Antariksham Weekly #05
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Demonstration, SSLV SS-1 Test Video, Future Interplanetary Missions, NISAR mission and Study Phase Astrophysics Missions
Official News
Demonstration of free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Technology
For the first time in the country, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300 m. The Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology underpins a technology that ensures unconditional data security under quantum mechanics principles, which is impossible with conventional encryption systems. Two line-of-sight buildings within the Space Applications Centre (SAC) campus, Ahmedabad, were involved in the test. Following are a few links that would help you better understand the QKD technology:
Upcoming Missions
SSLV SS1 Static Fire (ST01) Videos
Last week, there were reports of SSLV SS1 fire test failure. This week some videos of the test showed up on social media.
A resident at Sriharikota posted the video of the test on Youtube.
Also, u/Ohsin searched the Sentinel-2 images to observe disturbed dirt at the mouth of the 6C static test facility.
Indian Planetary Missions
A few questions were asked about the Planetary Mission in the parliament on 24th and 25th March 2021.
Mars Orbiter Mission
The MOM-1 mission has completed six years in orbit, and ISRO still monitors the spacecraft and its scientific instruments. Scientific analysis of the data being received from MOM spacecraft is in progress. This statement helps in removing doubts about ISRO receiving signals from MOM-1 spacecraft. Hopefully, they'll release the data soon.
The MOM-2 mission is still under the study phase.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission
CY-3 is in the advanced stage of realization. The Propulsion module has been realized, and final testing is in progress. Integration of the lander is being done. The plan currently is to launch the spacecraft in 2022.
The Propulsion module's final testing can be referring to the NOTAM released last week for the Chitradurga range.
Venus Mission
The Venus mission is not finalized yet. It is being referred to as Shukrayaan, which I don't like personally.
NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Mission
The S-SAR payload developed by ISRO was shipped to the USA a couple of weeks ago. NASA's JPL posted a video of receiving the delivery of the payload. The payload is being installed on the satellite. The integrated spacecraft will later be shipped back to India and launched by GSLV-Mk II.
Astrophysics related ISRO grants from RRI Annual Report
The Raman Research Institute (RRI) published its Annual Report for the year 2019-2020.
Nobel Laureate, Sir C V Raman, founded the Raman Research Institute in 1948 on land that had been gifted to him by the Government of Mysore. The research in basic sciences is today in selected areas of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Light and Matter Physics, Soft Condensed Matter Physics, and Theoretical Physics. The research work includes Physics in Biology, Soft Matter Chemistry, Quantum Information, Computing and Communications.
Following is the description provided on the r/ISRO subreddit:
Page 36 onward there are lots of details for ISRO relevant research work including PRATUSH (Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen) and development of PRATUSH-C3 payload that could be accommodated on Propulsion Module of Chandrayaan-3, POLIX for XPoSat, new research work on the development of X-Ray optics, DAKSHA X-ray observatory and Indian sub-millimetre-wave astronomy facility in Hanle, Ladakh.
Agnikul's Agnilet Rocket Engine
Podcasts
The story of how the first 100 industry suppliers were convinced to work with ISRO
Sudarshan, a recruit of Prof Sarabhai in 1970, talks about his experience of being the Chairman of the ISRO technology transfer committee and helped develop the first 100 industries to collaborate with ISRO.