The Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman K Sivan recently announced about plans for 2022. He also provided details about the missions accomplished in 2021.
Missions planned for 2022
- Earth Observation Satellites 4 and 6 are to be launched on PSLV.
- ISRO will also launch Aditya L1, Chandrayaan 3, XpoSat, Technology demonstration missions and IRNSS in 2022.
- The other 2022 plans are DISHA, Venus Mission, ISROCNES, TRISHNA
Missions accomplished in 2021
- NISAR Mission: S – Band SAR Payload delivered to NASA
- Aditya L1 Mission: Hardware loop test completed
- GSLV F-10 mission failed because of issues that occurred during cryogenic stage
- The design of Chandrayaan 3 was changed
- Gaganyaan: Tests are in progress for cryogenic stage, L-IIO Vikas Engine, service module propulsion system and crew escape system motors. The astronauts have completed the spaceflight training. Parachute drop test has been commenced.
TRISHNA
The satellite aims to map the surface temperature of land. It is jointly developed by India and France. TRISHNA will also monitor water use. Similar India – France operations include Megha – Tropiques and SARAL – AltiKa. SARAL mission will study the ocean from space using ARGOS. ARGOS is a data collecting system. Megha – Tropiques will study the energy exchanges in the tropical region and water cycle. It will also study the natural resources using thermal infrared imaging. Currently, the earth temperature from space is obtained at a resolution of 100 metres. TRISHNA aims to increase the resolution to 57 metres. With this, scientists can understand the physical, biological and climatic phenomena of water cycle.
NISAR Mission
It is joint mission of NASA and ISRO. NISAR means NASA – ISRO – SAR. SAR is Synthetic Aperture Radar. The radar is to be used to measure the changes occurring on the earth surface. NISAR will carry the largest reflector antenna (designed by NASA). The main objective of NISAR Mission is to scan the earth every 12 days for three years. It will send images of sea ice and ice sheets.
DISHA
DISHA is a twin satellite system. It will study the aeronomy of the earth. That is, the uppermost layer of the earth atmosphere.