indicate the increasing commercial success of Indian space programme in the international space market.

Thus Indian space programme continues to pursue successful goals on all fronts in meeting the objective of achieving self-reliance in space technology and its applications for national development.