Notes on Dr. Das's Lecture on Indian Space Exploration

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Das
• Topic: Future of Indian Space Exploration
• Main Question: Can our past guide us to our future?

Early Days of Space Science in India

• History: India's formal pursuit of space science dates back to the 18th century.
  • Madras Observatory: Active from 1786 to 1899, responsible for observations of stars, moons, and Jupiter's satellites.
  • Kodaikanal Solar Observatory: Established in 1899, contributed to solar studies.
  • Colaba Magnetic Observatory: Established in 1826 for meteorological observations and magnetic studies.
• Focus Areas: Planets, moons, stars, sun, and Earth’s magnetic field.
• Instruments: Ground-based telescopes and instruments were used to collect data from space.

Development from 1900 to 1930

• Radio Waves: Used for strategic purposes during World Wars; led to the discovery of the ionosphere.
• Shishir Kumar Mitra: Key figure in remote sensing of the ionosphere using radio waves in the 1920s and 30s.

Post-Independence Developments (1940s-1950s)

• Key Figures: Dr. Homi Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai emphasized research and technology applications.
• Institutions Founded: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (1945) and Physical Research Laboratory (1947).
• Cosmic Ray Studies: Conducted using scientific balloons; National Balloon Facility still operational today.
• Ionospheric Research: Establishment of an ionospheric field station in Haringhata (1956).

1960s: Launch of Sounding Rockets

• Tumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station: Established for sounding rocket experiments.
• First Launch: NICAPASHA rocket in 1963; development of indigenous sounding rocket program (Rohini series).
• International Cooperation: Tumba station opened to the UN in 1968.

Growth of Satellite Program (1970s-1980s)

• Aryabhatta: First Indian satellite, launched in 1975 by Soviet rocket.
• SLV-3: India’s first satellite launch vehicle, developed in the late 1970s.
• Geostationary Satellite: APPLE launched in 1981, marking a significant advancement in satellite technology.
• Gamma Ray Astronomy: Conducted experiments through the Rohini series from 1987 to 1994.

AstroSat and Modern Missions

• AstroSat: Launched in 2015; India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.
• Chandrayaan Missions:
  • Chandrayaan-1 (2008): First successful lunar mission.
  • Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Orbiter, but lander failed.
  • Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successful lander and rover mission.
• Mars Orbiter Mission: First study of Martian atmosphere and surface conditions.

Future Exploration Plans

• Upcoming Missions:
  • Chandrayaan-4: Sample return mission planned for 2027-2028.
  • Venus Orbiter Mission: Planned for 2028.
  • Indian Space Station: Expected by 2035.
  • Human Landing on Moon: Targeted for 2040.

Current State and Future Goals

• Focus Areas: Astronomy, heliophysics, solar system exploration, near-Earth space.
• Challenges: Need for advanced technologies and international collaborations for future space missions.
• Role of Students: Encouraged to participate and engage in space research and exploration activities.

Conclusion

• Integration of Knowledge: Emphasis on utilizing past experiences to guide future space exploration.
• Invitation for Questions: Dr. Das invites further discussion on the lecture's content.