Latest news with #GeosynchronousSatelliteLaunchVehicle
India Today
28-04-2025
- Science
- India Today
Isro begins preparation to launch Nisar mission to space aboard GSLV Mk-II
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has entered the final phase of preparations for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nisar) mission, a collaboration set to revolutionise Earth observation. Initially planned for 2024, the launch faced multiple delays due to technical challenges, including overheating risks in the satellite's 12-meter radar antenna reflector. The component was shipped back to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in 2024 for a reflective coating upgrade to mitigate temperature concerns during After rigorous retesting, the satellite was fully integrated at ISRO's Bengaluru facility by October 2024. NASA's C-130 aircraft transported critical hardware to India in a multi-leg journey, with final assembly completed by January 2025. The spacecraft has since been shipped to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, where ISRO is now conducting pre-launch Chairman V. Narayanan recently indicated an upcoming 2025 launch window during a meeting with Science Minister Jitendra Singh. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark II's second stage was flagged off to Sriharikota on April 26, 2025, signalling advanced launch campaign will employ dual-band radar (L-band and S-band) to scan the Earth's surface every 12 days, detecting sub-centimeter changes in landforms, ice sheets, and ecosystems. Its high-resolution data will aid disaster management, climate research, and infrastructure monitoring. 'Nisar will measure Earth's surface changes weekly, with each pixel covering half a tennis court,' said NASA JPL project scientist Paul mission indicates deepening Indo-US space ties and positions ISRO as a key player in global Earth science initiatives. If successful, Nisar's datasets could transform understanding of crustal deformations, glacier dynamics, and carbon cycle the GSLV now at SDSC and payload integration underway, ISRO is set to deliver one of 2025's most anticipated space missions, pending final agency clearances.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
K Kasturirangan, visionary space scientist and architect of India's education reforms, passes away at 84
K Kasturirangan NEW DELHI: Dr Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, an eminent space scientist, educationist and the guiding force behind India's space and education milestones, passed away on Friday in Bengaluru at the age of 84. A former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and the chief architect of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Kasturirangan had been battling age-related ailments following a heart attack he suffered in Sri Lanka in July 2023. He breathed his last at 10:43 am at his Bengaluru residence. His mortal remains will be kept at the Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru, on April 27 for people to pay their respects. He is survived by two sons. Kasturirangan-led Isro from 1994 to 2003, a period marked by major milestones, including the operationalisation of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the successful flight-test of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. Under his stewardship, Isro pursued technological self-reliance and began planning ambitious missions such as Chandrayaan, despite facing international sanctions following India's 1998 nuclear tests. PM Narendra Modi said, 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr K Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India's scientific and educational journey. His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the nation will always be remembered.' He praised Kasturirangan's pivotal role in elevating Isro and said India would always be grateful for his contributions to education. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo President Droupadi Murmu acknowledged his integral role in shaping both India's space programme and the NEP. Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan remembered him as an 'intellectual titan', saying, 'To me, he was far more than a mentor — he was a guiding light, a wellspring of wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength.' Science and technology minister Jitendra Singh called him 'a visionary scientist and a guiding force behind India's space programme'. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he made significant contributions in India's space exploration and contributed in various positions in key policy making. Prior to heading Isro, Kasturirangan directed the Isro Satellite Centre and was responsible for overseeing development of next-generation satellites including INSAT-2 and IRS-1A & 1B. As project director for BHASKARA-I and II, India's first experimental Earth observation satellites, he laid the groundwork for the nation's remote sensing capabilities. An accomplished astrophysicist, Kasturirangan's research spanned high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy. He played a key role in conceptualising India's first space-based high-energy astronomy observatory and authored over 200 research papers in leading national and international journals. He also edited six books. After his illustrious space career, Kasturirangan pivoted to education policy and led the drafting committee of the NEP-2020, introducing a transformative vision for Indian schooling and higher education. Later, he spearheaded the development of the National Curriculum Framework. He had famously stated, 'The vision of India's new education system is to ensure that it touches each and every citizen's life and creates a just and equitable society.' Kasturirangan was awarded all three of India's top civilian honours — Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1992), and Padma Vibhushan (2000). He was also Member of Rajya Sabha (2003–09), Planning Commission member, National Institute of Advanced Studies director (2004–2009) and JNU chancellor. Born on Oct 24, 1940, in Ernakulam, Kerala, he earned his physics degree from Bombay University and his PhD in experimental high-energy astronomy from the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad. Kasturirangan leaves behind a legacy that spans the cosmos and classrooms.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Who was Dr. K. Kasturirangan? Former ISRO chief and the visionary behind the NEP—his contributions, awards, and more
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, one of India's tallest figures of science and an architect of the country's space program, has died at age 84 in Bengaluru. His legacy for decades of Indian science, technology, and education is remarkable. As a past chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ), he was instrumental in advancing India's space aspirations into a new phase, building the ground for some of the country's most important satellite missions and launch vehicles. Apart from his scientific work, he was also very committed to forming the nation's education policy and shaping national development in some of the highest profile positions. Former ISRO scientist Dr. Kasturirangan dies at 84 in Bengaluru Renowned legendary scientist and former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr. K Kasturirangan passed away at 84 in Bengaluru on Friday. As per reports published by ISRO, Dr. Kasturirangan's death occurred at 10:43 am. To enable people to pay tributes, his body will remain at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru on Sunday, April 27, between 10 am and noon as per reports. Dr. Kasturirangan early life and education Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan was born on October 24, 1940, in the Ernakulam town of the state of Kerala in southern India. He pursued academic studies in the field of physics to gain a doctoral degree (Ph.D.), which served as the foundation for his subsequent contributions to the scientific and space industries of India. Dr. Kasturirangan career in ISRO Dr. Kasturirangan's working experience with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been one of remarkable adventures in scientific excellence and innovation. He was the fifth Chairman of ISRO between 1994 and 2003 during a time of rapid growth and technological achievement. He made invaluable contributions in his tenure towards the successful development of India's two main launch vehicles—the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)—which proved to be a blessing to India's satellite launch capability. He was Director of the ISRO Satellite Centre before taking over as chairman and had the task of establishing India's remote sensing satellite program. He was the initiator of the Bhaskara I and II development and launch of India's first Earth observing satellites and their Project Director. These were significant steps for India in being able to observe and understand its own environment from space. Dr. Kasturirangan contributions to education and policy reform Though Kasturirangan's name is eternally associated with space science, his contribution was much more. He was one of the most important persons to shape India's education system. He was the central figure in drafting the National Education Policy (NEP), and he led reformative initiatives for re-modeling India's education system for 21st-century needs. He was also Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and chairperson of Karnataka Knowledge Commission to ensure science and education harmony with public policy. His six-year term of service in Rajya Sabha as member (2003–2009) and association with Planning Commission of India served further to consolidate him as an erudite national thinker and policymaker. Former ISRO scientist Dr. Kasturirangan awards and honours A professional astrophysicist, Dr. Kasturirangan had a keen interest in high-energy astronomy. His research focused on cosmic X-ray sources and cosmic gamma rays and how they behave with the atmosphere of the Earth. His administrative skills and scientific expertise helped some in improving space-based astrophysical research in India. For his excellent contribution to science and service to the nation, he was awarded most of India's highest civilian honors: the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. Also Read | SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral on April 24
India.com
25-04-2025
- Science
- India.com
A Celestial Farewell: Remembering K. Kasturirangan, The Man Who Gave India Its Space Wings
Former ISRO chairman Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan passed away at the age of 84. (File) India has lost one of its brightest stars in the sky of science and innovation. Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away today at the age of 84, leaving behind a rich legacy of vision, discipline, and unmatched contributions to India's aerospace journey. His passing is not just a loss to the scientific community but to the nation that he helped lift—literally—into space. Dr. Kasturirangan was more than a scientist; he was a dreamer with a strategy. A man who combined curiosity with conviction. His leadership shaped India's space programme during a time of global flux, and he steered ISRO with clarity and calm through its most transformative decade. From PSLV to GSLV: A Launchpad to Self-Reliance Taking over as ISRO Chairman in 1994, Dr. Kasturirangan ushered in a new era of launch vehicle capability. It was under his stewardship that the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) matured into a reliable workhorse, placing India firmly among global space powers. He also led the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), which gave India the ability to place heavier satellites into orbit, reducing dependence on foreign launchers. A Sky Full of Satellites: Earth, Weather, and Connectivity Dr. Kasturirangan didn't just aim for rockets—he aimed for results. Under his leadership, India launched some of its most advanced remote sensing satellites like IRS-1C and IRS-1D, which revolutionized agriculture, resource mapping, and disaster management. On the communication front, satellites like INSAT-2C and INSAT-3B enhanced India's weather forecasting, telemedicine, and distance learning capabilities, extending the benefits of space to the remotest corners of the country. Chandrayaan's Unsung Architect It was Dr. Kasturirangan who planted the seeds of Chandrayaan-1, India's first lunar mission. While it was executed under later leadership, the blueprint bore his signature—a testament to his foresight. He recognized early on that India's scientific aspirations must extend beyond Earth, and that space exploration was both a scientific necessity and a symbol of national capability. The Private Sector's Silent Ally A silent reformer, Dr. Kasturirangan paved the way for public-private collaboration in the space sector. Today's boom of startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Pixxel owes a part of its origin to the groundwork laid during his tenure. He understood that ISRO alone could not carry the weight of India's space ambitions and pushed for greater inclusion of industry in research and manufacturing. From Space to Classrooms: Architect of New India's Education Vision After retiring from ISRO, Dr. Kasturirangan didn't rest. He turned his attention to education—most notably as Chairman of the Committee that drafted India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. His vision of blending scientific temperament with foundational learning is now shaping millions of young Indian minds. He believed that space technology and education were twin engines of a strong nation—and he served both with equal passion. Honours That Reflect a Life of Service For his unmatched service to the nation, Dr. Kasturirangan was honoured with: Padma Shri (1982) Padma Bhushan (1992) Padma Vibhushan (2000) These awards reflect not just his brilliance, but his deep humility and lifelong dedication to national development. A Legacy That Touches Earth and Sky Today, every time we track a cyclone with satellite data, every time students in a remote village attend an online class, every time a rocket leaves Indian soil, we are walking in Dr. Kasturirangan's footsteps. His legacy lives on in the skies above us, in the technologies around us, and in the dreams of a billion Indians who look to the stars with pride and purpose. In an age of noise and haste, he was a man of depth and direction. His vision still orbits above us. And his absence, like space itself, leaves a void that only memory and inspiration can fill. Dr. Kasturirangan. You showed India the way to the stars. (The author, Girish Linganna, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Reach him at: girishlinganna@
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Newly-launched Indian satellite left stranded by propulsion problem
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. India just launched its first mission of 2025. The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre on schedule today at 7:53 p.m. EST (0053 GMT and 6:23 a.m. local time on Jan. 29). It was the 100th launch overall from the storied spaceport, which lies on the barrier island Sriharikota, off India's southeastern coast. The first orbital liftoff from the site occurred in August 1979, according to The Hindu. NVS-02 was expected to take up a position along the geostationary belt, around 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above the equator. Reaching geostationary orbit usually first involves launching into a low Earth orbit, before the rocket's upper stage fires to send the spacecraft into an elliptical transfer orbit, with a low perigee, or closest point to Earth, and a high apogee, or furthest point from Earth, around the altitude of geostationary orbit. When the satellite reaches apogee, the spacecraft fires its engines to raise the perigee and make the orbit circular at geostationary altitude. This is, however, the point at which NVS-02 was found to suffer a value issue, could not fire its engines, and thus remains in transfer orbit. ISRO is now looking into alternative solutions and uses for the satellite, potentially including using the spacecraft's smaller, attitude control thrusters to raise its perigee and prevent it deorbiting due to atmospheric drag. "The satellite systems are healthy and the satellite is currently in elliptical orbit," ISRO says. "Alternate mission strategies for utilising the satellite for navigation in an elliptical orbit is being worked out." RELATED STORIES: — Major milestone! India becomes 4th nation to dock satellites in orbit — Watch Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan rover adorably avoid a lunar crater (video) — India launches Aditya-L1 solar observatory, its 1st-ever sun probe NVS-02 is the second of five planned next-gen spacecraft in the Navigation with Indian Constellation. NavIC, which is designed to provide India and surrounding regions with positioning, navigation and timing services, similar to those provided by the US GPS and other systems. The launch was India's first of 2025 and the 100th launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, situated on the barrier island Sriharikota, off India's southeastern coast.
