IDRSS: ISRO new satellite to help Gaganyaan crew

The Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS) will track Indian satellites in low-earth orbits. It is a new satellite series that plans to set up a communication system between the space assets of India.

Highlights

The system is aimed to play vital role in India’s space station and space docking. It will also assist distant expeditions of India to Mars, moon and Venus.

The system will help in monitoring launches. The IRDSS is to play a major role in India’s Human Space Flight Programme, Gaganyaan. It will help India to cover the entire mission right from its launch.

The IDRSS satellites are to be launched on GSLV launcher. They will approximately weigh 2,000 kg. These satellites are to be placed at an orbit of 36,000 km away from earth’s orbit.

About IDRSS

The mission consists of more than 2 satellites. The first two IRDSS satellites are to be sent in the end of 2020. These satellites will precede the experimental mission of Gaganyaan that will carry humanoid dummies. The first of this kind is to be launched in 2020 and the second satellite is to be launched in 2021.

This technology was launched by the space majors such as Russia and US in 1970-80s. They were used to monitor their respective space station.

Purpose

During the launch of Gaganyaan at least one ground should monitor the satellite 24/7. This is not possible for India with its current infrastructure. Also, to make the tracking continuous ISRO has to create number of ground stations or hire them globally. The IDRSS helps to solve this problem providing full time tracking of the mission.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020