Doc No: ISRO-ISAC-TR-1445

Indian Remote Sensing Missions &

Payloads- A Glance

Space Science and Ground Segment Section

IRS & SSS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE

January- 2018

ISRO SATELLITE CENTRE

INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION
DEPARTMENT OF SPACE
BANGALORE
 Doc No: ISRO-ISAC-TR-1445

Indian Remote Sensing Missions &

Payloads- A Glance

January- 2018

IRS & SSS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE

ISRO SATELLITE CENTRE
INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION
DEPARTMENT OF SPACE
BANGALORE
 Indian Remote Sensing Missions & Restricted
Payloads - A Glance Rev.1.1

Preface
The goal of the Indian Space Programme is to harness space technology for
applications in the areas of communications, broadcasting, meteorology, disaster warning,
search and rescue operations, navigation and remote sensing. Operational systems have been
realized in all the above areas during the past two decades.
Remote sensing is an important part of the Indian Space Programme and the
Department of Space (DOS), Government of India, is the nodal agency for the realization of
the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS), the National Resources
Information System (NRIS) and the Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD),
besides several other national level application projects like Crop Acreage and Production
Estimation (CAPE), National Drinking Water Mission and Wasteland Mapping etc in close
collaboration with the user agencies. Operational satellites have been indigenously built and
launched, which cater to land and ocean applications.
The Indian remote sensing programme has come a long way since the first experiment
conducted by aerial surveys to monitor coconut wilt disease in early seventies. Noting the
immense potential benefits of remote sensing in the areas of resources survey, inventory and
management, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has embarked upon the
development of this technology in a major way through the use of orbiting satellites. This goal
was initiated through the experimental missions, namely, Bhaskara-1 and Bhaskara-2 in the
late seventies and early eighties and then graduating to more sophisticated state-of-the-art
operational missions of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) series.
The aim of this document is to collect information about the launched Indian Remote
Sensing payload and spacecraft available till date at various sources and consolidate in a
single document. This document provides brief, condensed information of various IRS
Missions and payloads. This document will serve the new entrant engineers to understand
the evolution of Remote Sensing Programme in India. Information provided in this document
is collected from various sources like Project reports, internet sources, Journals and books.
The Space Science and Ground Segment section team in PMSG is thankful to Dr. M
Annadurai, Director ISAC for his continuous motivation and encouragement. The team
thankful to Shri G Nagesh, Programme Director, IRS & SSS Programme for valuable guidance
and encouragement. The team acknowledges with thanks the encouragement and support
provided by Dr. P Murugan, Group Head, PMSG. The team also acknowledges Shri Ravi
Chandra Babu G, Head, ISSD for his valuable guidance.

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Change History

Version No Date Change Information Remarks

1.0 May 2012 Initial Document N/A

Updated document with launched spacecraft

1.1 Jan 2018 N/A
till Jan-2018

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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 LAND AND WATER RESOURCE OBSERVATION SERIES............................................................................. 3

1.2 OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC OBSERVATION SERIES .................................................................................. 3
1.3 CARTOGRAPHIC SATELLITE SERIES............................................................................................................. 5
1.4 MICROWAVE REMOTE SENSING SATELLITE SERIES................................................................................. 5
1.5 SPACE SCIENCE AND PLANETARY SERIES .................................................................................................. 6
1.6 MICRO AND NANO SATELLITE SERIES ....................................................................................................... 7
1.7 UNIVERSITY SATELLITES: ............................................................................................................................. 8
1.8 LIST OF SATELLITES AND PAYLOADS .......................................................................................................... 9

2. EXPERIMENTAL SATELLITES ......................................................................................................19

2.1 BHASKARA-1 & 2........................................................................................................................................ 19

2.1.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................19
2.1.2 Mission Objectives..............................................................................................................................19
2.1.3 Orbit Details .........................................................................................................................................20
2.1.4 Salient features of Bhaskara-I & II Systems ...........................................................................20
2.1.5 Payloads ................................................................................................................................................21
2.2 ROHINI SATELLITE SERIES AND STRETCHED ROHINI SERIES (SROSS) SATELLITES ..................... 24
2.2.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................24
2.2.2 Rohini Satellite Series ......................................................................................................................24
2.2.3 Stretched Rohini Satellite series ..................................................................................................27

3. LAND AND WATER RESOURCE OBSERVATION SERIES ......................................................34

3.1 IRS-1A & 1B .............................................................................................................................................. 34

3.1.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................34
3.1.2 Mission Objectives..............................................................................................................................34
3.1.3 Orbit Details .........................................................................................................................................35
3.1.4 Salient Features of Spacecrafts ....................................................................................................36
3.1.5 IRS-1A/1B Payloads..........................................................................................................................38
3.1.6 Ground Segment .................................................................................................................................41
3.2 IRS-1E ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
3.2.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................42
3.2.2 Mission Objectives..............................................................................................................................42
3.2.3 Orbital Details .....................................................................................................................................42
3.3 IRS-P2 ......................................................................................................................................................... 43
3.3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................43
3.3.2 Mission Objective ...............................................................................................................................43
3.3.3 Orbit Details .........................................................................................................................................43
3.3.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft ......................................................................................................43
3.3.5 IRS-P2 Payload ...................................................................................................................................45
3.4 IRS-1C &1D ............................................................................................................................................... 48
3.4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................48
3.4.2 Mission Objective of IRS-1C and 1D ............................................................................................48
3.4.3 Orbit Details .........................................................................................................................................48
3.4.4 Salient features of IRS-1C/1D .......................................................................................................49
3.4.5 IRS-1C/1D Payloads..........................................................................................................................52

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3.5 IRS-P6 (RESOURCESAT-1) .......................................................................................................................59

3.5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 59
3.5.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................... 59
3.5.3 Orbit Details......................................................................................................................................... 60
3.5.4 Salient features of IRS-P6 ............................................................................................................... 60
3.5.5 IRS-P6 Payloads ................................................................................................................................. 63
3.6 RESOURCESAT-2 ..........................................................................................................................................67
3.6.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 67
3.6.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................... 68
3.6.3 Orbital Parameters ........................................................................................................................... 68
3.6.4 Salient features of Spacecraft ....................................................................................................... 69
3.6.5 Resourcesat-2 Payloads .................................................................................................................. 71
3.7 RESOURCESAT-2A .......................................................................................................................................82
3.7.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 82
3.7.2 Mission Objectives: ............................................................................................................................ 83
3.7.3 Orbit Parameters ............................................................................................................................... 83
3.7.4 New Features/ Improvements w r to Resourcesat-2 ........................................................... 84
3.7.5 Resourcesat-2A Payloads ............................................................................................................... 86

4. OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC OBSERVATION SERIES ........................................................... 93

4.1 IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT-1) ..............................................................................................................................93

4.1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 93
4.1.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................... 93
4.1.3 Orbit Details......................................................................................................................................... 93
4.1.4 Salient features of Spacecraft ....................................................................................................... 94
4.1.5 IRS-P4 Payloads ................................................................................................................................. 96
4.2 OCEANSAT-2.............................................................................................................................................. 108
4.2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 108
4.2.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 108
4.2.3 Orbit Details...................................................................................................................................... 108
4.2.4 Salient features of Oceansat-2................................................................................................... 109
4.2.5 Oceansat-2 Payloads ..................................................................................................................... 110
4.3 MEGHA-TROPIQUES .................................................................................................................................. 123
4.3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 123
4.3.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 123
4.3.3 Orbital Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 123
4.3.4 Salient features of Satellite ......................................................................................................... 125
4.3.5 Payloads ............................................................................................................................................. 126
4.4 SARAL (SATELLITE FOR ARGOS AND ALTIKA PAYLOADS) .......................................................... 137
4.4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 137
4.4.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 138
4.4.3 Orbit Details...................................................................................................................................... 138
4.4.4 Salient Feature of Spacecarft..................................................................................................... 138
4.4.5 SARAL Payloads .............................................................................................................................. 140
4.5 SCATSAT-1................................................................................................................................................. 142
4.5.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 142
4.5.2 Mission Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 142
4.5.3 Orbit Details...................................................................................................................................... 142

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4.5.4 Salient features of ScatSat-1 ...................................................................................................... 143

4.5.5 SactSat-1 Payload........................................................................................................................... 145

5. CARTOGRAPHIC SATELLITE SERIES ...................................................................................... 150

5.1 TECHNOLOGY EXPERIMENT SATELLITE (TES) ................................................................................... 150

5.1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 150
5.1.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 150
5.1.3 Orbital Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 150
5.1.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft ................................................................................................... 151
5.1.5 TES Payload ...................................................................................................................................... 152
5.2 IRS-P5 (CARTOSAT-1) ...........................................................................................................................159
5.2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 159
5.2.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 159
5.2.3 Orbit Details ...................................................................................................................................... 159
5.2.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft ................................................................................................... 160
5.2.5 IRS-P5 Payload ................................................................................................................................ 162
5.3 CARTOSAT-2/2A/2B ..............................................................................................................................168
5.3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 168
5.3.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 168
5.3.3 Orbit Details ...................................................................................................................................... 169
5.3.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft ................................................................................................... 169
5.3.5 Cartosat-2/2A/2B Payload ......................................................................................................... 171
5.4 CARTOSAT-2S (2C/2D/2E/2F)..........................................................................................................178
5.4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 178
5.4.2 Mission Objectives........................................................................................................................... 179
5.4.3 Orbit Details ...................................................................................................................................... 179
5.4.4 Salient features of Cartosat Systems ....................................................................................... 179
5.4.5 Cartosat-2S Payload ...................................................................................................................... 181
5.4.6 Comparison of Cartosat-2 Series Satellites........................................................................... 187

6. MICROWAVE REMOTE SENSING SATELLITE SERIES ........................................................ 191

6.1 RISAT-1 ....................................................................................................................................................191

6.1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 191
6.1.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 191
6.1.3 Orbital Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 191
6.1.4 Salient Features of the spacecraft ............................................................................................ 192
6.1.5 Payload ............................................................................................................................................... 194
6.1.6 Modes of Operation ........................................................................................................................ 194

7. SPACE SCIENCE AND PLANETARY SERIES ............................................................................ 198

7.1 IRS-P3 .......................................................................................................................................................198

7.1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 198
7.1.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 198
7.1.3 Orbit details ...................................................................................................................................... 198
7.1.4 Salient features of IRS-P3 ............................................................................................................ 199
7.1.5 IRS-P3 Payloads............................................................................................................................... 202
7.2 CHANDRAYAAN-1 .....................................................................................................................................209
7.2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 209

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7.2.2 Mission Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 209

7.2.3 Orbit Details...................................................................................................................................... 209
7.2.4 Salient features of Chandrayaan-1 .......................................................................................... 210
7.2.5 Chandrayaan-1 Payloads ............................................................................................................ 211
7.3 MARS ORBITER MISSION (MOM) ......................................................................................................... 227
7.3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 227
7.3.2 Mission Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 227
7.3.3 Mission Phases ................................................................................................................................. 228
7.3.4 Scientific Instruments (Payloads) ............................................................................................ 229
7.3.5 MOM Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 237
7.4 ASTROSAT (ASTRONOMY SATELLITE) .................................................................................................. 238
7.4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 238
7.4.2 Mission Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 238
7.4.3 Orbit Details...................................................................................................................................... 239
7.4.4 Salient Features of Astrosat: ...................................................................................................... 239
7.4.5 Astrosat Payloads ........................................................................................................................... 240

8. MICRO AND NANO SATELLITE SERIES .................................................................................. 253

8.1 IMS-1 (TWSAT) ..................................................................................................................................... 253

8.1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 253
8.1.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 253
8.1.3 Orbit Details...................................................................................................................................... 253
8.1.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft................................................................................................... 254
8.1.5 Payloads: ............................................................................................................................................ 257
8.2 YOUTHSAT .................................................................................................................................................. 262
8.2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 262
8.2.2 Mission Objective ............................................................................................................................ 262
8.2.3 Orbital Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 262
8.2.4 Salient features of Youthsat ....................................................................................................... 263
8.2.5 Youthsat Payloads .......................................................................................................................... 264
8.3 MICROSAT .................................................................................................................................................. 275
8.3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 275
8.3.2 Mission objectives ........................................................................................................................... 276
8.3.3 Orbit Details...................................................................................................................................... 276
8.3.4 Salient features of MICROSAT ................................................................................................... 277
8.3.5 Payload ............................................................................................................................................... 278
8.3.6 Payload electronics (PE) .............................................................................................................. 284
8.4 INS-1A/1B............................................................................................................................................... 289
8.4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 289
8.4.2 Advantages of Nano Satellites ................................................................................................... 289
8.4.3 Mission objectives ........................................................................................................................... 289
8.4.4 Orbit Details...................................................................................................................................... 290
8.4.5 Configuration Block Diagram.................................................................................................... 291
8.4.6 Salient features of INS Bus ......................................................................................................... 291
8.4.7 Payloads ............................................................................................................................................. 292
8.5 INS-1C ....................................................................................................................................................... 300
8.5.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 300
8.5.2 Mission Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 300

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8.5.3 Orbit Details ...................................................................................................................................... 301

8.5.4 Salient features of INS-1C........................................................................................................... 301
8.5.5 Payload ............................................................................................................................................... 302
8.5.6 Major On-Orbit Observations in INS-1A and INS-1B ........................................................ 305
8.5.7 Major changes in INS-1C.............................................................................................................. 305
8.5.8 New Technologies in INS ............................................................................................................. 306

9. UNIVERSITY SATELLITES ........................................................................................................... 307

9.1 ANUSAT ....................................................................................................................................................307

9.2 STUDSAT .................................................................................................................................................307
9.3 JUGNU .......................................................................................................................................................307
9.4 SRMSAT ....................................................................................................................................................308
9.5 SWAYAM ..................................................................................................................................................308
9.6 SATHYABAMASAT...............................................................................................................................308
9.7 PISAT .........................................................................................................................................................308
9.8 PRATHAM ...............................................................................................................................................309
9.9 NIUSAT .....................................................................................................................................................309

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Acronyms
4 Pi SS 4 Pi Sun Sensor CBT C-Band Transponder
ADC Analog to Digital Converter CCD Charge Coupled Device
Attitude Determination and CCGA Ceramic Column Grid Array
ADCS
Control Subsystem
CCL Closed Control Loop
AH Ampere Hour
Consultative Committee for Space
CCSDS
AHB Advanced High speed Bus Data Systems
AIT Assembly Integration & Testing CDR Critical Design Review
Al Aluminium alloy CFRP Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic
Attitude and Orbit Control CGP Central Grounding Point
AOCE
Electronics
CIP Command Interface Port
AOCS Attitude and Orbit Control System
CMG Control Moment Gyro
APB Advanced Peripheral Bus
Complementary Metal Oxide
CMOS
APD Avalanche Photo Detector Semiconductor
APS Active Pixel Sensor Configuration Management
CMRB
Application Specific Integrated Review Board
ASIC Centre National d’Etudes des
Circuit CNES
Augmented Satellite Launch Spatiales
ASLV
Vehicle COTS Commercial - Off –The- Shelf
ATC Auto Temperature Control CP Circular Polarized (RCP, LCP)
ATE Automated Test Equipment CPM Charge Particle Monitor
ATJ Advanced Triple Junction CPSK Coherent Phase Shift Keying
AWiFS Advanced Wide Field Sensor CRC Cyclic Redundancy Code
Bearing and Power Transfer CTE Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
BAPTA
Assembly
CTF Contrast Transfer Function
BBR Band-To-Band Registration
CVD Chemical Vapor Deposition
BCD Binary Coded Decimal
CZT Cadmium Zink Telluride
BDH Baseband Data Handling
dB Decibel
BDR Base-line Design Review
DCU Data Compression Unit
Be Berillium
DDR Detailed Design Review
BER Bit Error Rate
DE Detector Electronics
BFL Back Focal Length
DEC Decoder
BMU Bus Management Unit
DFT Discrete Fourier Transform
BOL Beginning of Life
DFU Data Formatting Unit
BPSK Binary Phase Shift Keying
DGA Dual Gimbal Antenna (DGA)
BRC Bit Rate Clock
DH Data handling
CAN Controller Area Network
Dual Inline Package/Data
CARTOSA DIP
Cartographic Satellite Interface Package
T

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DMA Direct Memory Access G/T Gain/Temperature

DMSS Dynamic Multi Star Simulator Gbps Giga Bits Per Second
DN Digital Number GCP Ground Control Point
DP Data Products GMT Greenwich Mean Time
Differential Pulse Code GPS Global Positioning System
DPCM
Modulation Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch
GSLV
DPSK Differential Phase Shifting Keying Vehicle
DQE Data Quality Evaluation HEX High Energy X-ray Payload
DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory HILS Hardware In-Loop Simulation
DSER Deserializer HK House Keeping
DSN Deep Space Network HMC Hybrid Microwave Circuit
DSP Digital Signal Processing HR High Resolution
DSS Digital Sun Sensor HRMX High Resolution Multispectral
DTG Dynamically Tuned Gyroscope Hyper spectral imaging
HySI
instrument
EDAC Error Detection and Correction
IC Integrated Circuit
EED Electro Explosive Device
IFOV Instantaneous Field Of View
EFL Effective Focal Length
Instantaneous Geometric Field Of
EID Electrical Interface Document IGFOV
View
Effective Isotropic Radiated Integrated Information
EIRP IIMS
Power Management System
EM Engineering Model IISU ISRO Inertial Systems Unit
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility IMS Information Management System
EMI Electromagnetic Interference IMS Indian Micro Satellite
EOL End of Life Indian National Committee for
INCOIS
EOM Electro-Optical Module Ocean Information Services
InGaAs Indium Gallium Arsenic
EOS Earth Observation System
IOC Integrated Optic Chip
ESD Electro Static Discharge
IP Internet Protocol
FCC False Color Composite
IP core Intellectual Property core
FD Flange Distance
IR Infra-Red
FM Frequency Modulation
IRS Indian Remote Sensing Satellites
FM Flight Model
IRU Inertial Reference Unit
FOG Fiber Optic Gyro
International Society for
FOV Field of View
ISPRS Photogrammetry and Remote
FPA Focal Plane Arrays Sensing
FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array Indian Space Research
ISRO
Organisation
FRR Flight Readiness Review
ISS International Space Station
FSK Frequency Shift Keying
ISSDC Indian Space Science Data Centre

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IST Integrated Spacecraft Testing MID Mechanical Interface Document

ISRO Telemetry Tracking and MIL-STD Military Standard
ISTRAC
Command Network
MIP Moon Impact Probe
International Telephone &
ITT MIR Medium wave Infra-Red
Telegraph
JPEG Joint Photographic experts group MLI Multi-Layer Insulation

K Kelvin MMU Mission Management Unit

Large area Xenon Filled Multispectral Opto-electronic
LAXPC MOS
Proportional counter Scanner
LCD Liquid Crystal Display MRB Material Review Board

LED Light Emitting Diodes MRR Mission Readiness Review

LENA Low Energy Neutral Atom Multi-frequency Scanning

MSMR
Microwave Radiometer
LEO Low Earth Orbit
MTC Magnetic Torquer Coil
Laboratory for Electro Optics
LEOS MTF Modulation Transfer Function
Systems
LHCP Left Hand Circular Polarisation MX Multispectral

Li-ion Lithium ion NDC NRSC Data Centre

Linear Imaging Self-Scanning NI-Cd Nickel Cadmium Batteries
LISS
Sensor NIR Near Infra-Red
LLRI Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument
Nm Newton Metre
LNA Low Noise Amplifier
NMS Newton Metre Second
LO Local Oscillator
NRSC National Remote Sensing Centre
Low Complexity Lossless
LOCO On-Board Controller/Computer
Compression OBC
LPSC Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre
OBT On-Board Time
LTC Light Transfer Characteristics
OCM Ocean Colour Monitor
LVDS Low Voltage Differential Signaling
OCP Over Current Protection
LWIR Long Wave Infrared Onboard Software In Loop
OILS
M3 Moon Mineralogy Mapper Simulation
Microwave Analysis and OSR Optical Solar Reflector
MADRAS Detection of Rain and P Pitch axis
Atmospheric Structures
PAA Phased Array Antenna
Mega Bits Per Second
Mbps
PAN Panchromatic
MCT Mercury Cadmium Telluride PCB Printed Circuit Board
MEO Medium Earth Orbit PCM Pulse Code Modulation
Monocular Electro-Optical Stereo PDR Preliminary Design Review
MEOSS
Scanner
PEB Project Executive Board
Multiple Head Dynamic multi star
MHDMSS PFZ Potential Fishing Zone
simulator
MI Moment of Inertia PID Parameter Identification

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Positive Intrinsic Field effect Rx Receiver

PINFET
Transistor
S/N Signal-to-Noise Ratio
PIU Payload Interface Unit
SAA Sun Aspect Angle
PLE Payload Electronics
SAC Space Application Centre
PLL Phased lock loop
SADA Solar Array Drive Assembly
PM Phase Modulation
SAMIR Satellite Microwave Radiometer
PMB Project Management Board
SAR Synthetic Aperture Radar
PMO Programme Management Office
SARA Sub KeV Atom Reflective Analyzer
PMT Photo Multiplier Tube
SARAL Satellite for Argos and Altika
PPC Payload Power Converter
SCC Spacecraft Control Centre
PPC Pointed Proportional Counter
SCD Swept Charge Device
PPR Payload Power Regulator
SEO Satellite for Earth Observation
PrEB Programme Executive Board
SER Serializer
PrMB Programme Management Board
Single Gimbal Control Moment
SGCMG
PRNU Photo Response Non-Uniformity Gyro
Programmable Read Only SiC Silicon Carbide
PROM
Memory
SLV Satellite Launch Vehicle
PSK Phase shift keying
SNR Signal to Noise Ratio
PSLV Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
SOC System On Chip
PSR Pre-Shipment Review
SPS Satellite Positioning System
QPSK Quadrature Phase shift keying
SPSS Solar Panel Sun Sensor
R Roll axis
SRC Standing Review Committee
RADOM Radiation Dose Monitor
SROSS Stretched Rohini Satellite Series
RAM Random Access Memory
SS Star Sensor
RCS Reaction Control System
SSM Scanning Sky Monitor
RF Radio Frequency
SSPA Solid State Power Amplifier
RHCP Right Hand Circular Polarization
SSPO Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit
Radar Imaging Satellite
RISAT SSR Solid State Recorder
Reduced Instruction Set SSRB Subsystem Review Board
RISC
Computing SST Sea Surface Temperature
ROM Read Only Memory
SWIR Short Wave Infrared
Radio Occultation for Sounding of
ROSA SWR Square Wave Response
Atmosphere
RS Reed-Solomon, Receive/send SXT Soft X-ray imaging Telescope

RTO Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer TC Telecommand

Temperature Controlled Crystal
RTX Receive/Transmit TCXO
Oscillator
RW Reaction Wheel
TDI Time Delay Integration

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Technology Experimental
TES
Satellite
Tata Institute of Fundamental
TIFR
Research
TM Telemetry
TMC Terrain Mapping Camera
TSG Thermal Systems Group
Telemetry Tracking and
TTC
Command
TWTA Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier
Tx Transmitter
UHF Ultra high Frequency
USB Universal Serial Bus
United Technologies
UTMC
Microelectronics Center
UV Ultra Violet
UVIT Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope
Very high speed Hardware
VHDL
Description Language
VHF Very High Frequency
VNIR Visible and Near InfraRed
VSSC Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Variable Speed Single Gimbal
VSSGCMG
Control Moment Gyro
WDE Wheel Drive Electronics
WiFS Wide Field Sensor
XSM X-ray Sky Monitor
Y Yaw Axis
ISSP Indian Scientific Satellite Project

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1. Introduction
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) planned a long-term Satellite Remote Sensing
programme in seventies, and started related activities like conducting field & aerial surveys,
design of various types of sensors for aircraft surveys and development of number of
application/utilization approaches. These were followed by planning, designing, fabrication
of experimental satellite remote sensing missions, Bhaskara 1 & II etc. These missions gave
experience in developing remote sensing satellites, setting up of ground-based data reception
and processing systems, experience in over-all mission management etc.
The launch of IRS-1A satellite on 17th March, 1988 into the orbit is the start of operational
remote sensing era of IRS programme. The IRS Satellites are providing imagery data for many
national important projects/applications. Some of remote sensing applications being catered
are provided below
Agriculture and soils Desertification analysis
Phase level information of soils Oil spills
Improved multiple crop discrimination Point and non-point sources of pollution
Crop monitoring & condition assessment Environmental impact assessment
Crop canopy water stress Geology and Exploration
Crop yield estimates Rock type mapping
Crop management Tectonic geo- structure mapping
Cropping system analysis Mining pollution analysis
Damage assessment Off/on shore seep analysis
Surveillance of pests and diseases Coal fire analysis
Forestry Mining subsidence analysis
Inventory and updating Landslide vulnerability / risk
Forest landscape analysis Geo-energy
Forest infra-structure mapping Water cycle study
Forest encroachment Ocean application
State of forests Phytoplankton observation
Wildlife habitat analysis Chlorophyll content,
Bio-diversity Yellow substance
Fire damage Suspended sediments
Implementation of forest policies Sea surface winds,
Environment Sea roughness monitoring
Hydrologic units Sea surface temperature
Land unit maps Identifying the potential fishing zones,
Soil contamination maps Coastal zone management,
Quarries and waste identification Ship routing,
Operations of offshore oil rigs

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Meteorology Cartography
Water vapour in an atmospheric column, Updating topo-maps
Cloud formation Augmenting Databases
Low pressure zone identification Image maps as base maps
Cyclone movement speed & direction Watershed management
Weather predictions, Terrain evaluation
Infrastructure and Utilities City models
Road networks Road and infrastructure maps
3D-city models Site suitability assessment
Infrastructure maps Cadastral map generation
Siting of hydro-power locations Defense
Site suitability Strategic target monitoring
Rural and urban infrastructure Mission planning
Structural and hydrological inventory Training
Municipal GIS Treaty verification
Utility corridor mapping Demining
Transportation network Lunar & Stellar Observation
Rural road connectivity Understand the way planets created
Tracking changes in road Stellar movement,
Telecom facilities Celestial body feature study
Recreation facilities Studying radiations coming from stars
Tourism Different elements available on stellar
Violations objects
Damage assessment

Above applications can be categorized in following way as part of National Natural Resources
planning as well as in other areas.

• Multiple crop production estimates,

o Area estimate, crop health estimate
• Land and Water Resources optimization,
• Urban planning and management,
o Infrastructural plan
• Coastal zone studies and regulation
o Fishing, chlorophyll, phytoplankton etc.
• Mapping and inventory of forests, wastelands, land use,
• Lunar & stellar observation missions
The aim of this document is to collect information about Indian Remote Sensing payload and
spacecraft available at various sources and consolidate in a single document. This document
provides brief, condensed information of various IRS Missions and payloads. This document

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will serve the new entrant engineers to understand the evolution of Remote Sensing
Programme in India. Information provided in this document is collected from various sources
like Project reports, internet sources, Journals and books.
IRS missions are classified based on their applications as follows.

• Land and Water Resource Observation Series

• Ocean and Atmospheric Observation Series
• Cartographic Satellite Series
• Microwave Remote Sensing Series
• Space Science Series
• Micro and Nano Satellite Series
• University Satellites

1.1 Land and Water Resource Observation Series

This series satellites cater the requirements of Agriculture, forestry, land use, land cover, soil,
geology, terrain, water resources, disaster management like flood, forest fire, drought, land
slide, etc. applications.
Satellites launched for these applications are IRS-1A, IRS-1B, IRS-1C, IRS-1D, IRS-P6
(Resourcesat-1), Resourcesat-2/2A and IMS-1A. Following IRS Satellites are operational and
providing data for land and water resource applications.

• Resourcesat-2 satellite with improved performance having three payloads namely,

LISS-IV with 5.8m Resolution and 70 km swath in 3 bands, LISS-III with 23.5m
Resolution and 140 km swath and AWIFS with 56m Resolution and 740 km swath was
launched on 20thApril 2011 and successfully operationalized and is providing data for
above said applications.
• Resourcesat-2A (RS-2A) mission was launched on 07th December 2016 to provide
continuity of operational services of AWiFS, LISS-3 and LISS-4 payloads. Primarily the
spacecraft configuration of RS-2A is similar to RS-2 with few incremental changes in
some of the systems to take care of the in-orbit observations of RS-2 and improve the
overall mission operations management. A new payload Solid state C Band
Transponder (SCBT) is added to aid the calibration of C-Band Radars at SDSC, SHAR.
Following Satellites are planned in future to provide continuity services with improved
features.

• Resourcesat-3 Series
• Resourcesat-3S Series

1.2 Ocean and Atmospheric Observation Series

Under Ocean and Atmospheric Observation Series, satellites were launched to meet the needs
of potential fishing zone (PFZ) forecasting, sea state forecasting, and coastal zone studies. It
also provide inputs for weather forecasting and climatic studies:

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Satellites launched for this application are Oceansat-1, Oceansat-2, Megha Tropiques, SARAL,
Scatsat-1. Following Satellites are operational and providing data for Ocean and atmospheric
observation applications.
Oceansat-2: Satellite with Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) payload with 360m spatial
resolution and 1420 km swath and Ku-Band pencil beam scatterometer and Radio Occultation
for Sounding of Atmospheric (ROSA) was launched on 23rd September 2009 was successfully
operationalized for providing data for the above applications.
MEGHA-TROPIQUES: Under Ocean and Atmospheric Observation series to study the
convective systems that influence the tropical weather and climate. The Megha-Tropiques
mission was launched on 12th October 2011. The Megha-Tropiques spacecraft carries 4
payloads namely:

• MADRAS (A Microwave Imager to study the precipitation and cloud properties).

• SAPHIR (A Microwave Sounder for the retrieval of water vapour vertical profiles).
• SCARAB (A Radiometer for the measurement of outgoing radiative fluxes at the top of
the atmosphere) and
• ROSA (Radio Occultation for Sounding of Atmosphere) to provide vertical profiling of
temperature.
The Megha-Tropiques mission provides sampling of water and energy budget of the Tropical
Convective Systems in the inter-tropical band.
SARAL: Another international co-operative mission in the area of Ocean and Atmospheric
series is SARAL (Satellite for ARGOS and ALTlKA) mission to provide data for marine
meteorology and sea-state forecasting, operational oceanography, seasonal forecasting and
climate monitoring and to provide data for ocean, earth system and climate research.
The SARAL spacecraft carries two payloads namely, ALTlKA (a Ka-Band Altimeter) and
ARGOS (a data collection system from ARGOS platform). The payloads provided by CNES,
France and the mainframe and the Assembly, Integration & testing and launching is by ISRO.
Scatsat-1: ScatSat-1 is a continuity mission for Scatterometer payload (Scat-1) on-board
Oceansat-2 spacecraft. This mission is providing continuity of weather forecasting services to
the user communities, as Scat-1 payload was declared non-operational. The data from this
payload was being used by many national and international users. Hence, demand for a new
satellite with only Scatterometer has come up.
ScatSat-1 carries Ku-Band Scatterometer named as Scat-2 payload (Oceansat-2 Scatterometer
was Scat-1) similar to the one flown on-board Oceansat-2 but with enhanced features.
Scatterometer is an instrument working on the principle of back-scattered energy and is used
to measure the wind velocity (speed and direction) over the ocean.
Following Satellites are planned in future to provide continuity services with improved
features.

• Oceansat-3 Series
• Scatsat-1A

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1.3 Cartographic Satellite Series

In order to meet the large scale and thematic maps for urban & rural infrastructure
development & management and to provide National Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for
cadastral overlay these satellites were launched. They cater cartographic applications, coastal
features mapping, coral reef mapping and for mineral studies.
The features of these satellites are : TES with <1 m resolution PAN, Cartosat-1 with 2.5m
Resolution PAN and 30 km swath with along track stereo imaging capability, Cartosat-
2/2A/2B with 0.8m Resolution PAN with 9.6 km swath
In order to meet the increased demand for large scale mapping and other cartographic
applications for cadastral level and for urban and rural infrastructure development &
management, Cartosat-2A and Cartosat-2B with 0.8m Resolution PAN with 9.6 km swath
were launched for above applications.
Cartosat-2 Series Satellites are high resolution remote sensing satellite configured with
panchromatic camera and a 4-band multispectral camera operated in ‘Time Delay Integration
(TDI)’ mode. It provides scene specific imageries of 0.64m spatial resolution in panchromatic
camera and better than 2m in multispectral camera with a swath of 10 km.
Satellites launched for this application are TES, Cartosat-1, Cartosat-2/2A/2B, Cartosat-2S.
Following Satellites are operational and providing data for cartographic applications.
Following Satellites are planned in future to provide continuity services with improved
features.

• Cartosat-2S
• Resourcesat-3S Series
• Cartosat-3 Series

1.4 Microwave Remote Sensing Satellite Series

In order to provide data during the cloud cover seasons (Kharif) over the tropical regions for
many applications like agriculture, and damage assessment during flood and for mitigation
effects Microwave Remote Sensing Satellites are planned.
The RISAT-1 with C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is in the advanced stage of
Assembly, Integration, and Testing. The SAR payload with C-Band TR modules have
undergone extensive Testing and evaluation at SAC, Ahmedabad and delivered for Integration
with the spacecraft. The mainframe systems are also in the advanced stage of integration
The spacecraft can operate in different modes of operation and provides various resolution
imageries like:

• High Resolution Spotlight Mode (HRS) provides 1 - 2m resolution with 10 km x 10 km

spot scenes.
• Fine Resolution Strip Mode (FRS-I) provides 3 - 9m resolution with 30 km x 30 km
scenes.
• Fine Resolution ship mode (FRS-2) provides 6 - 9m resolution with 30 km swath.

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• Medium Resolution Scan SAR Mode (MRS) with 25m resolution with a swath of 120
km.
The RISAT-1 is providing all-weather day and night imageries for applications in the areas of
Agriculture for identifications, detection and classification for acreage estimation, forest type
plantations and accurate bio-mass estimation, flood mapping to provide accurate flood
inundation zones for early relief measures, soil moisture and Hydrology including snow cover
and snow wetness, etc.
Following Satellites are planned in future to provide continuity services with improved
features.

• RISAT-1A
• RISAT-2A
• NISAR

1.5 Space Science and Planetary Series

The study of Lunar and stellar sources provide better understanding about the universe and
planet creation etc. Following satellites are in this series.
IRS-P3: Indian X-ray Astronomy Experiment (IXAE) payload on IRS-P3 satellite launched in
1996. Observational studies of many bright X-ray binary star systems including X-ray pulsars
and stellar mass black hole candidates have been carried out. Studies of mass accretion
around neutron stars and black hole binaries were some of the major outcomes from this
experiment.
Chandrayaan-1: The launch of Chandrayaan-1 has demonstrated the technological
capabilities of reaching the outer planets and has confirmed the scientific findings of the
previous International Missions, like the presence of water molecules and other precious
elements on the surface of the moon.
The significant scientific finding have provided impetus to further space research activities in
the country and has created special awareness and enthusiasm among the younger
generation.
Mars Orbiter Mission: Mars Orbiter Mission is ISRO’s first interplanetary mission with an
orbiter craft designed to orbit Mars in an elliptical orbit of 366 km x 80000 km. Mars Orbiter
Mission can be termed as a challenging technological mission considering the critical mission
operations and stringent requirements on propulsion, communications and other bus
systems of the spacecraft. The primary driving technological objective of the mission is to
design and realize a spacecraft with a capability to perform in Earth Bound Manoeuvre (EBN),
Martian Transfer Trajectory (MTT) and Mars Orbit Insertion (MOI) phases and the related
Deep Space mission planning and communication management with a distance varying from
nearly 60 million km to 380 million km. Given that the Round-trip Light Time (RLT) from
Earth to Mars can vary anywhere between 6 to 43 minutes, it would be impractical to
micromanage the mission from Earth. Therefore, autonomous Fault Detection, Isolation and
Reconfiguration (FDIR) becomes vital for the mission.

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ASTROSAT: The multi-wave length Astronomical Observatory the ASTROSAT is an IRS-class

satellite with a mass of about 1515 kg, and power generation capacity of about 1600 W. It is
launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota on 28th September 2015 by
PSLV C30 (XL) to a 650 km near-equatorial orbit with an inclination of about 6 degrees.
The ASTROSAT carries onboard a total of 6 experiments i.e. Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope
(UVIT), Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT), Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC),
Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI), Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM) and Charged Particle
Monitor (CPM).
Following Satellites are planned in future for space exploration.

• Chandrayaan-2
• Aditya-L1
• Mars Orbiter Mission-2
• Venus Exploration

1.6 Micro And Nano Satellite Series

IMS-1: With the advances in miniaturization and the advances in high performance devices
and techniques, it has become feasible to realize the functions of bigger satellites into Micro
& Nano satellites. The ISRO's first Mini Satellite (IMS-1) with 36m Resolution Mx with 141 km
swath and 505 m resolution Hyper-spectral Imager (HySI) with 64 bands has been realized
within 85 kg and was launched successfully during April 2008.
Youthsat: This satellite is second in this series, carrying three payloads namely SOLRAD,
LiVHiSI and RaBIT. In was launched into space on 20thApril 2011 by PSLV-16 along with
Resourcesat-2. The SOLRAD payload monitors the Solar activities through hard X-rays
gamma rays and particle mostly electrons and protons. The effect of the solar activities on
atmosphere is studied by the RaBIT. The effect on the thermosphere, which co-exists with the
ionosphere is monitored by LiVHySI.
Microsat: Microsatellites (Microsat) are small satellites with small volume, low power
requirements and weighing 100 kg. MICROSAT is an advanced optical remote sensing
satellite for providing spot imageries with a high spatial resolution in the panchromatic band
and night imaging using IR payloads. Payload requirements are met by choosing Sun-
Synchronous near Earth orbit of 300 Km x350 Km with 10:30 AM descending node local time.
The satellite is designed with heritage from IMS-1 and Youthsat. This is a technology
demonstrator and the fore runner for future satellites of this series. The satellite bus is
modular in design and can be fabricated and tested independently of payload.
The interest and the enthusiasm created by the launch of many Nano satellites in a single
launch by the PSLV, induced many students community from Colleges, Universities and Indian
Institute of Technologies to involve in the development of many Micro and Nano satellites for
various applications.
Indian Nano Satellite (INS) is a versatile and modular Nano-satellite bus system envisioned
for future science and experimental payloads. With a capability to carry up to 3 kg of payload
and a total satellite mass of 11 kg, it offers immense opportunities for future use. The INS

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system is developed as a co-passenger satellite to accompany bigger satellites on PSLV launch

vehicle. Its primary objectives include providing a standard satellite bus for launch on
demand services and providing opportunity to carry innovative payloads.
INS-1A and INS-1B: Nano Satellites offer a compelling alternative to large space projects,
with a capability to support commercial, governmental, academic applications in a responsive
and cost effective manner.Also, Nano Satellites have lot of potential in future and will give rise
to lot of new developments in various technologies and are needed from strategic point of
view in near future. In view of this, ISRO has developed and launched the first two ISRO Nano
Satellites (INS) namely INS-1A and INS-1B on 15th February 2017.
INS-1A carried a twin payload package from SAC. Science objectives of INS-1A:
1. SBR: BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) of the Earth surface. To
take readings of the reflectance of different surface features due to sun albedo
2. SEUM to monitor single event upsets (SEU) occurring due to high energy radiation in
the space environment in COTS components.
INS-1B carried EELA payload from LEOS and Miniature Multispectral Payload Technology
Demonstration (MMX-TD) payload from SAC.
1. EELA: Registration of terrestrial exospheric line-of-sight neutral atomic hydrogen
Lyman-alpha flux. Estimation of interplanetary hydrogen Lyman-alpha background
flux by means of deep space observations.
2. MMX-TD: Remote Sensing Colour camera with a novel lens assembly for optical
realization in a small package. Scope for future scalability and utilization on regular
satellites.
INS-1C: Indian Nano Satellite-1C is the third satellite in the Indian Nanosatellite series. INS-
1C carries Miniature Multispectral Technology Demonstration (MMX-TD) Payload from Space
Applications Centre (SAC). Data sent by this payload can be utilized for topographical
mapping, vegetation monitoring, aerosol scattering studies and cloud studies.

1.7 University Satellites:

The STUDSAT, the first Nano satellite conceived and designed by 7 Engineering Colleges of
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh was successfully launched during July 2010.
JUGNU from IIT-Kanpur and SRMSAT were successfully launched on 12th October 2011.
SATHYABAMASAT and SWAYAM were successfully launched on 22nd June 2016. PRATHAM
and PISAT were successfully launched on 26th September 2016 and NIUSAT was successfully
launched on 23rd June 2017.
Some more premier educational institutions of India are ready to get an opportunity for
making satellites.

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1.8 List of Satellites and Payloads

Table 1-1 List of Satellites and Payloads
Sl.No Satellite Name Payload Abbreviation
1. Bhaskara 1 , 2 SAMIR, Satellite Microwave Radiometer
TV Camera
2. Rohini Satellites LVMI Launch Vehicle Monitoring Instruments
RTP, RS-1
3. IRS 1A & 1B LISS-I, Linear Imaging Self Scanner -I
LISS-II Linear Imaging Self Scanner -II
4. IRS-1E LISS-I Linear Imaging Self Scanner -I
MEOSS Monocular Electro-Optical Stereo Scanner
5. IRS-P2 LISS-II Linear Imaging Self Scanner -II
6. IRS-P3 WiFS Wide Field Sensor
MOS Multispectral Opto-Electronic Scanner
IXAP Indian X-Ray Astronomy Payload (IXAP)
7. IRS 1C & 1D PAN, Panchromatic
LISS-III, Linear Imaging Self Scanner -III
WIFS Wide Field Sensor
8. IRS-P4 OCM, Ocean Colour Monitor
MSMR Multi-frequency Scanning Microwave
Radiometer
9. TES PAN Panchromatic
10. IRS-P6 LISS-IV, Linear Imaging Self Scanner -IV
LISS-III, Linear Imaging Self Scanner -III
AWiFS Advanced Wide Field Sensor
11. Cartosat-1 PAN-AFT, Pan camera - Looking Forward
Pan- Fore Pan camera - Looking Forward
12. Cartosat 2,2A,2B PAN Panchromatic
13. IMS-1 Mx, Multispectral Camera
HYSI Hyper Spectral Camera
14. Chandrayaan-1 TMC Terrain Mapping Camera
HySI Hyper Spectral Imager (0.2u to 0.9u)
LLRI Lunar Laser Ranging Instrument (LLRI)
HEX High Energy X-ray payload (HEX)
MIP Moon Impact Probe(MIP)
LEX Low Energy X-ray (LEX) Payload (CIXS).
MINISAR Mini SAR from Applied Physics Laboratory
(APL, USA
SIR-2 SIR-2 from Max Plank Institute / ESA
RaDoM Radiation Dose monitor from Bulgarian
Academy of sciences.

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Sl.No Satellite Name Payload Abbreviation

SARA Sub-KeV Atom Reflecting Analyser (SARA)
Experimental developed jointly by IRE
Sweden, SPL-VSCC India, ISAS/JAXA Japan
and VBE Switzerland
MMM Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) from
HJPL, USA
16 Oceansat-2 OCM, Ocean Colour Monitor
Scatterometer, Scatterometer
ROSA Radio Occultation Sounder for Atmosphere
17 Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV, Linear Imaging Self Scanner -IV
LISS-III, Linear Imaging Self Scanner -III
AWiFS Advanced Wide Field Sensor
HIP-1 Hosted Indian Payload-1
18 Youthsat SOLRAD, Solar Radiation Monitor
LiHySI, Limb-View Hyper spectral Imager
RaBIT Radio Beacon for Ionosphere Tomography
19 Megha-Tropiques MADRAS Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain
and Atmospheric Structures
SAPHIR Soundeur Atmospherique du Profile
d’Humidite Interopicale par Radiometrie
ScaRaB, Scanner for Radiation Budget
ROSA Radio Occultation Sounder for Atmosphere
20 RISAT-1 C-Band SAR Synthetic Aperture Radar
21 SARAL ARGOS, ARGOS Data Collection System
ALTIKA Ka band Altimeter
SCBT Solid State C-band Transponder
22 Mars Orbiter Mission MENCA Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition
Explorer
LAP Lyman Alpha Photometer
TIS TIR Imaging spectrometer
MSM Methane Sensor for Mars
MCC Mars Colour Camera
23 Astrosat LAXPC Large area xenon-filled proportional
counter
CZT Cadmium Zink Telluride
SXT Soft X-Ray imaging Telescope
SSM Scanning Sky Monitor
UVIT Ultra Violet imaging telescope
CPM Charge Particle Monitor
24 Cartosat-2 Series PAN Panchromatic
2C/2D/2E/2F Mx Multispectral
25 Resourcesat-2A LISS-IV Linear Imaging Self Scanner -IV

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Sl.No Satellite Name Payload Abbreviation

LISS-III Linear Imaging Self Scanner -III
AWiFS A & B Advanced Wide Field Sensor
SCBT Solid State C-Band Transponder
26 Microsat PAN Panchromatic
MIR Mid Infrared
LWIR Long Wave Infrared

Table 1-2 Experimental Satellites

Satellites Payloads Altitude Inclination Mass Power Launch Launch
km deg kg W Vehicle Date
Bhaskara-1 TV Camera 519 x 50.6 442 47 C1- 07-06-79
Intercosmos
Micrometer 541
RTP LV Monitor Not achieved 35 3 SLV-3 10-08-79
instruments
RS-1 LV Monitor 305 x 44.7 35 16 SLV-3 18-07-80
instruments 919
RS-D1 Landmark 186 x 46 38 16 SLV-3 31-05-81
tracker 418
Bhaskara-2 TV Camera 541 x 50.7 444 47 C1- 20-11-81
Intercosmos
micrometer 557
RS-D2 Smart 371 x 46 41.5 16 SLV-3 17-04-83
sensor, L- 861
Band Beacon
SROSS-1 GRB, MEOSS Not Achieved 150 90 ASLV 24-03-87
SROSS-2 MEOSS Not Achieved 150 90 ASLV 13-07-88
SROSS C GRB 267 x 106. 45 ASLV 20-05-92
RPA 391 1
SROSS-C2 GRB 430 x 45 115 45 ASLV 04-05-94
RPA 600
Youthsat RaBIT 822±20 98.731 92 230 PSLV-C16 20-04-11
LiVHySI
SOLRAD
INS-1A SBR 505 97.4 8.4 24 PSLV-C37 15-02-17
SEUM
INS-1B EELA 505 97.4 9.7 24 PSLV-C37 15-02-17
Origami
Camera
INS-1C MMX-TD 583 97.7 11 27 PSLV-C40 12-01-18

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Table 1-3 Operational Earth Observation Satellites

Satellites Payloads Orbit Inclinat Local Mass Powe Launch Launch
ion Time r Vehicle Date
IRS-1A LISS-I, LISS- 904 99.08 10.30 975 600 Vostak 17-03-88
II
IRS-1B LISS-I, LISS- 904 99.08 10.30 975 600 Vostak 29-08-91
II
IRS-1E LISS-I Not achieved 846 415 PSLV-D1 04-05-94
MEOSS
IRS-P2 LISS-II 904 98.68 10.30 804 510 PSLV-D2 15-10-94
IRS-1C LISS-3 817 98.09 10.30 1250 809 Molniya 28-12-95
PAN
WiFS
IRS-P3 WiFS, MOS 817 98.68 10.30 920 817 PSLV-D3 21-03-96
IXAE
IRS-1D Liss-3 740 98.6 10.30 1250 809 PSLV-C1 27-09-97
PAN x
WiFS 817
IRS-P4 MSMR, 720 98.28 12.00 1050 750 PSLV-C2 26-05-99
(Oceansat- OCM
1)
TES PAN 572 -- 9.30 1108 800 PSLV-C3 22-10-01
IRS-P6 Liss-3 817 98.7 10.30 1360 1250 PSLV-C5 17-10-03
Resources Liss-4
at-1 AWiFS
IRS-P5 PAN (Fore) 618 97.4 10.30 1560 1100 PSLV-C6 05-05-05
(Cartosat- PAN(Aft)
1)
CartoSat-2 PAN 635 98.7 9.30 650 900 PSLV-C7 10-01-07
Cartosat- PAN 635 98.7 9.30 690 900 PSLV-C9 28-04-08
2A
IMS-1 Imaging 635 83 220 PSLV-C9 28-04-08
(TWSat)
Oceansat-2 OCM, 720 98.28 12.00 960 1360 PSLV-C14 23-09-09
Scatterome
ter
ROSA
Cartosat- PAN 630 97.71 9.30 694 930 PSLV-C15 12-07-10
2B
Resources Liss-3 822 98.731 10.30 1206 1250 PSLV-C16 20-04-11
at-2 Liss-4
AWiFS,
COMDEV

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Satellites Payloads Orbit Inclinat Local Mass Powe Launch Launch

ion Time r Vehicle Date
Megha MADRAS 867 20.00 --- 1000 1325 PSLV-C18 12-10-11
Tropiques SHAPHIR
SCARAB
ROSA
RISAT-1 C-Band SAR 536 97.552 6AM/ 1858 2200 PSLV-C19 26-04-12
6PM
SARAL ARGOS, 781 98.538 6PM 407 906 PSLV-C20 25-02-13
ALTIKA
SCBT
Cartosat-2 PAN 505 97.48 9:30 737. 986 PSLV-C34 22-06-16
Series-2C Mx 5
Scatsat-1 Scatterome 720 98.1 9:30 371 280 PSLV-C35 29-09-16
ter
Resources LISS-IV 817 98.69 10:30 1235 1550 PSLV-C36 07-12-16
at-2A LISS-III
AWiFS A &
B
SCBT
Cartosat-2 PAN 505 97.46 9:30 714 986 PSLV-C37 15-02-17
Series-2D Mx
Cartosat-2 PAN 505 97.44 9:30 711 986 PSLV-C38 22-06-16
Series-2E Mx
Cartosat-2 PAN 505 97.47 9:30 710 986 PSLV-C40 12-01-18
Series-2F Mx
Microsat PAN 353 x 96.877 10:30 120 286 PSLV-C40 12-01-18
MIR 376
LWIR

Table 1-4 Lunar and Stellar Observation Satellites

Satellites Payloads Orbit Mass Power Launch Launch Date
Vehicle
Chandrayaan- TMC, HySI, 100 km x 1380 700 PSLV-11 22-10-08
1 LLRI, HEX, MIP, 100 km :
CIXS, SIR-2, Lunar
SARA, MINISAR, Orbit
M3, RADOM
Mars Orbiter MENCA, LAP, Martian 1337 840 PSLV-C25 05-11-13
Mission TIS, MSM, MCC Orbit

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Astrosat LAXPC, CZT, 650 km, 1515 1900 PSLV-C30 28-09-15

SXT, SSM, UVIT, 6 deg
CPM Inclin

Table 1-5 List of University / Academic Institute Satellites

Satellites Orbit (km) Mass (kg) Launch Vehicle Launch Date
ANUSAT 550 40 PSLV-C12 20-04-09
STUDSAT 630 >1 PSLV-C15 12-07-10
SRMSAT 867 10.9 PSLV-C18 12-10-11
JUGNU 867 3 PSLV-C18 12-10-11
SATHYABAMASAT 505 1.5 PSLV-C34 22-06-16
SWAYAM 505 1 PSLV-C34 22-06-16
PRATHAM 670 10 PSLV-C35 26-09-16
PISAT 670 5.25 PSLV-C35 26-09-16
NIUSAT 505 15 PSLV-C38 23-06-17

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Rev.1.1

Feature of electro optical cameras in IRS Missions

IRS-A/1B IRS-1C/1D IRS-P2 IRS-P3 IRS-P4 IRS- P6 TES P5 C2
LISS-1 LISS-II LISS-III PAN WiFS LISS-II WiFS OCM LISS-III LISS-IV AWIFS PAN PAN
EFL (mm) 162.2 324.4 347, 301 980 56.47 324.4 56.47 20.0 347.5, 980 139.5, 3920 1945 5600
301 181.35
FOV(deg) +4.7 +4.7 +4.5 +2.5 +13 X 2 +4.7 +13 X2 +43 +5 +2.5 +12.5 X2 +0.85 +1.3 +0.6
F/Number 4.5 4.5 4.3,4.2 4.5 6 4.5 4.5 4.3 4.5 4 5 7 4 7
Opt. Type Refrac. Refrac Refrac. Off-Axis Refrac Refrac Refrac Refrac Refrac Off- Refrac RC Off-Axis RC
8 lens 8.lens 8.Lens Axis
Spectral Band B1,2,3,4 B1,2,3,4 B2,3,4,5 .5-.75 B3,4 B1,2,3,4 B3,4 # B2,3,4,5 B2,3,4 B2,3,4,5 .5-.85 .5.85 .5-.85
IGFOV(mm) 72.5 36.25 23.5 5.8 188 32.74 188 360 23.5 5.8 56 1 2.54,2.19 0.8
Al.Tr.Res 72.5 36.25 23.5 5.8 188 32.74 188 352 23.5 5.8 56 1 2.54
Ac.tr.Res 72.5 36.25 23.5 5.8 188 32.74 188 360 23.5 5.8 56 1 2.54,2.19 0.8
Swath km 148 145 141,148 70.5 810 2x67 770 1360 141,141 70.8 740 13.8 30,27 9.6
Repetivity 22 22 24 48 5 24 5 2 24 48 5 126
# pixels 2048 2048 6000, 2100 3 x 4K 2048 2048 2048, 3730 6000 12K 6000 4 x 4K 12K 2 X 12K
2100
Pixel 13 x 13 13 x 13 7 x 10, 7x7 13 x 13 13 x 13 13 x 13 7 x 10 7 x 10 7x7 7 x 10 7x7 7x7 7 x7
size(microns) 26 x 26 13 x 13 13 x 13
Quantisation 7 7 7 6 7 7 7 12 8,10 10>7 10 7 10 10
SWR(>) 40,40, 40,40, 40,40, 23 34,20 40,40, 34,20,20 34 TO 9 40,40 23 30,30,20,20 10 20 20
30,20 30,20 35,30 30,20 35,20

Int. time (ms) 1.2 5.6 3.6, 10.8 0.873 28.8 5.6 28.8 34.75 3.6.3.3 .877 9.96 .883 0.336 0.336
Power (W) 33 , 35 34 x 2 58 46 19.2 32, 34 50 134 75.3 48 x 3 111 92 <110 x2 <110
Mass_EO 27.5 70x2 76 105.5 18.8 73 25 64 75.3 94 29.5 x 2 146 224
Electronics 38.42 165 117 124.5 26 98 142 106 169.5 103.6 267

# Spectral bands of OCM: 0.402-0.422, 0.433-0.453, 0.480-0.500, 0.660-0.680, 0.745-785, 0.660-0.680, 0.745-785, 0.845-0.88
Spectral Bands of Mx: B1: 0.45-0.52 B2: 0.52-0.59 B3: 0.62-0.68 B4: 0.77-0.86B5: 1.55-1.7

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Specification of Current High Resolution Satellites

Mission or Ikonos-2 EROS A1 Quickbird-2 SPOT 5 Orbview-3 FormoSat-2 IRS-P5 Corona (KH-4), KH-7, many Cosmos¹, many
Satellite (Formely (Cartosat-1) many missions missions missions
ROCSat-2)
Sensor OSA PIC BHRC60 HRG, HRS OHRIS RSI 2 PAN Stereo High KVR 1000
cameras panoramic resolution Panoramic
cameras surveillance camera (2
camera working
alternatively)
Country USA Israel USA France, Belgium, USA Taiwan India USA USA Russia
Sweden
System Type Commerc Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Commercial Military Military Commercial
ial declassified declassified
Launch date or 9/1999 12/2000 10/2001 5/2002 6/2003 5/2004 5/2005 1960-1972 1963-1967 1981-2000
duration
Sensor type Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital Film Film Film
PAN GSD (m) 1 1.9, 1 or 1.4 0.61 5 or 2.5-3 1 2 2.3 2-140 At nadir down 2
(across x along (actually (oversampled) (oversampled) to 0.45-0.5
track) 0.82) HRG 10 x 5 HRS
PAN pixels of 13,816/ 7,043 (2 27,568/ 12 12,000 8,000/ 6 x 5.4, 12,000/ 6.5 12,288 (x 2 NA NA NA
line CCD/ pixel 12 lines)/ ca. 13 (2 lines for HRG/ numbers shown staggered
spacing (µm) 6.5) here for 2 lines)/ 7
staggered line)
Flying height 681, 10 Ca. 500, 3.4 450, 8.832 181-833, 1.082 470, 2.77 888, 2.896 618, 1.945 Variable, 0.6069 Variable, 0.96 Variable (190-
(km), Focal HRG 270), 1
length (m) 0.58 HRS
No. of MS 4/4 0 4/2.44 (excl. Vegetation 4/4 4/8 0 0 Very few color 0
Channels/ GSD instrument) 4/ & CIR images
(m) 10 and 20
Stereo² Along- Along-track, Along-track, Along-track, Along-track, Along-track, Along-track Along-track Few images in No stereo
track, across-track across-track across-track across-track across-track stereo
across-
track
Swath width 11 14, 10 for 16.5 60 HRG, 120 HRS 8 24 27 5.54 x 75.69 22.8 x variable 18 x 72 (across)
(km) or image oversampled (across) (across)
film images
dimensions
(cm)
Field of regard 45, up to 45 45 27 (HRG, only 50 45 23 (across) NA NA NA
³ (deg) 60 deg across track)
images
shot

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Mission or Ikonos-2 EROS A1 Quickbird-2 SPOT 5 Orbview-3 FormoSat-2 IRS-P5 Corona (KH-4), KH-7, many Cosmos¹, many
Satellite (Formely (Cartosat-1) many missions missions missions
ROCSat-2)
TDI Y N, Y N N, N N NA NA NA
Asynchronous asynchronous
scanning scanning
equivalent to 10
TDI lines, and 4
variable
integration
times
Along track Y Y ? N ? ? N N N NA
triplette ability
Body rotation Up to > 1 1.8 0.5-1.1 NA ? 0.4-.075 ? NA NA NA
angular rate ⁴
(deg/sec)
FOV (deg) or 0.93 1.5 2.12 4.13 HRG 7.7 0.97 1.54 2.49 14 x 189 km 40 x 160 km
film area HRG (typical) (typical)
coverage
Quantization 11 11 11 8 11 12 10 NA NA NA
bits
Scale Factor 68,100 145,000 51,100 762,500 HRG, 170,000 307,000 312,000 Variable, ca. Variable 190,000-
1,422, 500 HRG 250,000 typical 270,000
Stereo overlap Up to Up to 100 Up to 100 Up to 100 Up to 100 Up to 100 Up to 100 Up to 100 ? 6-12
(%) 100
B/H ratio Variable Variable Variable Up to 1.1 HRG, Variable Variable 0.62 (31 deg) 0.60 (30 deg) ? NA
0.8 (40 deg) HRS

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Specification of Radar Satellites

Satellite Country Year Band Frequency Wavelength Incident Polarization Pulse Bandwidth Azimuth
(GHz) (cm) Angle (deg) (MHz)/ (Range Resolution (m)/
Resolution (m)) (looks)
SEASAT USA 1978 L-band 1.275 23.5 23 HH 19/ (7.9) 6/ (1)
SIR-A USA 1981 L-band 1.275 23.5 50 HH 6/ (24.9) 6.5/ (1)
SIR-B USA 1984 L-band 1.275 23.5 15-65 HH 12/ (12.5) 6/ (1)
ERS-1/2 Europe 1991/95 C-band 5.25 5.7 23 VV 15.5/ (9.7) 25/ (3)
ALMAZ USSR 1991 S-band 3.0 10 30-60 HH -/ 15 15/ (2)
JERS-1 Japan 1992 L-band 1.275 23.5 39 HH 15/ (10) 30/ (4)
SIR-C/ X-SAR USA L-band 1.25 23.5 15-55 HH, HV, 10/ (15) 7.5/ (1)
1994 C-band 5.3 5.7 VH, VV
Germany X-band 9.6 3 54 VV 20/ (7.5) 6/ (1)
RADARSAT-1 Canada 1995 C-band 5.3 5.7 20-50 HH 11.6/ (12.9) 28/ (4)
17.3/ (8.6) 50/ (2-4)
30/ (5) 100/ (4-8)
SRTM USA 2000 C-band 5.25 5.7 54 HH, VV 20/ (7.5) 15/ (1)

Germany X-band 9.6 3 54 VV 8/ (18.7) 8-12/ (1)

ENVISAT Europe 2002 C-band 5.25 5.7 15-45 IIII, IIV, 9/ (16.6) 6/ (1)
VH, VV 150/ (12)
1000/ (18-21)

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2. Experimental Satellites
2.1 Bhaskara-1 & 2
2.1.1 Introduction
The dream of making remote sensing satellite by India came to true through the
BHASKARA-I mission. It is the first experimental remote sensing satellite built by India and
launched in 7th June 1979. This was followed by a follow-on mission BHASKARA-II with some
modification and was launched on 20th November 1981. The technologies developed for
ARYABHATA were used in BHASKARA with some improvements such as spin rate and spin axis
control, using Infrared Horizon sensor for earth reference and high bit rate telemetry for payload
data transmission. These missions provided a system experience on End-to-End basis, configure,
design, develop, and assemble a satellite for remote sensing to reception and processing of
remotely sensed data and generation of data products as per user requirement.

2.1.2 Mission Objectives

The primary objectives of Bhaskara-I mission were:

• To conduct earth observation experiments that would yield useful data in the areas of
metrology, hydrology and forestry using a two band TV camera system operating in the
0.54 to 0.66 microns visible band and 0.75 to 0.85 micron near Infrared band (The earth
imagery obtained from an altitude of 525 km provides a spatial resolution of 1 km X 1 km
in a picture frame of 341 x 341 km)
• To conduct ocean surface studies using a three chain radiometer operating at microwave
frequencies.
• To evolve the methodology of reception, processing and dissemination of data and thus
establish visibility of management of earth resources through remote sensing satellites.
The secondary objectives are

• To develop the technology for relaying data collected from the unattended platforms to a
central receiving station to obtain useful meteorological data on an experimental scale,
from presently inaccessible regions at short turn-around times and thus develop the
expertise and infrastructure for large scale applications of automatic data collection
platforms.
• To study the performance of indigenously developed solar cells, thermal paints and heat
pipe under prolonged exposure to space environments.
• To study the time variations of celestial X-ray sources and detect transient sources.
The Basic objective of the Bhaskara – II was to provide continuity to the Bhaskara-I experiment.

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2.1.3 Orbit Details

Bhaskara I & II comparison
Table 2-1: Orbit details of Bhaskara Satellites
Bhaskara-I Bhaskara-II
Parameter
Mass 442 kg 444 kg
Power 47W 47W
Altitude 519 x 541 km 541 x 557 km
Eccentricity deg. 0.0023 0.002459
Orbit Near circular Near circular
Inclination deg. 50.6 50.7
Stabilization Spin Stabilization Spin Stabilization
Launch Date June 7, 1979 Nov. 20 1981
Orbital Time 95.2 min. 95.2 min.

2.1.4 Salient features of Bhaskara-I & II Systems

The Bhaskara-I project, originally known as the Satellite for Earth Observation (SEO) was
conceived as one of the key intermediate steps towards going for a full-fledged operational
remote sensing satellite system for India.

Figure 2-1 View of Bhaskara Figure 2-2 Exploded view of Bhaskara

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Table 2-2 Features of Bhaskara Systems

Parameter Values
Overall height including antenna 1559 mm
Weight 442 kg (Bhaskara-1) / 444 kg (Bhaskara-2)
Primary Payloads TV slow scan Videocon cameras operating in the
visible band 0.54 – 0.66 microns
and IR Band 0.75 to 0.85 microns
Microwave Radiometers operating at 19 and 22 GHz
(in Bhaskara II, 32 GHz chain included)
Satellite Main Frame
Power system Body mounted solar panels backed by 10 AH NiCd
Battery
TTC Uplink PCM/FM/AM at 148.25 MHz.
TTC Downlink LBT (224 Bits/Sec) PCM/FM/AM at 137.20 MHz.
TTC downlink HBT (91 Kbs) PCM/BSK at 137.20 MHz
Tracking System 148.61 MHz uplink; 137.1MHz downlink with tones
32 Hz to 20 KHz.
AOCS
Type of stabilization Cold gas jet –spin stabilization
Spin Rate range 6 to 11 RPM
Spin axis orientation Within 3 deg of orbit normal
Attitude determination Within 1 deg.

2.1.5 Payloads
In an ideal case an earth observation satellite system should be three axes stabilized so
that the sensors can point towards the earth continuously. However to gain time, the satellite
configuration of the first Indian satellite ARYABHATTA was adopted and images were acquired
while spacecraft was spinning. ‘BHASKARA-I’ was launched on 7th June 1979 from a Soviet
Cosmodrome in a near circular orbit of mean altitude 534 km and inclination 50 deg. The 444 kg
satellite carried two major remote sensing payloads namely a two band TV camera system and a
two frequency microwave radiometer. The satellite was spin 21ealized21d with its spin axis
maintained at right angles to the orbital plane. Such configuration enables both the payloads to
‘look’ along the local vertical once during every spin. ‘Bhaskara-II’ was launched on November
20, 1981. It is an improved version of ‘Bhaskara-I’ having a three frequency radiometer to
enable differentiation between water vapour and liquid water in the atmosphere.

2.1.5.1 Multispectral TV Camera

Bhaskara TV payload system consists of two TV cameras, one operating in the 0.54 to 0.66
micron band and the other in the 0.75 to 0.85 micron band. Each picture frame covers an area of
340 km x 340 km with a ground resolution of about one km and a typical over lap of 10% between

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successive picture frames. The built in marks and in flight radiometric calibration help in
producing geometrically and radio-metrically corrected picture on the ground. The camera is
mounted on the spacecraft with its optical axis at the right angles to the spin axis. The cameras
are exposed at the instant when the optical axis of the camera points to the local vertical. Read
out takes place at a slower rate commensurate with the telemetry capability of the spacecraft.
The basic sensor of the TV camera payload is a Super Videocon Camera Tube consisting of an
image intensifier with a gating facility coupled to a storage type 22ealized tube. A specially
designed multi-element lens is used for each camera. The focal length of the lens and the active
face plate area together decide the field of view of the camera. A summary of the camera
specifications is given in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2:TV Camera paylaod specifications
Parameter Value
Sensor Type Slow scan vidicon coupled to an image intensifier
Imaging lens F/no.1.9, Focal length 18.46 mm, FOV 49.37°
Spectral channels Camera-1 0.54 – 0.66 microns
Camera-2 0.75 – 0.85 microns
Picture Frame 340 x 340 km2 for a 525 km altitude
Ground Resolution About 1 km
Exposure control 1, 1.5, 2 ms selectable by gorund command
Power 22.5 W average
The system can be put in ‘calibration mode’ by ground command. The mechanical
shutters do not operate during the calibration mode and the tube face plate is illuminated by
flashing an LED source. In one calibration cycle, the cameras are exposed to four different
intensity levels one of which is zero illumination and other three are spread out, over the dynamic
range. This calibration cycle then repeats itself during the calibration mode. The exposure
duration can be changed by ground command to get additional calibration levels.
The initial ‘switch on’ of BHASKARA-I TV camera payload was not successful. Extensive
ground simulation studies indicated that the anomalous behavior during the switch on of the TV
camera was due to a corona discharge in the high voltage section of the payload. Poor adhesion
of the potting compound with the high voltage standoff, coupled with trapped air, caused the
corona. With time, the trapped air leaked out and camera-l was switched on successfully on May
16, 1980.
BHASKARA-II payload was suitably modified to take care of the problems observed in
BHASKARA-I and the camera performance was satisfactory in BHASKARA-II. The imagery
received from both bands was comparable in quality to any other imagery of similar resolution.
Multiband imagery from the TV payload has been received over the complete Indian
subcontinent. The multiband imagery received from BHASKAR A-II has been used to demonstrate
various applications in the field of geology, hydrology, and forestry.

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2.1.5.2 Satellite Microwave Radiometer (SAMIR)

The SAMIR system of BHASKARA-I consisted of three independent channels operating at
19.1, 19.6 and 22.235 GHz frequency bands. Each channel contains a scalar horn antenna, dicke
switch, mixer/preamplifier, square law detector, suitable D.C. amplifiers, and telemetry interface
circuits. In the case of BHASKARA-II one of 19 GHz channels has been replaced by a channel at
31.4 GHz.
In BHASKARA-I the spatial resolution of the 19 GHz radiometer was 150 km and the
spatial resolution of the 22 GHz radiometer was 230 km respectively. In BHASKARA-II all the
three radiometers had same spatial resolution of 125 km. Broad specifications of the radiometers
are given in Table 2-3.
Table 2-3:Specificatios of SAMIR
BHASKARA-I BHASKARA-II
Frequency (GHz) 19.1 (R1) 31.4 (R1)
19.6 (R2) 19.35 (R2)
22.235 (R3) 22.235 (R3)
System Noise Figure (dB) 6.5 (R1) 8.5 (R1)
6.5 (R2) 6.5 (R2)
7.5 (R3) 7.5 (R3)
Predetection bandwidth(MHz) 100 100
Integration Time Constant (ms) 350 (R & R2) 470 (R3) 300 (All)
Spatial resolution (km) 150 (R1 & R2) 125 (All)
Brightness Temperature range (°K) 4 – 320 4- 320
Temperature sensitivity (°K) 1 1
The SAMIR system can be operated in two possible modes, depending upon the spin-axis
orientation. In the ‘Normal Mode’ the spin axis of the satellite is normal to the orbital plane and
hence the antenna would scan along the satellite track. In the ‘Alternate Mode’ the spin axis of the
satellite would lie in the orbital plane, tangential to the orbit at a certain latitude, thus converting
the radiometers effectively into a scanning system. In the ‘Alternate Mode’ data will be sampled
at fourteen different angular positions and the effective coverage during each orbit will be around
1000 km with a 125 km ground resolution at nadir.
Analogue data from all the channels is sampled at various angular positions around nadir,
depending upon the mode of operation. As the data acquisition and telemetry transfer rate are
not synchronous, data is held in various sample and hold circuits, till it is transferred to the
satellite data stream.
Various tests conducted during the initial phase operations and operational phase have
confirmed the consistent performance of SAMIR Radiometers onboard BHASKARA-I & II. SAMIR
data was used for a number of meteorological applications. These include estimation of water

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vapor and liquid water content, rain fall estimation over ocean area, estimation of wind speed
over ocean, study of floods etc.
After realizing the mission objectives the Bhaskara-II mission was decommissioned in
March 1981.

2.2 Rohini Satellite Series and Stretched Rohini Series (SROSS)

Satellites
2.2.1 Introduction
The Rohini satellites were launched with various remote sensing payloads for X-ray
observations and as payloads for the SLV launch vehicles which were under development.

2.2.2 Rohini Satellite Series

Rohini Satellite Series had four satellites of 35 kg class namely
• RTP (Rohini Test Project)
• RS
• RS-D1
• RS- D2

2.2.2.1 RTP – Rohini Test Project

RTP carried Launch vehicle monitor equipments. The mass of the satellite was 35 kg. It
was launched on 10-08-79. Launch Failed.
RTP (Rohini Test Project) Mission Experimental
Weight 35 kg
onboard power 3 Watts
Communication VHF band
Stabilization Spin stabilized (spin axis
controlled)
Payload Launch vehicle monitoring
instruments
Launch date August 10,1979
Launch site SHAR, Sriharikota, India
Launch vehicle SLV-3
Orbit Not achieved

2.2.2.2 RS-1
Mission Objectives: To monitor the launch vehicle performance.
Mission Experimental
RS-1
Weight 35 kg

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onboard power 16 Watts

Communication VHF band
Stabilization Spin stabilized
Payload Launch vehicle monitoring
instruments
Launch date July 18,1980
Launch site SHAR, Sriharikota, India
Launch vehicle SLV-3
Orbit 305 x 919 km
Inclination 44.7 deg.
Mission life 1.2 years
Orbital life 20 months

2.2.2.3 RS-D1
Mission Objectives: Carried a Land Mark sensor payload whose solid state camera performed
to specifications. The satellite re-entered the earth’s atmosphere nine days after launch on
account of the launch vehicle’s injecting the satellite into a lower than expected altitude.
RS-D1 Mission Experimental
Weight 38 kg
onboard power 16 Watts
Communication VHF band
Stabilization Spin stabilized
Payload Landmark Tracker (Remote
sensing payload)
Launch date May 31,1981
Launch site SHAR Centre, Sriharikota
Launch vehicle SLV-3
Orbit 186 x 418 km (achieved)
Inclination 46 deg.
Orbital life 9 Days

2.2.2.4 RS-D2
Mission Objective: The Smart Sensor Camera was the primary payload on board the satellite.
It was operated for over five months and sent more than 2500 pictures frames in both visible and
infrared bands for identification of landmarks and altitude and orbit refinement. The camera had
on-board processing capability to use the data for classifying ground features like water,
vegetation, bare land, clouds and snow. After completing all its mission goals, RS-D2 was closed
down on Sept. 24, 1984.
RS-D2 Mission Experimental

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Weight 41.5 kg
Onboard power 16 Watts
Communication VHF band
Stabilization Spin stabilized
Payload Smart sensor (remote sensing
payload), L-band beacon
Launch date April 17, 1983
Launch site SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, India
Launch vehicle SLV-3
Orbit 371 x 861 km
Inclination 46o
Mission life 17 months
Orbital life Seven years (Re-entered on April
19, 1990)

2.2.2.5 Payload Smart Sensor Onboard ROHINI Satellite

Rohini series of satellites are launched by the Indian launch vehicle SLV-3. A two band
solid state camera was designed for Rohini Satellite. A 256 element photo diode array is used as
the basic detector. The satellite is spin 26ealized26d with spin axis normal to the orbital plane.
During each spin the camera scans the earth approximately ±4.5° to the local vertical producing
80 scan lines thereby generating a picture frame of 250 km x 80 km. The image resolution is about
1 km from 500 km orbit.
One of the unique features of the camera is that it is capable of carrying out limited feature
identification onboard. This is realized by taking the ratio of the 2 band output and having a
decision circuitry to discriminate between the different classes based on rationing. The feature
identification code and video information from anyone of the cameras is transmitted.
Table 2-4:Rohini Smart Sensor Specifications
Parameter Value
Resolution 1 km(Nominal)
Spectral bands
Channel-1 0.65±0.05 microns
Channel-2 0.85±0.05 microns
Swath 25 km
Overlap 30%
Optics size Focal length 25mm, f/1.4 system
Memory 140 kbits
Power 4 watts
Weight 3 kg

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The Rohini satellite carrying this payload was launched on April 17, 1983 from the Indian
launch station at Sriharikota. The camera functioned normally as planned and it was possible to
establish the possibility of limited feature identification on board. Water bodies, biomass, bare
land and clouds can be easily identified with onboard processing.

2.2.3 Stretched Rohini Satellite series

Stretched Rohini Satellite series had four satellites of 150 kg class namely

• SROSS-1
• SROSS-2
• SROSS-C1
• SROSS-C2

2.2.3.1 SROSS-1
The satellite was launched onboard the first developmental a flight of ASLV. It did not reach the
orbit.
SROSS-1 Mission Experimental
Weight 150 kg
Onboard power 90 Watts
Communication S-band and VHF
Stabilization Three axis body stabilized (biased
momentum) with a Momentum
Wheel and Magnetic Torquer
Propulsion system Monopropellant (Hydrazine
based) Reaction control system
Payload Launch Vehicle Monitoring
Platform(LVMP), Gamma Ray
Burst (GRB) payload and Corner
Cube Retro Reflector (CCRR) for
laser tracking
Launch date March 24, 1987
Launch site SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, India
Launch vehicle Augmented Satellite Launch
Vehicle (ASLV)
Orbital life Not 27ealized
Mission Experimental
Weight 150 kg

2.2.3.2 SROSS-2
SROSS-2 Mission Experimental

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Weight 150 kg
Onboard power 90 Watts
Communication S-band and VHF
Stabilization Three axis body stabilized (biased
momentum) with a Momentum Wheel
and Magnetic Torquer
Propulsion system Monopropellant (Hydrazine based)
Reaction Control System
Payload Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) payload and
Mono-ocular Electro-Optic Stereo
Scanner (MEOSS) built by DLR, Germany
Launch date July 13, 1988
Launch site SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, India
Launch vehicle Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle
(ASLV)
Orbit Not realised

2.2.3.3 SROSS-C
SROSS-C Mission Experimental
Weight 106.1 kg
Onboard power 45 Watts
Communication S-band and VHF
Stabilization Spin stabilized with a Magnetic Torquer
and Magnetic Bias Control
Payload Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) experiment &
Retarding Potential Analyser (RPA)
experiment
Launch date May 20,1992
Launch site SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, India
Launch vehicle Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle
(ASLV)
Orbit 267 x 391 km
Mission life Two months (Re-entered on
July15,1992)

2.2.3.4 SROSS-C2
SROSS_C2 Mission Experimental
Weight 115 kg
Onboard power 45 Watts
Communication S-band and VHF

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RCS Monopropellant Hydrazine based with

six 1N thrusters
Payload Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) & Retarding
Potential Analyser (RPA)
Launch date May 04,1994
Launch site SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, India
Launch vehicle Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle
(ASLV)
Orbit 430 x 600 km.
Inclination 45 deg.
Configuration of SROSS C2 is SROSS C1

2.2.3.5 Mission Objectives

• To monitor celestial gamma ray bursts in the energy range 20-3000 KeV
• To measure temporal variations of gamma ray burst with high time resolution (2 ms,
16ms and 2556 ms) to search for periodicities in the emitted radiation.
• To measure temporal evolution of burst energy spectra to search for cyclotron lines and
features in the energy range 20-100 KeV and possible red-shifted annihilation radiation
in the energy range 400-500 KeV.
• To study the characteristic features of the thermal structure of the equatorial and low
latitude ionosphere
• To study the effect of magnetic storms and Spread-F on thermal structure
• To Study the behavior of electron density anomaly in the low latitude region

2.2.3.6 Salient features of SROSS-C

Sub system Features
Structure Aluminum frames and honeycomb decks
Thermal Using passive elements and 2W heaters. Temp. limit is 0
to 40 deg.
Power Solar Panel Four units of body mounted panels (each unit with two
panels bonded at 135 deg. Along the vertical edge.
Battery 18 AH Ni-Cd cells connected in series.
Electronics DC/DC converter, Under/Over volt detector circuits, E/N
logic Battery Voltage control Logic
TTC Telemetry Format-1 mode and Dwell mode with reentrancy. PROM
based main system and microprocessor based (RCA
1802) Redt. system
256 BPS, PCM/PSK/PM, 2245.68 MHz

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Telecommand Microprocessor (RCA 1802) Based Main Decoder and

Hardware redt. Decoder Unit.100 bps, S-Band
PCM/FSK/FM/PM,
2067.897 MHz
AOCS Sensors Magnetometer, Twinslit Sun sensor
Stabilisation Spin stabilisation
Mass 106.1 kg

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Figure 2-3: Exploded view of SROSS-C1

SROSS-C1 Sensors & Actuators

2.2.3.7 Salient features of Payloads

Payload consists of two sensors namely
o Gamma Ray Burst Detection Experiment
o Retarding Potential Analyser Payload

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2.2.3.7.1 Gamma Ray Burst detector

The gamma ray burst payload consists of a main and a redundant scintillation detector viewed
by separate photomultiplier tubes and powered by independent high voltage supplier. A
common microprocessor based (RCA CDP1802) electronics system process the signals from
either of the detectors. The main detector consists of a 76 mm diameter and 12,5mm thick
CsI(Na) scintillator optically coupled to an EMI 9758 NA PMT. The redundant detector is also
CsI(Na) crystal and has a diameter of 38mm and a thickness of 12.5 mm. It is viewed by RCA
7151Q tube. The scintillator is coupled to the PMT. By means of DC-93-500 potting compound.

Figure 2-4 Gamma Ray Burst detector

2.2.3.7.2 Retarding Potential Analyser (RPA)
The RPA experiment is proposed to investigate the characteristics and energies of the
equatorial and low latitude ionosphere and thermosphere which is an important element in
understanding the sun-earth relationship and the effects of dynamics, turbulence and storms on
the thermal behavior. It indents to study characteristics variation of electron density over the
equator and around it (±15 deg latitude). This involves measuring plasma parameters like
density and temperature to characterize the ionosphere. It also indented to identify understand
and estimate various energy deposition and loss process to derive thermospheric temperature.

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Figure 2-5 Retarding Potential Analyser (RPA)

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3. Land and Water Resource Observation Series

3.1 IRS-1A & 1B
3.1.1 Introduction
The successful launch and operation of Bhaskara-I and II satellites provided experience
in setting up of ground-based data reception and processing systems, gaining experience in over-
all mission management, receiving data from other satellites like LANDSAT and activities related
to data analysis, interpretation & utilization.
The experience gained in conceptualisation and implementing a space segment with
necessary ground based data reception, processing and interpretation system, and integrating
the satellite based remote-sensed data with conventional data systems for resource
management, provided a way for a programme for operationalising the remote-sensing system
for the country. The evolution of National Natural Resources Management System is the outcome
of all the above efforts and IRS-1A mission is the first step in such an operational resources
management system for the country.
IRS-1A, the first of the series of indigenous state-of-art operating remote sensing
satellites, was successfully launched into a polar sun-synchronous orbit on March 17, 1988 from
the Soviet Cosmodrome at Baikonur. IRS-1A carried two cameras, LISS-I and LISS-II with
resolutions of 73 metres and 36.25 metres respectively with a swath of about 140 km during each
pass over the country. Mission completed during July 1996 after serving for 8 years and 4 months.
IRS-1B, with some improved features compared to its predecessor like gyro referencing
for better orientation sensing, time tagged commanding (IRS-1A) facility for more flexilibility in
camera operation and line count information for better data product generation, was launched
on 29.08.1991. Mission completed on December 20, 2003 after serving for 12 years and 4 months.

3.1.2 Mission Objectives

The main objectives of IRS-1A mission are

• To design, develop and deploy a three axis stabilised polar sun- syncronise satellite
carrying near state-of-art-multiple solid state pushbroom cameras operating in visible
and near infrared bands for aquiring imageries for each resources applications on an
operational basis.
• To establish and routinely operate ground based systems for spacecraft data reception,
recording, processing, generation of data products, analysis and archival as well as
mission control facilities.
• To use the data from IRS in conjunction with supplementary/ complementary
information from other sources for survey and management of resources in imporatnt
areas such as agriculture, geology and hydrology in association with the user agencies,

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that will additionally enable characterisation of a future operational system for the
country at the optimum level.

3.1.3 Orbit Details

IRS-1A was launched into a polar sun synchronous orbit at an altitude of 904 km. In the
sun-syncronous orbit, the orbit plane rotates at the same rate as the mean rotation rate of the
earth around the sun (0.9856 deg/day). Thus the satellite passes over a particular latitude
approximately at the same local time. It enables the ground illumination conditions at sub-
satellite regions to be constatnt throughout the mission. The equatorial crossing time of the
descending node for IRS-1A is around 10.25 AM.
As the orbital period of IRS-1A is nearly 103 minues, with the satellite completing 14
orbits/day, each successive orbit is shifted westward over earth’s surface by 25.798 degree of
longitude, corresponding to 2872 km at equator. The satellite’s path is shifted by 1.17 deg
longitude to the west every day corresponding to 130.84 km at the equator. The satellite
completes one coverage cycle of the Indian subcontinent in 22 days(307 orbits)

Figure 3-2 Sun Synchronous orbit

Table 3-1:Orbit details
Figure 3-1 Swath coverage

Parameters IRS-1A IRS-1B

Altitude 904 km 904 km
Inclination 99.028 deg 99.028 deg
Eccentricity 0.008 0.008
Equatorial Crossing Time 10.30 A.M 10.30 AM
Orbital period 103.192 min. 103.192 min.
Recurrence 14 orbits/day 14 orbits/day
Repetition cycle 22 days (307 orbits) 22 days (307 orbits)
Daily shift at equator 130.54 km westward (1.17 130.54 km westward (1.17
deg) deg)

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Node Descending Descending

3.1.4 Salient Features of Spacecrafts

Figure 3-3 Stowed mode view of IRS-1A

Figure 3-4 Exploded view of IRS-1A

Table 3-2:Salient features of IRS-1A & 1B

Parameter IRS-1A IRS-1B

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Mission Launched as experimental satellite later declared as

Operational.
Mass 975 kg
Structure Aluminium and aluminium honeycomb structure
Thermal Components Passive control using tapes , OSR, MLI Blankets and
semi-active/active control using proportionate
temperature controller and heaters
Temp. Range 20+5 deg.C range for imaging sensors electro-optics
5+5 deg. C for Chemical Batteries
0 to 40 deg.C for electronic packages
Power Solar Array 8.5 m2 area, deployable and sun tracking panel, Power
generation at EOL is 620 Watts (Totally 6 panels)
Battery Two Ni-Cd batteries of 40 AH capacity each
Telemetry House Keeping(HK) information in S-Band; PCM/PSK
Real Time rate 256 bps and play back rate 4 Kbps;
Communication Onboard storage capacity of 98 minutes of HK data
Telecommand S-Band : PCM/PSK/FM/PM, and
VHF : PCM/FSK/AM
Tracking Facility for ON/OFF and Data commands
S-Band tone ranging and two way Doppler
Attitude and Attitude sensors IR Horizon sensors(Conical and Static), Star sensor,
Orbit Control sun sensors, Dynamically Tuned Gyros (DTG)
(AOCS) Attitude control Reaction Wheel(three 5NMS and one 10 NMS),
Magnetic torquers, Hydrazine thrusters(16 1N)
Orbit Control Monopropellant hydrazine thrusters
Orbit- 1 km
Determination
accuracy
Attitude 0.1 deg.
Determination
Accuracy
Payload LlSS-1 (72.5 meter resolution),
LlSS-2A and (36.25 meter resolution)
LlSS-2B
Launch date March 17, 1988 August 29, 1991
Launch site Baikanur Cosmodrome ,Kazakhstan
Launch vehicle Vostok-II

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3.1.5 IRS-1A/1B Payloads

IRS missions envisage primarily meeting the specific Indian application needs in the areas
of agriculture, hydrology, and geology. Hence the basic mission characteristics like spectral bands
and resolutions, spatial and radiometric resolutions; repetivity and choice of local time have been
arrived keeping these applications in view.
It is well known that to increase the accuracy of interpretation, the information has to be
collected in more than one spectral band. A number of studies and experiments with Landsat data
showed that four spectral bands covering visible and near infrared wavelength regions are
adequate for most of the applications. Thus payloads should have multi spectral imaging
capability, with four spectral bands in the visible and near infrared regions of the electro-
magnetic spectrum.
Table 3-3: Spatial resolution and repetivity considerations
Application Spatial Resolution Repetivity
Agriculture 40-70 meters resolution Weekly / monthly repetivity
Soil classification needs seasonal
considerations also
Hydrology 40-100 meters resolution Soil moisture study for penetration
beyond surface prefers microwave
Geology 100-150 meters resolutions Repetivity can be monthly and more
Coastal studies 100-150 meters resolution; Weekly / monthly repetivity, for
sea food study needs 70-100 coastline delineation, yearly repetivity
meters resolutions sufficient
Land use planning 80 meters resolution Yearly repetivity
Table 3-4: Spectral resolution consideration
Spectral Bands Characteristics of bands
0.45-0.52 Strong relationship between spectral reflectance in this region and plant
pigment and has comparatively higher penetration in water. This band is
useful for mapping suspended sediments/water quality and various
studies related to coastal region.
0.52-0.59 Centered on the first local maxima of the vegetation reflectance, useful for
vegetation discrimination and the study of senescence rate of leaves. Also
sensitive to ferric iron oxides.
0.62-0.68 Centered around the chlorophyll absorption band of vegetation and, useful
for identification of plant species. Greater soil contrast is found in this
region. The upper end is limited to 0.68 to avoid the atmospheric
absorption at 0.69 microns
0.77-0.86 Shows high reflectance for healthy vegetation and useful for green biomass
estimation and crop vigor studies. Water absorption in this region clearly

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demarcates land water boundary. The upper end is limited to 0.86 microns
to avoid the broad water vapor absorption band centered around 0.92
micron. In addition, this also helps to improve the Modulation Transfer
Function (MTF) of this band since CCDMTF falls fast as wavelength
increases in the near infrared region

Figure 3-6 LISS-II

Figure 3-5 LISS-I

The IRS-1A cameras operated in four

spectral bands which are mentioned in
the table 4.4. Each Band has separate
optical system, spectral filters, thermal
filters and detector.
The payload system of IRS-1A is a Linear
Imaging Self-Scanning Sensor (LISS)
working on the ‘push-broom scanning’
concept. In this mode of operation, each
line of the image is electronically scanned
by a linear array of detectors (Charge
Coupled Devices (CCD)) and successive
lines of the image are produced as a
result of satellite’s forward motion.
The payload system consists of two solid
state cameras operating in four spectral
Figure 3-7 Push Broom Concept bands in the visible and near- IR range
using Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) linear arrays as sensors. There are two cameras, one is
called LISS-1, and the other one is called LISS-II (It has two modules, IRS-IIA and IRS-IIB). LISS-I

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provide geometrical Instantaneous Field of View (IGFOV) of 73 meters and cover a swath of 148
km on ground, while LISS-II provides an IGFOV of 36.5 meters and individual swath of 74 km
each. The combined swath of both LISS-II cameras is 145 km with a 3 km side lap between them.

Figure 3-8 IRS-1A/1B Swath Details

The data handling system, consisting of baseband and RF modules, receives digital data
from payload, formats it and after modulation transmits the data to ground station as a PCM
stream LISS-I data is transmitted through a BPSK modulator in S-band at 5.2 MBPS and the data
from both LISS-II cameras is transmitted through a QPSK systems in X-band at 10.4 MBPS.
Table 3-5:Payload specification
Payload specification
Optics Refractive , F/4.5 Refractive , F/4.5
Equivalent Focal Length (EFL)(mm) 162.2 324.4
Spectral Bands(um)
Band-1 0.45 – 0.52 0.45 – 0.52
Band-2 0.52 - 0.59 0.52 - 0.59
Band-3 0.62 – 0.68 0.62 – 0.68
Band-4 0.77 – 0.86 0.77 – 0.86
Field of View 9.4 deg. 4.7 Deg (each)
Detector
CCD Linear array Linear array
No. of pixels 2048 2048
Pixel size (um) 13 x 13 13 x 13
System

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Geometrical IGFOV (meters) 73 36.5

Angular IFOV (microradians) 80 40
Swath (km) 148 74 each
(145 combined)
Integration time (m sec) 11.2 5.6
No. of radiometric levels 128 128
Data rate (Mbps) 5.2 10.4 x 2
Noise equivalent reflectance (NEdP) <1 % <1%
Signal – To - Ratio(SNR) >127 for all bands at saturation level exposure
Square wave response (SWR) at 40
Lines per millimeter (lpmm)
Band -1 >40 >40
Band -2 >40 >40
Band –3 >30 >30
Band - 4 >20 >20
Band to Band registration (Pixel) +/- 0.25 +/- 0.25
Operating temperature range
EO module 20+5 deg. C 20+5 deg. C
Electronics (PLE) 0 to 40 deg. C 0 to 40 deg C
Power(W)
Imaging mode 34.2 34.2 x 2
Cal. Mode 37.9 37.9 x 2
Mass(kg)
EO Module 27.50 70.00 x 2
Electronics 4.48 4.41 x 2
Power supply 6.44 6.44 x 2

3.1.6 Ground Segment

The IRS-1A Ground segment controlled and monitored the satellite throughout the
mission and performed the image data reception, processing, generation/dissemination and
archival of data products.
The major elements of IRS-1A ground segment were

• Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) network

• Spacecraft Control Centre (SCC)
• Data Reception System
• Data Products System
Ground segments location and functionality
Element Location Functions

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Telemetry, ISTRAC stations at Bangalore

• Satellite Health data reception and
Tracking & and Lucknow (Selective
recording
Command(TTC) Support from External
• Spacecraft commanding and
stations)
tracking
Spacecraft Control ISTRAC, Peenya Bangalore,
• Network coordination and control
Centre (SCC) India.
• Spacecraft Operations
• Spacecraft health analysis and
control
• Orbit and attitude determination
• Communication links
Data Acquisition National Remote Sensing
• Reception and recording of Image
Agency (NRSA), Shadnagar,
data
Hyderabad, India. (Now it is
• Quick-look imagery and display.
National Remote Sensing
• Ancillary data generation for
Centre(NRSC).
further processing of data.
Data Processing, NRSA, Balanagar, Hyderabad,
• Generation and distribution of
Dissemination and India
Browse and Standard products.
Archival Space Application Centre (SAC
• Generation of precision and
Ahmedabad, India.
special products.
• Data quality evaluation.

3.2 IRS-1E
3.2.1 Introduction
IRS-1E satellite, derived from the engineering model of IRS-1A incorporating a Monocular
Electro-Optical Stereo Scanner developed by DLR, Germany, and a LISS-I camera similar to that
on IRS-1A, could not be placed into orbit by the PSLV-D1 launched in September 1993.
The mission was not realised due to problems faced by Launch Vehicle. It was the first
development flight of PSLV. IRS-1E was carrying LISS-1 and MEOSS payload.

3.2.2 Mission Objectives

The spacecraft was realised as a payload for the First developmental flight of PSLV.

3.2.3 Orbital Details

Parameter Value
Orbit Not Realised
Power 415

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Mass 846
Launch Date September 20, 1993
Launch Vehicle PSLV-D1

3.3 IRS-P2
3.3.1 Introduction
IRS-P2 was the fourth in the series of Indian Remote Sensing Satellites. It was launched
into the sun synchronous orbit of 817 km on October 15, 1994. This satellite is the first Spacecraft
successfully orbited onboard by the second developmental flight of PSLV.

3.3.2 Mission Objective

The mission objective of IRS-P2 is to be the payload of the second developmental flight of PSLV

3.3.3 Orbit Details

Parameter Values
Orbit Polar sun synchronous Orbit
Altitude 817 km
Inclination 98.680
Repetivity 24 days
Orbits/cycle
Equatorial crossing time 10.30 AM
Launch date October 15, 1994
Launch site SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, India
Launch vehicle PSLV-D2
Mission completed on 1997

3.3.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft

Table 3-6:Salient features of IRS-P2
Parameter IRS-P2
Payload LISS-II* LISS-II* was achieved by mounting two CCDs per optical
lens system in staggered mode (Shown in fig.)
Data Handling 10.4 Mbps
Structure Aluminium and aluminium honeycomb structure
4 vertical and 2 horizontal Al Honeycomb panels.
Thermal Components Passive control using tapes , OSR, MLI Blankets and
semi-active/active control using proportionate
temperature controller and heaters
Temp. Range 20+5 deg. C for imaging sensors electro-optics
5+5 deg. C for Chemical Batteries

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0 to 40 deg. C for electronic packages

Mechanism Solar Panel Solar Panel deployment and drive mechanism

Power Solar Array 6.424 m2 area,(2 x 2 panels) deployable and sun tracking
panel, Power generation at EOL is 620 Watts (Totally 6
panels)
Battery 42V, Ni-Cd(2), 21 AH, 28 cells each, 27.64 kg
Electronics TCR, domestic regulators, battery individual cell
monitoring, K relay emergency Relay Bus parallel relays,
DC/DC Converters
Telemetry House Keeping (HK) information in S-Band; PCM/PSK
Real Time rate 256 bps and play back rate 4 Kbps;
Communication Onboard storage capacity of 98 minutes of HK data
Telecommand S-Band : PCM/PSK/FM/PM, and
VHF : PCM/FSK/AM
Tracking Facility for ON/OFF and Data commands
S-Band tone ranging and two way Doppler X-band
beacon
Attitude and Attitude sensors IR Horizon sensors(Conical and Static), Star sensor, Yaw
Orbit Control sun sensors, Dynamically Tuned Gyros (DTG)
(AOCS) Actuators Reaction Wheels (three 5NMS and one 10 NMS),
Magnetic torquers, Hydrazine thrusters(16 one Newton)
Orbit- 1 km
Determination
accuracy
Attitude 0.1 deg.
Determination
Accuracy
Mass Spacecraft 975 kg

Payload 98 kg

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Figure 3-9 IRS-P2 Stowed Mode

Figure 3-10: Exploded view of IRS-P2

3.3.5 IRS-P2 Payload

The LISS-II payload is a solid state camera operating in four spectral Bands in the visible
and near IR range using 2048 elements Linear array CCDs as Sensors. Unlike in IRS-1A/1B
satellites in which the LISS-II camera was made of two separate electro optical modules, in this
camera two CCDs per band are placed in the focal plane of the same optics in a staggered
configuration. These are designated as LISS-IIA and LISSIIB. Each camera provides an IGFOV of

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32.74 meters and individual swath of 67 km the along track separation between the two CCDs is
above 62 km on ground which will result in a combined swath of 128 km.
The data handling system, consisting of Base band and RF Modules, receives the digital
data from Payload, formats it and after modulation transmits the data to ground station as a PCM
stream.
Table 3-7 Features of IRS-P2 Payload
Parameter Value
OPTICS
Type of Optics Refractive F/4.5
Equivalent Focal Length(EFL)mm 324.4
Spectral Bands (Microns) Band1 : 0.45 - 0.52
Band2: 0.52 - 0.59
Band3 : 0.62 - 0.68
Band4: 0.77 – 0.86
Field of view +5.2 degs
Detector
Detector Type CCD 143 Linear Array
Number of Pixel 2048
Pixel Size (Microns) 13 x 13
System
Geometrical IFOV (m) 32.74
Along Track Sampling (m) 37.24
Angular IFOV (microradians) 40
Swath (km) 67 km each CCD (128 km Combined)
Integration Time (ms) 5.6
Quantisation 7 Bits
Data Rate 10.2 Mbps
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) >128
@ saturation exposure
Square Wave response SWR @ 40 lp/mm Band1: >0.4Band2: >0.4
Band3: >0.3Band4: >0.2
Band to Band registration(Pixels) Less than + 0.25
Operating Temperature Range EO module 20+5 deg C
Electronics0 to 40 deg. C
Power in watts Imaging mode :32
Calibration mode :34
Mass (kg) 72

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3.3.5.1 Payload Configuration

The payload consists of three major elements
• Electro-optical Module
• Payload electronics
• Payload Power Supply
3.3.5.1.1 Electro optical Module
The EO module contains imaging optics including the spectral band pass filters and
neutral density filters (ND), CCD detectors and detector electronics. The four band assembles in
the camera use refractive optical systems and these are coupled to the detectors through Invar
housings. These four single band assemblies are mounted on a welded aluminum bracket with
their optical axes parallel to each other. To minimize the variation of BBR with temperature
gradients, the four band assemblies are coupled through Invar plates at lens end, detector end
and middle flanges. Two CCDs are mounted in the focal plane of each lens separated by a distance
(in along-track direction) of about 25 mm and a gap of 4 pixels (in the across track direction).
Two LEDs per CCD mounted at an angle of 60 deg are used for on board calibration. DE packages
mounted on EO module Houses the Bias Voltage generator, clock driver as well as pre-amplifier
circuits for the operation of each CCD.
The payload electronics and payload power supply are similar to IRS-1A/1B.

Figure 3-11: CCD arrangement in detector plane as seen from detector Plane

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Figure 3-12: Swath coverage of LISS-IIA and LISS-IIB of IRS-P2

3.4 IRS-1C &1D

3.4.1 Introduction
IRS-1C is the second generation Remote sensing operational satellite developed by ISRO
that carried three distinct and mutually complementary imaging payloads. The combination of
payloads enhanced the capabilities of IRS-IC as compared to IRS- IA/1B in terms of spatial
resolution, provision of an additional spectral band, ability to acquire stereoscopic images and
inclusion of a wide field sensor for improved temporal resolution. IRS-1D was the follow-on
mission.

3.4.2 Mission Objective of IRS-1C and 1D

Mission objectives of IRS-1C and 1D are as given below

• To design develop launch and operate state of art three axis body stabilised
satellite for providing continued space based remote sensingt services to the user
community with enhanced resolution capability compared to IRS-1A/1B
• Further develop new areas of user applications to take fiull advantages of the enhanced
resolution and capacity of IRS-1C/1D spacecraft.

3.4.3 Orbit Details

IRS-1C and 1D were launched into polar sun syncronous near circular orbit to ensure
ground illumination conditions are nearly the same for imageries collected on different days.
Local time equtorial crossing was chosen 10.30 AM based on application needs of the users.

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Table 3-8: Orbital parameters of IRS-1C/1D

Parameter IRS-1C IRS-1D
Orbit Polar sun synchronous Polar sun synchronous
Altitude 817 km 740 x 817 km
Inclination 98.69 deg 98.6
Eccentricity 0.0004
Period 101.35 minutes 101.35 minutes
Local Time 10.30 A.M 10.30 A.M
Repetivity Cycle 24 Days (For Liss-3) 24 Days (For Liss-3)
5 Days (for Pan 5 Days (for Pan
5 Days (for PAN revisit) 5 Days (for PAN revisit)
Distance between adjacent 117.5 km 117.5 km
Traces
Minimum Picture Overlap for 22.5 km 22.5 km
LISS-3
Off Nadir coverage +/- 26 deg 398 km 398 km
(for PAN)
Distance between successive 2828 km 2828 km
Ground tracks
Ground Trace velocity 6.65 km/s 6.65 km/s

3.4.4 Salient features of IRS-1C/1D

Though most of the systems were fabricated similar to IRS-1B, based on the onboard
experiences of IRS-1A and IRS-1B satellites, and in view of launching the satellite using Indian
launch vehicle (PSLV), some modifications/ improvements were carried out in IRS-1D spacecraft.
They are given in the following table
Table 3-9. Salient features of IRS-1C/1D
Subsystem IRS-1A/1B IRS-1C/1D
Al. honeycomb structure with Shear webs added to increased the
Structure central load bearing Al. frequency to cater to PSLV launch. CFRP
Cylinder cylinder (370 mm height 930 mm dia) for
thermal isolation of payload deck
incorporated.
Passive, Semi-active with Experience gained from IRS-1A for
Thermal heaters evolving IRS-1C thermal design, Payload
module had new configurations and power
dissipation in IRS-1C was more and hence
a new design and analysis made.

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Solar Panel deployment Solar panel deployment mechanism used

Mechanism mechanism as it is ‘PAN’ camera deployment and
steering mechanism newly developed.
Solar Panel 9.636 m2, 6 panels 1.1 x 1.46 m2 (Each)
Power BSR (SCA) 813 watts (10% area increased)
Battery 2 batteries, 42V, 28 Cells, Ni-Cd 21 AH
Power electronics More efficient power electronics
developed. Additionally CUK type of DC/DC
converters developed.
S-Band transponder S-band transponder used as it is
PROM based telemetry Modified to meet mission specific
requirements
TTC Telecommand system (418 Modified to meet mission specific
ON/OFF, 21 data commands) requirements including time tag
commands (704 ON/OFF and 46 data
commands)
Data Handling S-Band for LISS-1(5.2 MBPS) PAN and LISS-3 data in two independent X-
band chains. QPSK modulator developed.
X Band for LISS_2(10.4 x 2 40 watts TWTA used. 84 MBPS and 42
MBPS) with 20 watts TWTA MBPS data Handling system Developed.
Sun sensors (4PI, TWSS, FSS, PYS improved to reject any spurious
PYS) signals
Conical earth sensors Same earth sensors used but with
Sensors improvements to overcome dazzle
problems and reduce the systematic
errors.
Dry tuned gyro for yaw control. Three gyros in a cluster. All three axis to be
Two gyros in a cluster controlled by gyro.
Star sensor based on linear CCD Star sensor based on area array CCD (for
providing attitude information about all
three axes)
RCS Mono propellant 1 Newton IRS-1A system retained. In addition latch
system. Tanks for 80 kg valves, filters, thermocouples bed heaters
Capacity. developed. 11 Newton thruster developed
for IRS-1C and incorporated in the
configuration for orbit correction purpose
Reaction 5 NMS wheels Same wheels retained. However
Wheel improvements made with an add-on-
package for dynamic friction compensation

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SADA Developed for IRS-1A provided Same used But improvements made to
5000 gm.cm torque increase the tongue margin
AOCE Hardwired system PWPFM Hardwired system as a backup only for
controller processor based linear controller.
KF Used Improved KF used
PYRO Developed for IRS-1A Same retained
Payloads LISS-I and LISS-II LISS-III, PAN and WiFS
Reliability 0.75 at the end of 3 years 0.75 at the end of 3 years
goal

Figure 3-13 IRS-1D Exploded View

Figure 3-14 IRS-1D Stowed View

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Figure 3-15. Stowed mode view of IRS-1C

3.4.5 IRS-1C/1D Payloads

The payload system of IRS-1C/1D consists of three cameras namely

• Panchromatic camera (PAN),

• Linear Imaging Self Scanning sensor (LISS-III) and
• Wide Field Sensor (WiFS)
All cameras operate in the push-broom scanning mode employing linear array charge coupled
devices (CCD).

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3.4.5.1 Panchromatic Camera (PAN)

The PAN camera provides a spatial resolution of
5.8 meters at nadir and operates in a single (0.5-
0.75) panchromatic spectral band. This camera
covers a ground swath of 70 km which is steerable
upto 26 deg. from nadir in the across track
direction. This off nadir viewing provides the
capability to revisit any given site with a maximum
delay of five days. The major specifications of the
IRS-IC PAN camera are given in table 3.10

Figure 3-16 CCD Arrangement in IRS-1C/1D PAN camera

3.4.5.1.1 Optical Design of PAN
The PAN camera uses an all reflective off axis telescope, while LISS-III and WiFS are
realised using refractive optics. The PAN optical system is a 980mm focal length (f/4.5)
unobscured three mirror system i.e there is no obstruction to the incoming beam by any part of
the optical system. The optical design features an off axis primary hyperboloid mirror, a spherical
secondary mirror and an off axis ellipsoidal tertiary mirror. By using off axis sections of conic
surfaces, obstruction of the incoming radiation is avoided resulting in higher modulation transfer
function for a given aperture. Since the image format (85mm) is too large to be covered by a single
CCD, an arrangement of 3 CCDs is used to cover the full swath. A prism with two reflecting sides
is placed slightly ahead of the image plane. The light rays from the tertiary mirror falling on the
sides of the prism are reflected out in opposite directions. The prism angles are so configured

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that the light rays from 0.3 deg. of nadir, along track, form two image lines on either side of the
prism. These two image lines when projected on ground are separated by 8.6 km. One of the
image lines is covered by two CCDs with a gap corresponding to the coverage by one CCD between
them. The second image line is imaged by a single CCD which is centrally located.
The telescope mirrors are fabricated out of zerodur and are mounted in multi bladed
mirror mounts using an appropriate glue in such a way that surface deformation on the mirrors
do not occur. The super invar mirror mounts have been designed to withstand storage
temperature and mechanical loads generated during the launch. The use of zerodur mirrors with
the invar structure reduces the drop in MTF due to temperature variation within the operating
temperature of 17-23°C. Further, the mirror surface does not show any non elastic behavior in
the storage temperature range of -30°C to +60°C. Baffles in the optical assembly have been
designed to reduce out of field radiation and reduce the drop in MTF from stray light. The baffles
have been located near secondary and tertiary mirror mounts. The design value of MTF is greater
than 0.6. In practice after taking to account the fabrication, tolerance, alignment etc., it is possible
to realize MTF of 0.5.
Table 3-10: Characteristics of PAN
Parameters Parameters
Instantaneous Geometric field of view * 5.8
(meters)
A)Swath* (km) 70
B) Swath Steering Range (degree) ± 26
C)step Size (Degree) ± 0.09
Spectral Band (micron) 0.50-0.75
Camera SWR ( At Nyquist frequency) 0.20
Quantization (bits) 6
System Noise 1 LSB
Saturation radiance (nominal ) 47
(MW/Cm2- STR-micron)
Detector 3 x 4096 pixel CCD (7 x 7 micron)
Size of EO Module (Envelope ) (mm) 605 (R) X 903 (P) X 861 (Y)
Weight (kg) EO Module 105 (without PSM)
PLE Package 20
Power (W) Imaging Mode 55
CAL Mode 65
Data Rate (MBPS) 84.9

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Figure 3-17 Swath coverage of IRS-1C/1D

Figure 3-18 Pan Off nadir viewing capability Swath coverage of PAN

3.4.5.2 LISS-3 Camera

The LISS-3 camera is a multispectral imaging system operating in four spectral bands,
three in the visible and Near IR (VNIR) region which are identical to B2, B3 and B4 of IRS- IA/1B
and one in short wave infrared (SWIR)-band B5. LISS-3 provides a ground resolution of 23.5 m
in VNIR and 70.5 m in SWIR with a swath of 141 km and 148 km respectively for VNIR and SWIR.

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Figure 3-19 IRS-1C/1D LISS-3 Camera

Figure 3-20 LISS-3 EO Module

All the four lenses of LISS III is similar. The lens design is derived from double Gauss
concept. The design is optimized separately for each spectral band to obtain the best MTF
performance. The design features a very low sensitivity of EFL, FD and collinearity to
temperature variation. The lenses for bands B2, B3 and B4 having an f/no. of 4.35, and a focal
length of 347.5 mm operate at 50 lp/mm whereas band B5 has focal length of 301 .04 mm with
f/no. 4.35 and operates at 20 lp/mm .
To minimize the impact of surface reflections, each surface of the optical elements carries
antireflection (AR) coatings. The AR coatings have been provided on all lens elements, thermal
filter and outer surfaces of the interference filter. The lens is purged with dry Nitrogen and sealed
with a membrane. After the launch, when the differential pressure is more than 500 mbar the
membrane ruptures and allows the evacuation of the lens assembly. The assembly of the camera
takes into account the change in focal length from laboratory environment to the vacuum
conditions in orbit.

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Hard coated four cavity interference filters have been used in these lenses, for spectral
selection. The thermal filter made of fused silica, makes an angle of one degree with the optical
axis of the lens assembly to avoid ghost images at the CCD plane. It has a provision to allow
rotation of this angle around the optical axis to take into account the CCD detector orientation
with respect to the mounting holes of the flange.

Figure 3-21 Calibration LEDs arrangement In LISS-3

Table 3-11 Characteristics of IRS-1C/1D LISS-3 Payload
Parameters Parameters
Instantaneous Geometric field of view * 23.5 B2, B3, B4
(meters) 70.5 SWIR(B5)
Swath* (km) >141
Spectral Band (micron) B2 0.52-0.59 B3 0.62-0.68
B4 0.77-0.86 B5 1.55-1.70
Camera SWR ( At Nyquist frequency) B2 40; B3 40; B4 35; B5 30
Quantization (bits) 7
System Noise >1 LSB
Saturation radiance (nominal ) B2 29± 1.5
(MW/Cm2- STR-micron) B3 28 ± 1.5
B4 31 ± 1.5
B5 3.5 ± 0.3
Detector 10 x 7 micron 6000 element CCD for
Visible
26 x 26 micron 2100 element CCD for
NIR
Size of EO Module (Envelope ) T(mm) 455 (R) X 522 (P) X 500 (Y)
Weight (kg) EO Module 76.5
camera 95
Power (W) Imaging Mode 74
CAL Mode 78

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Data Rate (MBPS) B2,B3,B4 35.8

B5 1.4

3.4.5.3 WiFS Camera

The WIFS camera has a spatial resolution of 188 meters covering a swath of 804 km. This
wide swath coverage results in a repeatable observation of the same ground location after every
5 days. The WIFS operates in two spectral bands B3 and B4 of LISS-III (0.62 - 0.68 and 0.77 -
0.86).

Figure 3-22 IRS-1C/1D WiFS Camera

For the WiFS camera, the total field to be covered was 52°. If this was realized using single
lens for each band, due to the large variation in the incidence angle at the interference filter, there
will be considerable shift in the band edge positions over the field of view. To minimize the above
effect, the total FOV is realized by two lenses for each band. The two lenses are mounted with
their optical axes canted 13° on either side of nadir. The basic optical design is similar to LISS III
except for the focal length of 56 mm.
Table 3-12: Characteristics of WiFS Camera
Parameters Parameters
Instantaneous Geometric field of view * (meters) 188
Swath* (km) 804
Spectral Band (micron) B3 0.62-0.68
B4 0.77-0.86
Camera SWR ( At Nyquist frequency) B3 >34
B4 >20
Quantization (bits) 7
System Noise <1 LSB

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Saturation radiance (nominal ) (MW/Cm2- STR- B3 28 ± 1.5

micron) B4 31 ± 1.5
Size of EO Module (Envelope ) (mm) 250 (R) X 335 (P) X 170 (Y)
Weight (kg) EO Module 18
camera 23
Power (W) 28
Data Rate (MBPS) 2.1

Figure 3-23 IRS-1C/1D Mission Elements

3.5 IRS-P6 (Resourcesat-1)

3.5.1 Introduction
IRS-P6 is the continuation of IRS-1C/1D missions with enhanced capabilities.
Panchromatic camera of IRS-1C/1D is improved to Multispectral by using three 12K detectors.
The spatial resolution of AWIFS is improved to 56 m from ~188m.

3.5.2 Mission Objective

Mission objectives of the IRS-P6 are as given below

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• To provide continued Remote Sensing data services on an operational basis for integrated
land and water resources management at micro level with enhanced multi spectral/
spatial coverage and stereo imaging
• To further carry out studies in advanced areas of User applications like improved crop
discrimination, crop yield, crop stress, pest/disease surveillance, disaster management
etc.

3.5.3 Orbit Details

The IRS-P6 is with payloads similar to the IRS-1C/1D. Choice of the orbit is same as that
of IRS-1C i.e Sun synchronous orbit at an altitude of 817 Km.
Table 3-13 Orbit details of IRS-P6
Parameter IRS-P6
Orbit Polar sun synchronous circular
Altitude 817 km
Inclination 98.69 deg
Eccentricity 0.0004
Period 101.35 minutes
Local Time 10.30 A.M
Repetivity Cycle 24 Days (For LISS-3)
5 Days (for AWifs)
5 Days (for LISS-4 revisit)
Distance between adjacent Traces 117.5 km
Minimum Picture Overlap for LISS-3 22.5 km
Off Nadir coverage +/- 26 deg (for PAN) 398 km
Distance between successive Ground tracks 2820 km
Ground Trace velocity 6.65 km/s
Liss-4 Coverage with steering of + 26 Deg + 398 km

3.5.4 Salient features of IRS-P6

The S/C mainframe is of IRS-1C/1D -P3 heritage. The S/C structure consists of two
modules, the main platform and the payload module. The main platform is built around a central
load bearing cylinder of 915 mm diameter and consists of four vertical panels and two horizontal
decks. The bottom of cylinder is attached to an interface ring which interfaces with the launch
vehicle. The vertical panels and the horizontal decks carry various subsystem packages. Various
attitude sensors, SPS (Satellite Positioning System) and data transmitting antennas are mounted
on the outside surfaces of the equipment panels and the bottom deck. Two star trackers are
mounted with skewed orientation on the top deck. The payload module in turn is comprised of a
two-tier system, the payload module deck and the rotating deck. The payload module deck
accommodates LISS-3, AWIFS-A and AWIFS-B camera modules.

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Figure 3-24Illustration of the IRS-P6 spacecraft

Figure 3-25 Isometric view of the IRS-P6 spacecraft in launch configuration

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Table 3-14 Salient features of IRS-P6

Subsystem IRS-P6
Shear webs added to increase the frequency to cater to PSLV
Structure launch. CFRP cylinder (370 mm height 930 mm dia) for
thermal isolation of payload deck incorporated.
Control Temperature control is with passive techniques using Paints,
Thermal multilayer blankets, Optical solar Reflector, and active
thermal elements like heaters also. Heat pipe radiator panel
is used to maintain the temperature of LISS-4 detector head
assembly.
Limits All electronics packages 0-40degC,
Battery 0-10 degC,
Payload EO modules : 17 to 23
Solar Panel Solar panel deployment mechanism and Drive Mechanism
Mechanism LISS-4 Deployment and steering mechanism for the LISS-4 Payload
to cover +/- 26 deg. w.r.t. roll.
Solar Panel Sun tracking, rigid,15.12 M2 6 panels 1.4 x 1.8 m2 (Each),
Power 1250 W at EOL, BSR(SCA)
Battery 2 batteries, 28 to 42V, 28 Cells, Ni-Cd 24 AH
Power PWM TCR, FCL, 10 Strings
Electronics
Telemetry 1024 words/frame, 2250 MHz2071, storage: 6.29 x 106 Bits
TTC PCM/PSK/PM, 16 Kbps
Telecommand PCM/FSK/FM/PM 2071.875 MHz
Data Handling The payload data are transmitted in X-band at a data rate of
105 Mbit/s. The BDH (Baseband Data Handling) system
consists of two separate chains, one for LISS-3 and AWiFS
data, and the second chain for LISS-4 data. The LISS-4 data are
transmitted on carrier-1 at 8125 MHz and LISS-3 + AWiFS
data are transmitted on carrier-2 at 8300 MHz.
Data 40 watts TWTA used. 84 MBPS and 42 MBPS data Handling
Transmission system Developed.
Spec. Pointing Accuracies: Yaw: + 0.05o Roll: + 0.05o Pitch: + 0.05o
(3 sigma); Drift rate : 5 x 10-4 deg/sec (3 sigma)
Sensors Earth sensor(1), DSS(2), Star Sensors(2), 4Pi SS(4),
AOCS Magnetometer (2) IRU(3 DTG), GPS
Actuators Reaction Wheels, 5 NMS(4 in tetrahedral), Magnetic Torquers
( 2) , 1N Thrusters(8) 11 N Thruster(4) Fuel (100 kg)
SADA Improved SADA used to increase the torque margin

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AOCE Hardwired system as a backup only for processor based

linear controller. Improved KF used
Payloads LISS-III, PAN and AWiFS
Mass 1360 kg

3.5.5 IRS-P6 Payloads

Resourcesat-1 carries three payloads.
• A high resolution linear imaging self-scanner (LISS-IV)
• A medium resolution linear imaging self-scanner (LISS-III)
• AWiFS (Advanced Wide Field Sensor).

3.5.5.1 LISS-4 (Linear Imaging Self-Scanning Sensor-4):

The LISS-4 multispectral high-resolution camera is the prime instrument. LISS-4 is a
three-band pushbroom camera of LISS-3 heritage (same spectral VNIR bands as LISS-3) with a
spatial resolution of 5.8 m and a swath of 70 km. LISS-4 can be operated in either of two support
modes:
Multispectral (MS) mode: Data is collected in 3 bands corresponding to pre-selected 4096
contiguous pixels with a swath width of 23.9 km (selectable out of 70 km total swath). The 4 k
detector strip can be selected anywhere within the 12 k pixels by commanding the start pixel
number using the electronic scanning scheme.
Mono mode: Data of the full 12 k pixels of any one single selected band, corresponding to a swath
of 70 km, can be transmitted. Nominally, band-3 data (B3) are being observed and transmitted in
this mode.
LISS-4 has ±26º steering capability in the cross-track direction which provides a 5-day revisit
cycle. The optoelectronic module of LISS-4 is identical to that of the PAN camera of IRS-1C/1D.
The CCD array features 12,288 elements for each band. The instrument has a mass of 169.5 kg,
power of 216 W, and a data rate of 105 Mbit/s. The detector temperature control is implemented
using a radiator plate coupled to each band CCD through heat pipes and copper braid strips.

Figure 3-26 LISS-4 camera

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The LISS-4 camera is realized using the three mirror reflective telescope optics (same as
that of the PAN camera of IRS-1C/1D) and 12,288 pixels linear array CCDs with each pixel of the
size 7 µm x 7 µm. Three such CCDs are placed in the focal plane of the telescope along with their
individual spectral bandpass filters. An optical arrangement comprising an isosceles prism is
employed to split the beam into three imaging fields which are separated in along track direction.
The projection of this separation on ground translates into a distance of 14.2 km between the B2
and B4 image lines. While B3 is looking at nadir, B2 is looking ahead and B4 is looking behind in
the direction of velocity vector. Detector type: THX31543A of Thomson.

Figure 3-28 Optical Schematic of LISS-4

Figure 3-27 LISS-4 Payload Schematic

LISS-4 calibration: An in-flight calibration scheme is implemented using LEDs (Light Emitting
Diodes). Eight LEDs positioned in front of the CCD (without obstructing the light path during
imaging). These LEDs are driven with a constant current and the integration time is varied to get
16 exposure levels, covering the dynamic range in a sequential manner. This sequence repeats in
a cyclic form.

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Figure 3-29 Possible Image coverage due to Steering of IRS-P6 LISS-IV

3.5.5.2 LISS-3 (Linear Imaging Self-Scanning Sensor-3):

LISS-3 is a medium-resolution multispectral camera. The pushbroom instrument is
identical to LISS-3 on IRS-1C/1D (with regard to lens modules, detectors, and electronics) in the
three VNIR bands, each with a spatial resolution of 23.5 m. The resolution of the SWIR band is
now also of 23.5 m on a swath of 140 km. The optics design and the detector of the SWIR band
are modified to suit the required resolution; B5 uses a 6,000 element Indium Gallium Arsenide
CCD with a pixel size of 13 µm. The SWIR CCD is a new device employing a CMOS readout
technique for each pixel, thereby improving noise performance. The VNIR CCD array features
6,000 elements for each band. The instrument has a mass of 106.1 kg, a power consumption of
70 W, and a data rate of 52.5 Mbit/s.

Figure 3-30 IRS-P6 LISS III Payload

The in-flight calibration of the LISS-3 camera is carried out using 4 LEDs per CCD in the
VNIR bands and 6 LEDs for the SWIR band. These LEDs are operated in pulsed mode and the
pulse duration during which these LEDs are ON is varied in specific steps. Each LED has a
cylindrical lens to distribute the light intensity onto the CCD. Each calibration cycle consists of
2048 lines providing six non-zero intensity levels.

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3.5.5.3 AWiFS (Advanced Wide Field Sensor):

AWiFS is a wide-angle medium resolution (56 m) camera with a swath of 740 km
(FOV=±25º) of WiFS heritage. The pushbroom instrument operates in three spectral bands which
are identical to two VNIR bands (0.62 - 0.68 µm,
0.77 - 0.86 µm) and the SWIR band (1.55-1.70
µm) of the LISS-3 camera. The AWiFS camera is
realized using two separate optoelectronic
modules which are tilted by 11.94º with respect
to nadir. Each module covers a swath of 370 km
providing a combined swath of 740 km with a
side lap between them. The wide swath
coverage enables AWiFS to provide a five-day
repeat capability. The optoelectronic modules
contain refractive imaging optics along with
band pass interference filter, a neutral density
filter and a 6000 pixels linear array CCD
detector for each spectral band.
The in-flight calibration is Figure 3-31 Illustration of the AWiFS-A camera
implemented using 6 LEDs in front of each CCD. For the VNIR bands (B2, B3, B4), the calibration
is a progressively increasing sequence of 16 intensity levels through exposure control. For the
SWIR band, the calibration sequence is similar to that of LISS-3 through a repetitive cycle of 2048
scan lines.
Table 3-15 Summary of the IRS-P6 instrument parameters
Parameter/Instrument LISS-4 LISS-3 AWiFS
Spatial resolution or 5.8 m 23.5 m 56 m (nadir)
IFOV (Instantaneous (70 m a swath
Field of View) edge)
Spectral bands (µm) B2: 0.52-0.59, (green) B2: 0.52-0.59, B2: 0.52-0.59,
B3: 0.62-0.68, (red) (green) (green)
B4: 0.77-0.86 (NIR) B3: 0.62-0.68, (red) B3: 0.62-0.68,
B4: 0.77-0.86, (NIR) (red)
B5: 1.55-1.70 B4: 0.77-0.86,
(SWIR) (NIR)
B5: 1.55-1.70
(SWIR)
Swath width 23.9 km in MS mode 141 km 740 km
70 km in PAN mode

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Detector line arrays x No 1 x 12,288 PAN mode 4 x 6,000 4 x 2 x 6,000

of elements 3 x 12,288 MS mode
Data quantization 10 bit (selected 7 bit 7 bit (VNIR), 10 bit
are provided to the 10 bit (SWIR)
data handling system)
Square wave response at > 0.20 B2> 0.40, B3> 0.40 B2> 0.40, B3>
Nyquist B4> 0.35, B5> 0.20 0.40
B4> 0.35, B5>
0.20
Power consumption 216 W 70 W 114 W
Instrument mass 169.5 kg 106.1 kg 103.6 kg
Date rate 105 Mbit/s 52.5 Mbit/s 52.5 Mbit/s

Figure 3-32 IRS-P6 Three tier imaging and swath coverage

3.6 Resourcesat-2
3.6.1 Introduction
Resourcesat-2 is a follow on mission to provide service continuity to the Resourcesat-1
users. Hence Resourcesat-2 payload systems were conceived around IRS-P6 with certain
improvements in payload electronics. Resourcesat- 2 spacecraft is configured with improved
features like 70 km Mx data, Enhanced SSR memory, new data handling system, 10/8 channels
SPS, indigenously developed star sensor, AOCE with Mil-1553 interfaces. Apart from Resourcesat
-1 payloads, a new payload called Hosted Indian payload from COMDEV, Canada for automatic
identification of ship was also flown.

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3.6.2 Mission Objective

Mission objective of Resourcesat-2 are
• To provide continued remote sensing data services on an operational basis for integrated
land and water resource management at a micro level with enhanced multispectral/
spatial coverage and stereo imaging.
• To further carryout studies in advanced areas of user applications like improved crop
discrimination, crop yield, crop stress, and pest / decease surveillance and disaster
management etc.

3.6.3 Orbital Parameters

Table 3-16 Orbit details of Resourcesat-2
Parameter Resourcesat-2
Orbit Polar sun synchronous circular
Altitude 817 km
Inclination 98.69 deg
Eccentricity 0.0004
Period 101.35 minutes
Local Time 10.30 A.M
Repetivity Cycle 341 Orbits
24 days for LISS-3
5 days for AWiFS
5 days Revisit (LISS-4)
Distance between adjacent Traces 117.5 km
Off Nadir coverage +/- 26 deg 398 km (for LISS-4)
Distance between successive Ground tracks 2820 km
Ground Trace velocity 6.65 km/s

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3.6.4 Salient features of Spacecraft

Table 3-17 Changes with respect to Resourcesat-1(IRS-P6)
Subsystem Changes
LISS-3 Operation remain same
Mission modes
LISS-4 multispectral data of 23.5 km swath possible real time for India,
AWiFS Operations remains same
LISS-3, LISS-4 & AWiFS .Electronics miniaturized using FPGAs and
Payload
MLBs with Interfaces remaining same with other subsystems.
BDH formatter design changed to transmit 23.5 km Mx data in Indian
BDH
region.
Imported SSR is replaced by indigenous SSR. There are two SSRs, one
SSR
for LISS-4 (200 Gb) and one for LISS-3 & AWIFS
Similar to IRS-P6 with data transmitted by TWTA
X-Band Systems
Similar to IRS-P6 payload. DC/DC converters were C’UK type in IRS-P6
Power
and Push-pull Type in Resourcesat-2
Similar To IRS-P6
Telemetry
Hardware is similar to IRS-P5 with software similar to IRS-P6, with
AOCE
additional two DHRT cards for incorporating additional RT for SSR and
Processing Software for computing ampere hour information
Hardware similar to IRS-P6 with improvement in S/W based on
Telecommand
experiences of IRS-P6
Similar to IRS-P5 due to obsolete components of IRS-P6
TTC RF
SPS was without 1553 interface in P6.
SPS
All are similar to P6 except Star sensor which is similar to P5 Star
Sensors
sensor with 1553 interface.
Reaction Hall effect sensor used for position sensing instead of
IISU Elements
Wheels inductive sensor and associated electronics.
No commutative electronic inside the wheel Mass 3.8 kg
(4.2 kg for P6)
IRU All Specifications are similar to P6 with design and
configuration similar to carto-2
SADA Configuration is similar to P5 with stepper motor torgue
increased to 4 NM from 1 NM specification of IRS-P6.
All Driving modes and schemes similar to P5
PSM Payload steering Mechanism and electronics similar to P6

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Figure 3-33 Stowed view of Resourcesat-2

Table 3-18 Salient features of Resourcesat-2
Subsystem Resourcesat-2
Structure Similar to IRS-P6.
Control Temperature control is with passive techniques using Paints,
Thermal multilayer blankets, Optical solar Reflector, and active thermal
elements like heaters. Heat pipe radiator panel is used to
maintain the temperature of LISS-4 detector head assembly.
Limits All electronics packages 0-40degC,
Battery 0-10 degC,
Payload EO modules : 17 to 23
Solar Panel Solar panel deployment and Drive Mechanism
Mechanism LISS-4 Hold down-release and steering mechanism for the LISS-4
Payload to steer +/- 26 deg. w.r.t. roll.
Solar Panel Sun tracking, rigid,15.12 M2 6 panels 1.4 x 1.8 m2 (Each),
Power 1250 W at EOL, BSR(SCA)
Battery 2 batteries, 28 to 42V, 28 Cells, Ni-Cd 24 AH
Power PWM TCR, FCL, 10 Strings
Electronics

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Telemetry 1024 words/frame, 2250 MHz, storage: 6.29 x 106 Bits

TTC PCM/PSK/PM, 16 Kbps
Telecommand PCM/FSK/FM/PM 2071.875 MHz
Data Handling In X-band at a data rate of 105 Mbps. The BDH has two
separate chains, one for LISS-3 and AWiFS data, and the second
chain for LISS-4 data. The LISS-4 data on carrier-1 at 8125 MHz
and LISS-3 + AWiFS data on carrier-2 at 8300 MHz.
Data 40 watts TWTA used. 210 MBPS (52.5 x 4) data Handling
Transmission system Developed.
Spec. Pointing:: Yaw: + 0.05o Roll: + 0.05o Pitch: + 0.05o (3 sigma)
Drift rate : 4.8 x 10-5 deg/sec (3 sigma)
Sensors Earth sensor(2), DSS(2), Star Sensors(2), 4PiSS(4),
AOCS Magnetometer (2) IRU(3 DTG), SPS (10/8 Channel)
Actuators Reaction Wheels, 10 NMS (4 in tetrahedral), Magnetic
Torquers (2) , 1N Thrusters(8) 11 N Thruster(4) Fuel (100 kg)
SADA
Configuration is similar to P5 with stepper motor torque
increased to 4 NM from one NM specification of IRS-P6.
Payloads LISS-4, LISS-III*, AWiFS and COMDEV
Mass 1250 kg

3.6.5 Resourcesat-2 Payloads

Resourcesat-2 payload system consists of Four Payloads namely
1. Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor-4 (LISS-4)
2. Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor-3 (LISS-3)
3. Advanced Wide Field Sensors (AWiFS)
4. Automatic Identification of Ship (AIS)

3.6.5.1 Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor (LISS-4)

3.6.5.1.1 Introduction
LISS-4 is a high resolution multi-spectral camera with three spectral bands namely B2,
B3 and B4 similar to those of LISS 3* and AWiFS camera. This camera operates in three spectral
bands B2 (0.52-0.59 µm), B3 (0.62-0.68 µm) and B4 (0.77-0.86 µm). The ground resolution of
LISS-4 will be 5.8 m with the swath of 70 km from an altitude of 817 km.
The three spectral bands are realized using field-splitting technique near the focal plane.
The final selection of the spectral bands is achieved by using appropriate band pass filters in front
of the detectors.

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3.6.5.1.2 LISS-4 Specifications

Optical system
Type Off axis unobscured three-mirror telescope
Focal length 980mm
F-number 4.0
Spectral bands B2 (0.52-0.59µm)
B3 (0.62-0.68µm)
B4 (0.77-0.86µm)
Field of view (FOV)
Across track + 2.5º
Along track +0.4º & -0.6º
Telescope MTF >40% at 70 lp/mm
Optical efficiency 0.6
Detector (CCD)
No of pixels 12000
Pixel size 7µm x 7µm
No of output ports 8
Separation between odd - even 35µ (5 scan lines)
rows
System
IGFOV (m)
Across track 5.83
Along track 5.82
Swath (km) 70.0 (Mono & Mx mode)
Integration Time (ms) 0.8777142
Quantization 10 bits (7 bits transmission to BDH after DPCM)
SNR (at saturation) >128
SWR (%) >20
BBR (pixel) ≤+ 0.25
Saturation Radiance B2 53
(mw/cm /sr/µm)
2 B3 47
B4 31.5
Raw Bus Power (W)
Imaging mode 126 (all bands)
Calibration mode 127.7 (all bands)
Size (p x r x y) (mm) 742 x 596 x 888
Weight (kg)
EO module 95
Camera 104

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3.6.5.1.3 LISS-4 System configuration

Electro optical module (EOM)
The Electro optical module (EOM) of LISS-4 consists of three mirror assemblies, focal plane
splitter optics and Detector Head Assembly (DHA) at specified locations. The telescope is a three
mirror off-axis reflective system (similar to IRS-1C/1D PAN telescope).
Optical System
The optical system of LISS-4 consists of three mirrors unobscured off-axis telescope (an off-axis
concave hyperboloid primary mirror, a convex spherical secondary mirror, and an off axis
concave oblate ellipsoid tertiary mirror), focal plane splitter assembly, and band-pass filters. A
245 mm diameter primary mirror collects the radiation from earth and reflects it on the
secondary mirror. The beam reflected from secondary mirror falls on to tertiary mirror, which
focuses the beam on to the detector. Three focal planes are realized by splitting the field in the
along track direction using an isosceles reflecting prism with a slot. The beam corresponding to
B3 is transmitted through the slot while the B2 and B4 are reflected by prism sides. The
placement of band pass interference filter in front of CCD ensures the selection of required band.
The telescope has an effective focal length of 980 mm and covers a field of view of + 2.5º in across
track and + 0.4º and -0.6º in the along track directions.
Detector Head Assemblies (DHA)
LISS-4 payload has three detector head assemblies (DHA) corresponding to B2, B3 and B4
respectively. LISS-4 DHA for Resoucesat-2 is identical to Resoucesat-1 in terms of interfaces and
basic philosophy, but has been realized with reduced size and number of components. Also
improvement has been carried out in thermal interface.
Each DHA consists of
 12K linear array CCD
 Bias voltage generating circuits
 Clock driver circuits
 Heaters and thermistors for thermal control
 LEDs for On-board Calibration
The 12K element linear CCDs of Thomson make (TH31543) are used for each spectral band. Each
CCD has a pixel size of 7 µm x 7 µm. The Odd and Even pixel rows are arranged in a staggered
mode separated by 35 µ (equal to 5 scan lines). Each CCD gives analog data on eight output ports
- four for odd pixels and four for even pixels. Each port provides data for 1520 pixels including
20 pre-scan/ white reference pixels. CCD has in-built anti-blooming and integration control.
DHA receives +18.3 V DC regulated voltage from power package and generates various bias
voltages required for CCD operations using series regulator. DHA receives clock signals at a TTL
levels from timing and control logic circuits of Camera Electronics (PLE12/13/14) and conditions

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them to suitable voltage levels and drives the required capacitive loads of CCD using clock driver
circuits. CCD requires a total of 16 clocks for its operation.
Video data obtained from eight video ports are given to video processor circuit (PLE12/13/14 of
camera electronics).
Each band DHA consists of two identical PCBs and each PCB caters to electrical requirements of
four ports. DHA also receives +5.6 V regulated DC voltage from spacecraft to be applied to heaters
to maintain CCD temperature.
The CCD temperature increases considerably whenever DHA is powered. In order to control the
temperature excursion in the CCD, heaters are placed near the CCD, which are switched ON
whenever DHA is switched OFF and vice versa. This ensures minimum change in CCD
temperature at any time. CCD temperature needs to be maintained within 20±2 ºC, hence DHA is
cooled. To achieve temperature control, control heaters are provided on the DHA. This is realized
using a copper braid whose ends are terminated with copper blocks. A compensatory heater of
1.8 W (equal to CCD dissipation) is switched ON and OFF as complementary to LISS-4 OFF and
ON respectively.

3.6.5.2 Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor (LISS-3*)

3.6.5.2.1 Introduction:
The LISS-3* Camera is a medium resolution multi-spectral camera operating in four
spectral bands - B2, B3, B4 in Visible - Near infrared Range (VNIR) and B5 in Short Wave Infrared
Range (SWIR) . This camera is similar to the LISS-3* of Resoucesat-1. LISS-3* will have four
spectral bands with independent optical assemblies and a linear array detector for each channel
providing identical IGFOV of 23.5 m. All bands will provide 100% albedo coverage with 1023
levels of quantization. It may be noted that Resoucesat-1 could provide limited albedo coverage
with 127 radiometric levels and four selectable sliding gains for VNIR bands. The block
schematics of LISS 3* (VNIR&SWIR) payload is shown in figure 3.6 and 3.8 resp.
The SWIR band is designed using a new custom built 6000 element Indium Gallium
Arsenide (InGaAs) CCD. Based on the experience of IRS-1C/1D in-orbit performance, certain
improvements have been incorporated in the LISS-3* design. LISS-3* SWIR band has improved
performance in terms of resolution with 23.5 m compared to 70 m in IRS-1C/1D. The focal length
of the SWIR band is modified to meet the improved resolution.
3.6.5.2.2 LISS3* Specifications:
B2, B3 & B4 B5
Optical System
EFL (mm) 347.5±0.3 451.75±0.3
F-number <4.5 <4.5
FOV (deg) +5 +5

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Spectral bands B2 (0.52-0.59µm) B5 (1.55 -1.70 µm)

B3 (0.62-0.68µm)
B4 (0.77-0.86µm)
Field of view (FOV)
Across track + 2.5º
Along track +0.4º & -0.6º
Telescope MTF >40% at 70 lp/mm
Optical efficiency 0.6
Detector (CCD)
No. of pixels 6000 6000
Pixel size 7µm x 10µm 13µm x 13µm
No. Of output ports 2 2
Detector Si InGaAs
System
IGFOV (m) 23.5 23.5
Along track sampling (m) 22.0 22.11
Swath (km) 141 141
Integration Time (ms) 3.32 3.32
Quantization bits 10 bit 7 bit
SNR (at saturation) >128 >128
SWR (%) B2 >30 B5 >20
B3 >30
B4 >20
BBR (pixel) ≤+ 0.25 ≤+ 0.25
Saturation Radiance B2 53 B5 7.5
(mw/cm2/sr/µm) B3 47
B4 31.5
Raw Bus Power (W)
Imaging mode 72.4 (All Bands)
Calibration mode 74.9 (All Bands)
Size (P x R x Y) (mm) 493x470.5x626.31
Weight (kg)
EO module 73.2
Camera 74.9
3.6.5.2.3 System Configuration
Each band has individual optics, DHA and camera electronics (CE). Four identical DHAs,
one each per band forms part of the EO module. The major constituents of the payload are
described below.

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Optics: The LISS-3* camera uses refractive optics for all four spectral bands. The collecting optics
consists of 8 refractive lens elements with the interference filter and the thermal filter. The
optical configuration consists of a multi-element lens assembly. All the lens elements have
spherical surface profile. Lenses of all four bands are developed by LEOS.
Detectors: For the 3 VNIR bands, 6000 elements devices (CCD 191A) with a pixel size of 10 µX7
µ on a pixel pitch of 10 µ with two video output ports is used. For the SWIR band, a 6000 element
staggered array device with a pixel size of 13 µX13 µ on a pixel pitch of 13 µ and line pitch of 26
µ with two video output ports is used.
Detector Head Assembly for VNIR: DHA houses linear array CCD-detector, PCB, onboard
calibration LEDs and mechanical mount. LISS 3* will have three VNIR band DHAs.
Detector: For the 3 VNIR bands, 6000 elements devices (CCD 191A) with a pixel size of 10 µ X 7
µ on a pixel pitch of 10 µ with two video output ports is used.
Description of CCD 191A Device:
The CCD 191A has 6000 photosensitive elements each of size 10µm along the array and 7 µm
perpendicular to array length. The device has two video output ports and packaged in a custom
build 40 pin DIP ceramic package. CCD 191A is fabricated using advanced n-channel isoplanner
buried channel technology.
The photosensitive elements accumulate charges during integration period. These accumulated
charges are transferred to two analog shift register using transfer clocks. Analog shift register
transport these charge packets sequentially, with the help of 2-phase shift clocks, to charge
amplifier where charge to voltage conversion takes place and three levels analog voltage signal
is available on each port. The true video information is carried out by taking difference of
reference level and video level. Both the ports start with 10 prescan reference pixels followed by
3000 photo-responsive pixels. The ports here correspond to the even and odd pixels respectively.
Anti-Blooming control: In order to take care of the super saturation problems seen in IRS-
1C/1D in-orbit, Anti-blooming control (ABC) feature of CCD191A is incorporated in the VNIR
bands of LISS3*. This feature is used to arrest the Raw-Bus current increase when camera is
exposed to higher illumination compared to its saturation settings. The ABC is implemented by
proper setting of ‘Integration Control’ bias voltage (VIC) available on the CCD pin and is adjusted
by trimming the bleeder resistors in the bias supply circuit in the DE package. With this
modification, the performance was verified with 100% saturation radiance input and raw bus
current was monitored in all 4 Gains. It is seen that the current increase is about 4 mA (max) as
against 160 mA increase seen without this ABC feature.
Onboard Calibration: Calibration assembly consists of LED wired on PCB and mounted on LED
holders. Four LEDs connected in series mounted on LED-holder. Two such holders one on each
side of CCD are mounted on DHA plate/flange. All LEDs are connected in series. A DC current of
16±1mA is passing through LEDs. Calibration levels are generated using exposure control feature

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of the CCD. Onboard calibration is to be carried out using 8 LEDs (02 sets of 4 LEDs) covering the
complete array. LED profile depends on the LED mounting geometry. 16 levels will be generated
using integration control feature. The LED intensity is expected to vary with temperature.
Mechanical Mount: The PCB is mounted on the mechanical mount made from lnvar and back
cover of aluminium. The calibration LED assembly is also mounted on the same mount.
Detector Head Assembly for SWIR: The detectors used for SWIR channels in RS-1/2 are of type
TH31906. This detector uses modular approach. Each module contains 600 photodiodes
arranged in staggered fashion and CMOS multiplexers on either side of the array for even and odd
pixels readout. A total of 10 such modules are butted together to form a linear array of 6000
pixels. Two consecutive pixels are lost at each splice due to butting. Photosensitive area of each
pixelis13 µmX13 µm with 13 µm pitch along the length of the array. The odd and even lines of the
staggered configuration are separated by 26 µm. the photodiodes and CMOS MUX are glued on a
2 mm thick co-fired ceramic plate. Electrical interconnections are provided by either gold coated
tracks or wires.
The photodiodes in TH31906 are operated under near zero bias condition. This is ensured by
placing a suitable resistance between VREF and ADJREF pins.
In order to avoid reflections from the focal plane which manifests itself as ghost image after re-
reflection from interference filter which is part of camera optics, most of the focal plane is masked
and 1 mm wide and 83 mm long slit which is 1mm above the surface of photodiode die exposes
photodiodes to the incident radiation. But reflections from the edges of this slit cause some extra
illumination in few of the pixels. In order to avoid this, two external slits of appropriate
dimensions are placed near optics exit so that the edges of the slit on mask are properly
shadowed.

3.6.5.3 Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS)

3.6.5.3.1 Introduction
The Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) camera will be catering to the high temporal
resolution requirement of RS-2 mission with revisit period of 5 days. It has IGFOV of 70m from
an altitude of 817 km. The AWiFS camera consists of four spectral bands, three in the visible and
in near IR (VNIR B2, B3 and B4) and one in the short wave infrared (SWIR B5) similar to AWiFS
of Resoucesat-1.
AWIFS is configured as a set of two identical camera modules i.e. AWIFS-A &AWIFS-B.
Each camera consists of four lens assemblies, detectors and associated electronics pertaining to
the four spectral bands B2, B3, B4 and B5. The two cameras are combined to generate the
required field of vie commensurate with the desired swath. The imaging concept is based on push
broom scanning that uses a linear array CCD placed in the focal plane of the optics. The 4 spectral
bands are realized using independent refractive optical assemblies. To generate the required
swath along with the desired overlap of 150+20 pixels, the two EO modules will be mounted on

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the spacecraft deck such that they are squinted with respect to nadir by ±11.84º. The field of view
of each lens assembly is ± 12.5º. In nutshell, total field coverage of 47.94º is shared equally by
two optical heads for each of the four bands.
3.6.5.3.2 AWiFS Specifications
B2, B3 & B4 B5
Optical System
EFL (mm) 139.5 + 0.15 181.35 + 0.2
F-number <5.0 <5.0
FOV (deg) ±12.5 ±12.5
Spectral Bands B2 (0.52-0.59µm) B5 (1.55 -1.70 µm)
B3 (0.62-0.68µm)
B4 (0.77-0.86µm)
Detector (CCD)
No. of pixels 6000 6000 * 8
Pixel size 7µm x 10µm 13µm x 13µm
No. of output ports 2 2
Detector Si InGaAs
System
IGFOV (m) 56 (@ nadir), 56 (nadir)
70(off-nadir) 70(off-nadir)
Along track sampling (m) 66 66
Swath (km) 740 740
Integration Time (ms) 9.96 9.96
Quantization bits 12(MLG) 12(MLG)
SNR (at saturation) > 512 > 512
SWR (%) B2 >30 B5 >20
B3 >30
B4 >20
BBR (Pixel) ≤± 0.25 ≤± 0.25
Saturation Radiance B2 53 B5 7.5
(mw/cm2/sr/µm) B3 47
B4 31.5
Calibration levels 16 6 non-zero
Raw Bus Power (W)
Imaging mode 124.1(All Band AWiFS-A&B)
Calibration mode 126.7(All Band AWiFS-A&B)
Size (P x R x Y) (mm)
AWiFS-A 471 x 410 x 316

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AWiFS-B 418 x 410 x 316

Weight (kg)
EO module 28(AWiFS-A), 25.5 (AWiFS-B)
Camera 55.8(AWiFS-A + AWiFS-B)
3.6.5.3.3 System Configuration
Each band has individual optics, DHA and camera electronics (CE). Four identical DHAs, one each
per band forms part of the EO module. The major constituents of the payload are described below.
Optics: The optics of AWiFS camera consists of two optical heads (two lens assemblies) for each
of the four spectral bands to cover the full swath. Each lens assembly comprises a Thermal Filter,
interference Filter, and 8 lens elements. In view of the required geometric/radiometric
performance, f/5 system is employed for both VNIR and SWIR bands. All the lens elements have
spherical surface profiles. The optics for the same is being developed at LEOS.
Detectors: For the 3 VNIR bands, 6000 elements devices (CCD191A) with a pixel size of 10 µX7
µ on a pixel pitch of 10 µ with two video output ports is used. For the SWIR band, a 6000 element
staggered array device with a pixel size of 13 µ X 13 µ on a pixel pitch of 13 µ and line pitch of 26
µ with two video output ports is used.
Detector Head Assembly for VNIR: DHA houses linear array CCD-detector, PCB, onboard
calibration assembly and mechanical mount. AWiFS-A & B will have three VNIR band DHAs.
Detector: For the 3 VNIR bands, 6000 elements devices (CCD 191A) with a pixel size of 10 µX7 µ
is used.
Onboard Calibration Assembly: Calibration assembly consists of LED wired on PCB and
mounted on LED holders. Four LEDs connected in series mounted on LED-holder. Two such
holders one on each side of CCD are mounted on DHA plate/flange. All LEDs are connected in
series. A DC current of 16±1 mA is passing through LEDs. Calibration levels are generated using
exposure control feature of the CCD.
Mechanical Mount: The PCB is mounted on the mechanical mount made from lnvar and back
cover of aluminium. The calibration LED assembly is also mounted on the same mount.
Detector Head Assembly for SWIR: The detectors used for SWIR channels in RS-1/2 are of type
TH31906. This detector uses modular approach. Each module contains 600 photodiodes
arranged in staggered fashion and CMOS multiplexers on either side of the array for even and odd
pixels readout. A total of 10 such modules are butted together to form a linear array of 6000
pixels. Two consecutive pixels are lost at each splice due to butting. Photosensitive area of each
pixelis13µmX13µm with 13µm pitch along the length of the array. The odd and even lines of the
staggered configuration are separated by 26µm. the photodiodes and CMOS MUX are glued on a
2mm thick co-fired ceramic plate. Electrical interconnections are provided by either gold coated
tracks or wires.

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The photodiodes in TH31906 are operated under near zero bias condition. This is ensured by
placing a suitable resistance between VREF and ADJREF pins.
In order to avoid reflections from the focal plane which manifests itself as ghost image after re-
reflection from interference filter which is part of camera optics, most of the focal plane is masked
and 1mm wide and 83mm long slit which is 1mm above the surface of photodiode die exposes
photodiodes to the incident radiation. But reflections from the edges of this slit cause some extra
illumination in few of the pixels. In order to avoid this, two external slits of appropriate
dimensions are placed near optics exit so that the edges of the slit on mask are properly
shadowed.
Camera Electronics: Each camera and detector have independent camera electronics to cater to
various functional and performance requirements. AWiFS-A accommodates hardware for
Detector 1 of all bands and similarly AWiFS-B covers hardware for Detector 2 of all bands. In RS-
2, all four bands use Multi Linear Gain (MLG) technique to provide 12 bit performance retaining
10 bit hardware interface. RS-2 camera electronics (CE) hardware is realized using passive SMDs,
FPGAs, double sided or multi-layered PCBs and tray packaging. This has resulted in
improvements with respect to size, weight and power. Similar approach has been adopted for
SWIR electronics.
VNIR: Camera electronics is custom designed for Resourcesat-2 AWiFS camera. The system is
configured to meet the functional and performance requirements with minimum hardware
complexity. The salient features of AWiFS (VNIR) camera electronics are
 Separate camera electronics for each detector
 Separate detector-drive electronics for each detector
 Separate timing logic for each detector without redundancy(like in Resoucesat-1)
 Cross coupling of BRC and WLS
 Hot redundancy for data and telemetry
The electronic system design of Resourcesat-2 maximally uses the subsystems and circuit
blocks designed and developed for Resourcesat-1, thereby improving reliability. Camera
electronics is modular for each detector. The functional blocks of camera electronics consists of
 Bias generator
 Clock driver
 Cal LED Driver
 Video Processing Electronics
 Timing and Calibration Logic
 Telemetry and Telecommand Interface
Bias generator: Bias generator circuit consist of linear regulators and capacitor multiplier filters,
which provides 4 regulated low noise bias voltages for detector operation. The circuit also
incorporates short circuit protection for VDD. The circuit configuration is same as that used in
OCM.

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Clock Drivers: Detector electronics receives 9 clocks from payload electronics package for its
operation in phased read out mode. Clock driver translate these TTL signals to MOS level with
adequate capability to drive capacitive loads for realizing fast rise/fall times. The high level
required by photo gate, transfer and reset clocks are typically 15 V and 10 V for transport and
integration control clocks. Accordingly, two linear regulators are used to generate low noise
supply voltages required for 15 V and 10 V.
CAL LED Driver: Calibration requires a light source in front of the CCD. IRS payloads uses solid-
state LED based source. To drive LEDs a low noise constant current is generated. A regulator ie
wired with LEDs in the feedback loop. The output gain resistors and the current deciding resistor
at the inverting input of the error amplifier control the required current.

3.6.5.4 Automatic Identification of Ship (AIS)

3.6.5.4.1 Introduction:
COMDEV AIS Payload was flown in Resourcesat-2 as an experimental payload for ship
surveillance in VHF band to derive the position, speed, start point and end point of ships. The VHF
antenna which is going to be provided by CMG, ISAC consists of four orthogonally polarized
monopole antennas (one is left hand circular polarized and another right hand circular
polarized), placed at the edges of EP-01 panel , receive data from ships which may have
horizontal or vertical movement because of sea tides. The data received from ships is stored in
the onboard memory (4 GB) and it is transmitted through QPSK modulated S-Band carrier (2280
MHz) to ISTRAC and Canadian stations. The S-Band transmitter and Antenna will be supplied by
ISRO. VHF data (160-162 MHz) is uplinked to AIS payload at 2.5 Mbps and stored in onboard
memory of 4 GB which can simultaneously record and playback the data. AIS receiver will
transmit data to S-Band transmitter on TTL interface without differential encoding with QPSK
modulation. With QPSK, download data will be 16 Mbps data rate.
The AIS is a shipboard broadcast system. The AIS will improve security by increasing the
Coast Guard’s awareness of vessels in the maritime domain, especially vessels approaching ports.
The AIS corroborates and provides identification and position of vessels not always possible
through voice radio communication or radar alone.
The payload developed by COMDEV was flown onboard NTS-1 satellite Launched by PSLV
C9 in April 2008. NTS-1 is a dedicated VHF Radio (160-162 MHz range) for the collection and
monitoring AIS signals from space.
Ships can be identified anywhere in the Oceans/seas by receiving AIS signals.
Unidentified ships, which can pose threat to security, can be figured out by spotting all the ships
through radar network and isolating the unidentifiable ships near coastal zones.
AIS antennae Operate in the VHF maritime band (160 -162 MHz) standardized digital
communication protocols. Each station transmits and receives over two radio channels to avoid
interference problems. Transmissions use 9.6 Kb GMSK/FM modulation. Uses Self-Organizing

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Time Division Multiple Access (SOTDMA) technology to meet this high broadcast rate and ensure
reliable ship-to-ship operation. Each station determines its own transmission schedule (slot),
based upon data link traffic history and knowledge of future actions by other stations.
 The data received from satellite is processed offline at Bangalore and Canada.
 COMDEV agreed to provide ships data, processed at Bangalore and Canada, for Indian
region and Indian ships data throughout the world to ISRO.
3.6.5.4.2 Payload Description
The AIS payload is designed to perform AIS signal receive, store and forward functions covering
the two AIS frequencies of 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz. The payload is comprised of
 Two AIS Receive antennas, circular polarization (one left handed, one right handed).
 Two RF cables between the AIS antennas and the AIS Receiver.
 An AIS Receiver provided by COMDEV that provides the power conditioning, RF front
end, digital control, data storage, data conditioning and data transmission to the S-
Band downlink
 ISRO’s cables to carry the AIS data signal from the AIS Receiver to the S Band
Transmitter.
 An S Band Transmitter provided by ISRO, 16 Mbps QPSK (the transmitter will receive
two signals at 8Mbps each, used as I and Q signals for the modulation).
 An S Band Antenna provided by ISRO

3.7 Resourcesat-2A
3.7.1 Introduction
Resourcesat-2A (RS-2A) mission is a continuity mission of Resourcesat series (RS-1, RS-
2) to provide continuity of operational services of AWiFS, LISS-3 and LISS-4 payloads. Primarily
the spacecraft configuration of RS-2A is similar to RS-2 with few incremental changes in some of
the systems to take care of the in-orbit observations of RS-2 and improve the overall mission
operations management.
The payload system comprises of three optical remote sensing cameras, viz., LISS-4, LISS-
3 and AWiFS. LISS-4 provides 5.8m resolution in three bands with 70 km swath, LISS-3 provides
23.5m resolution in four bands with 140 km swath and AWiFS camera provides with a spatial
resolution of 56m in four bands with 740 km swath.
A new payload Solid state C Band Transponder (SCBT) is added in Resourcesat-2A to aid
the calibration of C-Band Radars at SDSC, SHAR. HIP (Hosted Indian Payload) payload from
COMDEV, Canada flown in Resourcesat-2 is not planned in Resourcesat-2A.
Resourcesat-2A will cater to several applications in the areas of natural resources
monitoring and management like
 Discrimination of multiple crops and their condition assessment

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 Precision farming and sampler for crop yield estimation

 Discrimination of forest types & forest inventory monitoring
 Surface soil wetness zonation
 Regional land use/ land cover mapping
 Snow-cloud discrimination & Glacier inventory
 Flood and drought monitoring, damage assessment and mitigation management
 Coastal zone mapping

3.7.2 Mission Objectives:

Following are the main objectives of the Resourcesat-2A mission
 To provide continuity of on-going services of Resourecesat-2 and ensure in-orbit
redundancy of the satellite.
 Increased frequency of observations in tandem with Resourcesat-2.
 To explore new application areas in Land and Water Resources monitoring &
management.

3.7.3 Orbit Parameters

Value
Parameter
Orbits/ Cycle 341
Repetivity (LISS-3) 24 days
Revisit(LISS-4 & AWiFS) 5 days
Altitude 817 km
Semi Major Axis (Mean) 7195.11 km
Inclination (With Bias) 98.719 deg
Inclination Bias 0.02 deg
Period 101.35 minute
Distance between Adjacent Traces 117.5 km
Distance between Successive Tracks 2828 km
Ground Track Velocity 6.65 km/sec
LISS-4 Coverage with Steering of + 26 deg. +398 km
Deployed configuration of Resourcesat-2A is shown in figure 3-34, stowed configuration of
Resourcesat-2A is shown in figure 3-35.

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Figure 3-34 Deployed configuration of Resourcesat-2A

Figure 3-35 Stowed configuration of Resourcesat-2A

3.7.4 New Features/ Improvements w r to Resourcesat-2

• Reuse of the uplink & Downlink (TTC) frequencies for Resourcesat-2 and Resourcesat-2A by
phasing. Resourcesat-2A is phased with Resourcesat-2 to get better revisit (12 days for LISS-
3 and about 2-3 days for L4 MX, AWiFS )
• Moon-imaging based radiometric calibration has a number of advantages over other existing
methods of vicarious calibration because, the reflectance properties of moon surface do not

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change over a large time period (years), hence making it a stable source, also there are no
disturbances related to atmosphere. In addition to LED based calibration added Moon
Calibration for radiometric calibration of LISS-3 & AWiFS using moon-imaging to improve the
radiometric calibration of detector. Moon Imaging is planned once in six months for AWiFS
and LISS-3.
• Due to change in AWiFS SWIR CCD, Multi Linear Gain (MLG) Scheme is removed for SWIR
Band. AWiFS SWIR band 14 bit data (without MLG) will be formatted by BDH (discarding 2
LSB data).
• Out-of-Plane & In-Plane maneuver sequencer (Rotation Operation & Yaw Steering Operation
Enable / Disable), operation made automated to take care of automatic orbit maneuver with
reduction in ground commands.
• Auto-heater, Contingency heater configuration modified to avoid single point failure by
grouping appropriately.
• Limitation of sending real time (RT) command when Telecommand Processor (TCP) is
executing the sequence of command. This limitation is overcome by the modification in the
processor card.
• The AWiFS A & B payload requires the overlap requirement of 150±20 pixels. To achieve the
overlap, PPL Deck Payload Interface inserts potting process modification to achieve better
positional accuracy.
• Event Based Commanding provision for unforeseen observation and onboard correction.
This feature will monitor the parameters and based on the event occurrence, initiate the
necessary action without ground intervention.
• DPCM bypass mode with RICE compression for LISS-4 and LISS-3 Payload implemented at
Data Handling System.
• Playback with Segment Erase and append data into a single file features are added in SSR to
improve payload operational efficiency.
• Thrust on Mission mode of operation during the spacecraft level testing by participation of
ISTRAC, Mission and NRSC.
• Operational constraints of PSM rotation Disable, SADA rotation enable, SSR Stop commands
addressed and included in Payload macros at appropriate place.
• Macro based payload sequencer instead of fixed sequencer to provide flexibility for Mission
operations to meet the following requirements
• NRSA Data Center (NDC) Requirement
• AWiFS SWIR requirement
• Independent Payload operation
• Flexibility Provision
• Future requirement

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3.7.5 Resourcesat-2A Payloads

3.7.5.1 Linear Imaging Self-Scanning Sensor (LISS-4)
3.7.5.1.1 Changes/Improvement with respect to Resourcesat-2
 Presence of streaks in the images of LISS-4 of RS-2
• An add-on card is incorporated to prevent blooming in LISS-4 DHA by changing PHI-A
and PHI-P clock levels.
• After incorporating, the subsystem was tested at qualification level and simulated.
• The approved changes have been implemented in all FM DHAs.
 Inclusion of DPCM Bypass Mode (10 bit data to BDH)
• RS-2 LISS-4 also had the provision for DPCM bypass at payload level; but was not
available on board.
• LISS-4 P/L has 10 bit data interface with BDH. Data is not DPCM encoded. At BDH this
data undergoes lossless compression before transmission.
• Mode is Telecommand selectable.
• Implementation of this mode requires new design at BDH; one additional TC and one TM;
additional on board harness in AIT.
 Optical Telescope Assembly
• Modification of MFD’s due to change in mirror thickness
• Modification of stray light cover for better WFE performance of camera.
 DHA
• Usage of cover to close the gap between DHAs & hub of LISS-4 using long washer screws
to prevent contaminations.
• Addition of screw in LISS-4 DHA assembly near 3W3 video connector (3 DHAs).
• Usage of pit in PCB mount of DHA of LISS-4 to accommodate spiral joint of heater wires
(3 DHAs).
• Usage of the black paint inside LISS-4 DHA hub to reduce stray light.
• Usage of special connectors (2 pieces) for band-2 DHA of LISS-4 near base plate for ease
of temp sensors.
 Moon Calibration provision for the spatial characterization of LISS-4 sensor.

3.7.5.2 Linear Imaging Self-scanning Sensor (LISS-3*)

3.7.5.2.1 Changes/Improvement with respect to Resourcesat-2
The following is the list of changes carried out in various subsystems with respect to
Resourcesat-2 and all changes have been approved by CMRB-II.
Camera Electronics

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 Modification of FPGA logic to accommodate 101 dummy pixels instead of 100 dummy
pixels for SWIR.
 Implementation of DPCM Enable I Disable tele command.
 Increase in operating calibration LED current from 0.9 mA & 1.1 mA to 1.1 mA & 1.3 mA
respectively for SWIR.
 Implementation of two capacitors in series for BCD card of VNIR.
 Continuous 168 hours burn-in of new T & E ed logic card of PLE-22 of LISS-3* {VNIR) as
per T & E Board's recommendation.
Optics
 Implementation of a tilt of 1° (about pitch axis) in the interference filter within lens
assembly for each bands.
 Placement of an aperture plate at the rear end of lens assembly for VNIR bands, thereby
allowing a field angle of ±1° in the along track direction.
DHA
 Placement of an aperture slit near to the focal plane over VNIR 6K CCD window for
blocking unwanted reflecting metallic zones on either side of photosensitive area.
 Addition of mounting screw near to the detector for VNIR bands (B2, B3 & B4).
Mechanical
 Addition of button at both long ends of CCD on Device mount of DHA card of LISS-3
(VNIR).
Moon Calibration provision for radiometric calibration of LISS-3 and AWiFS using moon-
imaging.

3.7.5.3 Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS)

3.7.5.3.1 Changes/Improvement with respect to Resourcesat-2
 Presence of secondary reflections in the images of AWiFS of RS-2
This happens due to internal reflections. This is overcome by tilting the interference filter
by 1 degree (Implemented in Lens assembly) and placing of field stop near the detector
(Implemented in DHA). Further an aperture plate is introduced at the rear end of VNIR
lens assemblies for controlling background/stray light. This was experimentally
validated.
 Camera Electronics
1. Redesign of FPGA logic of VPL card of AWiFS (VNIR) CE to overcome usage of extra
dummy card (6 packages).
2. Usage of two RM1206 style resistors in parallel in place of one RM1206 style in BCD card
(6 packages)

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3. Usage of two polarized capacitors in series in place of single capacitor in all bias & clk
driver card AWiFS (VNIR) CE (6 packages)
List of changes for AWiFS SWIR chain
Optics
• Implementation of a tilt of 1° (about pitch axis) in the interference filter within lens
assembly for each bands.
• Placement of an aperture plate at the rear end of lens assembly, thereby allowing a field
angle of ±1° in the along track direction.
DHA
• New 6000×8 pixels SWIR Detector is used instead of 6000×1 SWIR Detector.
• Pixels are true linear instead of staggered configuration of RS-2.
• DHA consists of DPE card and Detector connected by link wires instead of soldered
detector on DHA PCBs in RS-2.
• Detector output is in the form of 14 bit serial digital data instead of analog output in RS-
2 detectors.
• 25 pin D-Type connector will be used for heater, thermistor interface instead of 15-pin
D-Type in RS-2.
Electronics
• Completely New Design except temperature controller.

3.7.5.4 Solid State C-Band Transponder (SCBT)

3.7.5.4.1 Introduction
Tracking is one of the most important mission requirements of any launch vehicle for
range safety decision making during the initial phase of ascend and also to locate the position of
the launch vehicle during flight. C Band Radars at SHAR in conjunction with C Band Transponders
(CBT) onboard the launch vehicle provides the real time trajectory data for range safety decision
making.
Tracking is part of range safety and hence range accuracy is very important. To achieve
the intended specifications of the Radar, calibration is regularly carried out. This is to eliminate
the bias and dynamic errors of SHAR Ground Radars. Usually bore sight calibration is employed,
which is a static calibration technique. Radar calibration based on satellites is more precise. The
calibration is carried out when the satellite is visible over SHAR horizon. The visibility period is

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approximately 20 minutes.
ISRO has already implemented satellite calibration methods by sending C Band
transponders onboard IRS P3, P5 and SARAL. This technique could achieve accuracy close to the
specifications. Magnetron based Mini CBTs were flown in IRSP3 & IRSP5. These transponders
successfully completed the life time after providing the intended functions. Solid state CBT, flown

Figure 3-36 Block Diagram of SCBT

in SARAL spacecraft is still providing continuous support to SHAR for calibration activities.
Further requirement has come from SHAR for another Transponder to be operationalized in
satellite.
3.7.5.4.2 System Description
The SCBT consists of receiver, transmitter and interface circuits. The receiver accepts the
interrogating signal from the radar and generates the detected pulse, on pulse-to-pulse basis,
which is then delayed, processed and retransmitted at a different frequency.
The RF input from the antenna is fed to the C-Band circulator. The circulator is used to
couple the transponder to the same antenna, which transmits and receives signal to and from
ground tracking radars. The circulator also provides sufficient isolation between the transmitter
and receiver and protects the receiver from the transmitter high power.
The received pulse modulated RF signal from the radar, after band limiting is down
converted by the mixer to a level suitable for driving the IF logarithmic amplifier. The log
amplifier detects the RF signal and produces a pulse, whose amplitude is proportional to the
input RF signal level. This pulse is then applied to a threshold detector, which produces a TTL

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compatible output above the set threshold.

The output of the threshold detector is fed to base band signal processing circuit.
The FPGA based base band signal processing circuit generates gate pulse for FET gate
bias circuit and provides the internal delay and the inhibition to the Transmitter. PRF
monitoring circuit, which is a frequency counter implemented in FPGA is also included along with
base band processing, which is transmitted as telemetry data. The encode pulse and the latch
required for signal strength monitoring is provided by this circuit.
The function of the Signal Strength Monitoring circuit is to monitor the strength of the
received signal and transmit it as telemetry data. The pulsed signal strength measurement
technique is a unique method to measure pulsed signal strength in which, the signal is first
sampled and digitally processed. It is then stored and converted to analog form and telemetered.
Radar Calibration is carried out regularly before each launch to eliminate the bias
and dynamic errors of SHAR Ground Radars. Tracking is done when the satellite is
visible over the SHAR horizon. The tracking data is then processed offline to obtain the bias
values for aiding calibration. Period of operation is approx 15 min during each switch ON. There
is no predetermined time for switching ‘ON'. It can be switched ‘ON’ as and when required.
3.7.5.4.3 SCBT Specifications
Receiver
Type of Receiver Super heterodyne
Centre frequency 5660MHz ± 2MHz
Sensitivity (stable output without -70dBm min
missing pulse)
Dynamic Range (input signal level) 0dBm to -70dBm
IF Bandwidth (3dB) 9MHz ± 2MHz
Image Rejection 60dB (min)
Pulse width 1µS ± 0.1µS
Spurious rejection for frequencies 60dB min
b/w 10 MHz to 10GHz (except for
the range of f0 ± 300MHz)
PRF (Pulse repetition frequency)
1R 585.5Hz
2R 1171Hz
3R 1756Hz
Maximum input signal 0dBm
Input impedance 50Ω
Transmitter
Frequency 5510MHz/5790MHz (preset)
Frequency Settability ± 2 MHz

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Frequency Stability ± 2 MHz under all operating conditions

Power (peak) 120 Watts (min)
Pulse width 1 ± 0.1µS
Pulse Rise time (10% to 90%) ≤200nS
Pulse Fall Time (90% to 10%) ≤100nS
Output Impedance 50 Ω
Transmitter Spectrum Side lobe should be min. 10dB down
from the main lobe
Transponder
Transponder delay 5 to 35µS in steps of 5µS, 64µS max
(preset)
System Delay Variation 100ns maximum,
0dBm to -65dBm
Transponder inhibition time 225µs ± 5µs (preset)
Power 28 ± 1V DC
0.5A(max) (operating current)
2.5A(max) (surge current)
UT 310 ± 30mA
0.5R 330 ± 30mA
1R 350 ± 30mA
1.5R 370 ± 30mA
2R 390 ± 30mA
3R 430 ± 30mA
Telemetry Output
PRF monitoring (1R, 2R, 3R) 0V to 5 Volts; 3 discrete levels to
Distinguish 1R, 2R, 3R
0.5R 0.5 ± 0.1V
1R 1 ± 0.2V
1.5R 1.5 ± 0.2V
2R 2 ± 0.2V
3R 3 ± 0.2V
Signal strength monitoring 0 to 5 Volts
(-30 to -65dBm)
Mechanical
Size 214mm x 174mm x 56mm
Weight 2 kg
Material Aluminium B51SWP
Mounting holes 5.5mm dia, 6 No.s of through holes
Finish All inner surfaces, mating surfaces with top deck,

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connector mounting surfaces and bottom surface is

gold plated. All other surfaces are anodised
black. No hermeticity.

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4. Ocean and Atmospheric Observation Series

4.1 IRS-P4 (Oceansat-1)
4.1.1 Introduction
The oceans occupying more than two-third surface area of Earth, have great influence on
the global climate, affecting the economy and day-to-day life of people. As the measurement of
the oceanic parameters by conventional methods using ships, buoys and other in-situ methods is
difficult and expensive, remote sensing method which give frequent, accurate updates and
economical is preferred.
IRS-P4 in the series of Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) was designed to serve the
applications in the area of oceanography. Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) and Multi-frequency
Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR) were the two payloads. The OCM operated in the
visible and near infra-red bands and MSMR in Microwave bands. Both the payloads are
configured to serve the application areas related to oceanography. Accordingly the satellite is
called Oceansat-1.
These instruments were used to sense such important geophysical parameters as,
chlorophyll content, yellow substance and suspended sediments in ocean waters; sea surface
temperature, sea surface winds, water vapour in an atmospheric column, identifying the
potential fishing zones, coastal zone management, ship routing, operations of offshore oil rigs and
water content in clouds.
The 720 km altitude orbit was selected to achieve systematic coverage of the whole globe
in two days considering the swaths of 1400 km. The satellite mainframe derives its heritage from
the earlier IRS mission. The data from both the payloads were received and processed by National
Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) at Hyderabad.

4.1.2 Mission Objective

Mission objective of IRS-P4 are as follows
 To gather data for oceanograpics, land (vegetation dynamics) and atmospheric
applications.
 To develop new application areas, using IRS-P4 data as complimentary / supplimentary
to the data from already operating remote sensing satellites.
 To provide opportunity for conducting technological / scientific experiments that are of
relevance for future developments.

4.1.3 Orbit Details

Table 4-1 Orbit details of IRS-P4
Parameters Values
Orbit Polar Sun-synchronous

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Altitude (km) 720

Inclination (Deg) 98.27°
Equatorial Crossing Time (ECT) 12.00 noon (descending node)
Orbital period (Min) 99.31
Distance between adjacent orbital traces (km) 1382
Distance between successive ground traces (km) 2764
Repetivity 2 days (29 orbits)

4.1.4 Salient features of Spacecraft

Table 4-2 Salient features of IRS-P4
Subsystem IRS-P4
Aluminum / aluminum honey comb with CFRP elements for
Structure MSMR payload structures
Thermal Passive/ semi active thermal control with paints, MLI blankets,
Thermal control OSR and close loop temperature control
values All electronics 0-40degC,
Battery 0-10 degC,
OCM 15+2 deg,
MSMR 10-30 degC
Solar panel Solar panel hold down and deployment mechanism
Mechanism Sun pointing through SADA
OCM Hold down and tilt mechanism
MSMR Payload antenna scanning mechanism
Solar panel 9.636 m2, 6 panels 1.1 x 1.46 m2 (Each)
Power BSR (SCA) 800 watts (EOL)
Batteries 2 x 21 AH, 42V, 28 Ni-Cd Cells,
Electronics More efficient power electronics developed. Two raw buses
(28-42V) supplying power to all subsystems. Modular type of
DC-DC converters for payload and data handling
Telecommand PCM/FSK/FM/PM Modulation, Time tag command facility
TTC Conventional systems backed by microprocessor based, both
for main and redundant.
Telemetry ASIC based telemetry system. Storage capacity of 4 orbits,
PCM/PSK/PM modulation
Transponder Uplink frequency 2028.70 MHz
Downlink frequency 2203.20 MHz
Data Data rate 2 X 10.4 MBPS
Handling Transmission frequency: X-band 8350 MHz
Modulation QPSK

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Recording facility: global data for MSMR and 10 minutes

average data anywhere in the orbit for OCM
Specification Pointing accuracy: Pitch : +0.15o Roll: +0.15o Yaw: +0.20o
AOCS Drift rate: 3.6 X 10-4 o/s
Sensors Conical Earth sensor (2), Dual cone earth sensor(1), PYS (2), 4
pi sun sensors(4), Magnetometers(2), IRU
Actuators Magneto torquers(2), Reaction wheels(4), 1 N thrusters (8)
and 11 N thruster (1)
AOCE 1750 architecture based microprocessor system for main and
redundant
Orbit Orbital Accuracy 100-150 m (Autonomous mode using SPS)
Reliability 0.75 at the end of 3 years
goal
Mass 1050 kg

Figure 4-1 Deployed view of IRS-P4

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Figure 4-2 Stowed mode view of IRS-P4

4.1.5 IRS-P4 Payloads

4.1.5.1 OCM Payload
OCM operates in eight spectral bands. The imaging principle of OCM is based on push-broom
technique which is the same as for the Linear
Imaging Self-Scanner (LISS) cameras used in
earlier missions. There is separate refractive optics
for each band. Each band has a linear charge
coupled devices (CCD) array in the focal plane of
the optics as the detector. The detector outputs are
processed by the payload electronics which
provide serial digital data stream of each band to
the data handling system.
Monitoring the colour of the ocean water
leads to the information on the phytoplankton
concentration, suspended sediments and yellow
substance. OCM characteristics like observation
bands and their bandwidths, spatial resolution, etc.
are dictated by these water constituents.
Additionally, the applications of OCM data for land-
based applications, where frequent information is
required on regional scale, are also kept in view
Figure 4-3 OCM Payload while choosing the OCM parameters. The OCM is

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characterized by coarse spatial resolution, eight narrow spectral bands, high radiometric
resolution, large field of view (± 43° providing a swath of 1420 km). Designing OCM for low ocean
surface radiance and wide FOV were some of the challenges in its realization.
While only about 20% of the signal received by the OCM optics in the orbit comprises
ocean radiance, 80% is the contribution from intervening atmosphere. Thus, to extract
information on ocean colour, the contribution from atmosphere needs to be eliminated, and,
therefore, accordingly correction is carried out by using data from band 7 and 8. Ocean radiance
being low, 12 noon has been chosen as the time of equatorial crossing for descending pass to
maximize the signal. This has an associated phenomenon of sun glint entering into the field of
view of OCM, time of which is a function of season and latitude. To get over the problem of sun
glint, a provision to tilt the OCM payload by ± 20° in steps has been provided. Its position can be
fixed according to the latitude of observation and season. Tilt mechanism ensures a glint-free
observation anywhere on the globe.
Table 4-3 IRS-P4 OCM specifications
Parameters Specifications
IGFOV 360m (across track) X 252m (along track)
Swath >1420 km
Repetivity 2 days (29 orbits)
Quantisation 12 bit
Spectral range 402-885 nm
Spectral bandwidth 20 nm (B1-B6)
40 nm (B7, B8)
SNR @ saturation radiance >512
Spectral bands (microns) Spectral Bands Saturation radiance
B1: 402-422, B1: 35.5,
B2: 433-453, B2: 28.5,
B3: 480-500, B3: 22.8,
B4: 500-520, B4: 25.7,
B5: 545-565, B5:22.4 ,
B6: 660-680, B6: 18.1,
B7: 745-785, and B7: 9.0,
B8: 845-885 B8: 17.2
Integration time (ms) 34.75
Detector CCD191A
Number of pixel Total : 6000 Used: 3730
Video readout rate/port 86.6 KHz
Data rate / band 2.08 Mbits
Total data rate generated 16.64 Mbits

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Camera MTF @ Nyquist >0.2

frequency
Size (mm) E-O module 701 (R) x 527 (P) x 420 (Y)
Weight(kg) EO module: 64 and camera: 78

E.O Module: The EO module consists of Imaging lens assembly, EOM Structure, Detector head
assembly, Detector electronics and payload tilt mechanism.
Optical system: It consists of eight spectral bands in visible and near infrared region having
spectral bands between 0.4 um and 0.885 um with 20nm band width for bands B1 to B6 and 40
nm bandwidth for B7 & B8. Each band consists of its own collecting optical system and a linear
array detector (CCD). The optical system consists of 10 refractive lens elements, a thermal filter
in front and interference filter at back end close to the detector. The rear surface of the first lens
is aspherical. A "telecentric" optical system is selected to provide minimum distortion, uniformity
of illumination and good MTF over wide field angle which provides two days repetivity. The
optical system is composed of a divergent component at the front end and a convergent group at
the back end. This configuration gives longer back focal length than effective focal length and the
main ray for each FOV goes out parallel to the optical view. The maximal angle of ray allowed to
reach the focal plane is just 7 deg. This allows placing the band pass filter behind the optical
system just in front of the CCD.
Table 4-4 IRS-P4 OCM Optics specifications
Parameters Values
Equivalent focal length (EFL) (mm) 20.0+ 0.1
F-number 4.3 for B1 & 62
4.5 for B3 to 68
Field of View (degrees) > + 43 (86 deg total)
Clear working distance (mm) >16
Distortion <+0.02%

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Figure 4-4 OCM Lens assembly

Figure 4-5 Optical Ray trace Diagram of OCM

EOM structure: The main structure of EO module is made out of single block of Al. Alloy 6061
material. This material is selected for its matching coefficient of thermal expansion, which helps
in maintaining the separation between the lens focal plane and detector within ±2.0 micron over
a temperature variation of 15± 2°C. Eight DE boxes are mounted on a support structure of four
DE mounting’s which are mounted on the EOM main structure.
Four thermal covers fitted on the EOM will cover the EO module on +ve Yaw, -ve Yaw, +ve pitch
and -ve pitch direction. Thermal cover is black painted on its inside surfaces and covered by
thermal blanket outside. Auto-control heaters are mounted on the inside surface of thermal
cover. Lens side and detector side thermal covers have one cut-out for viewing and wire harness.
A common hood with a slit aperture is placed in front of each row of the lenses. These hoods limit
the Field of View of the lenses to ± 45° along pitch axis and + 2° along the roll axis.

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OCM Electronics: The OCM electronics is modular, takes into account the reliability and
testability, satisfies the mission goal that no single point failure shall lead to non-availability of
two or more bands data. It has separate electronics for each band without any redundancy. But
cross coupling exists between camera electronics and BDH. OCM Electronics consists of Detector
Head, Detector Electronics
Detector Head: A 6000 element 7 x 10 um pixel size linear array CCD (CCD191A same as that
used in IRS-1C/1D LISS-3 VNIR bands) is used as detector. This detector needs four bias voltages
and nine clocks for its operations. The detector electrical interfaces, voltage levels are similar to
IRS-1C except the readout speed. In IRS-1C to meet the high readout rate (866 KHz per port), two
shift registers of the detector are read out simultaneously but in OCM phased readout mode of
CCD operation is implemented like in CCD 143A of IRS-1A. This reduces 8 video processors.
Each lens assembly has different back focal length. Suitable spacers are used to place the Detector
in focal plane. Considering the variation of the focal length with reference to temperature the
most matching material is found to be Aluminium. However CCD is made out of ceramic which
has very low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE). Hence Invar material is chosen for CCD
Holder. Thermal stability among these two dissimilar materials will be achieved by using a dowel
screw at one end and free screw at other end. In addition to these two LED holders are located
on detector head. Each LED holder would accommodate two LEDs.
Detector Electronics: The detector electronics consists of bias generator and clock drivers
located on the Electro Optic Module. The configuration of these circuits are similar to IRS-1C/1D
except for additional drivers for reset clock and integration control, two phased readout and
exposure control.
Calibration: Four LEDs of type HP 1 N6092 are mounted on the detector mount. Their optical
axis is at 71deg from the normal due to the limited space between the detector and the imaging
optics. In view of this large angle, the LEDs illuminate a larger photosensitive area compared to
the imaging mode in the lateral direction of the detector array.

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Table 4-5: Comparison of IRS-P4 OCM and SeaWiFS Parameters

4.1.5.2 Multi-frequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer

It is a day-night-all weather sensor, designed
to measure sea surface temperature, sea
surface wind speed, atmospheric water vapour
and liquid water content in the clouds. Four
microwave frequencies, in both horizontal and
vertical polarizations, have been chosen which
are sensitive to these geophysical parameters.
MSMR has 862 mm x 800 mm off-axis parabola
as the antenna reflector, and a corrugated feed
to receive the emitted radiation from earth and
its atmosphere. The antenna reflector is
rotated at 11.16 rpm to get a circular scan of
1360 km width at the earth’s surface, and 49.7°
constant incidence angle at the beam centre.
The feed meets the requirements of multi-
frequency and multi-polarization operation. It is characterized by high-polarization purity, high-
beam efficiency and low-ohmic losses. The receiver following the feed is a Dicke receiver which
switches its inputs between incoming signal, reference load and cold-sky calibration horns.

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MSMR was fully calibrated on ground for various return losses and receiver parameters. Various
challenges in MSMR design included the stringent alignment stability requirement of 0.01°
during launch and over a wide temperature range, antenna steering mechanism, and feed and a
sensitive receiver.
The MSMR is a dual polarised radiometer system and is designed to estimate and monitor
geophysical parameters related to the land, the ocean and the atmosphere. The frequencies and
polarisation for MSMR have been arrived at by considering the applications like atmospheric
water vapour, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), over oceans, ocean surface winds, cloud liquid
water, snow/ice coverage etc.
Table 4-6:Specifications of IRS-P4 MSMR
Specifications Values
Swath 1360 km
Repetivity 2 days (29 orbits)
Frequencies 6.6GHz(V&H)
10.65 GHz (V & H) 18GHz(V&H)
21 GHz(V&H)
Temperature Better than 1°K

MSMR consists of following systems

• Antenna
• Receiver
• Data acquisition and control system (DACS)
• Analog & Digital telemetry sub-systems(ADTMS)
4.1.5.2.1 MSMR antenna system
The MSMR is configured with a scanning antenna system which consists of an offset parabolic
reflector with a 80 cm diameter collecting aperture and a multifrequency feed assembly. The
antenna reflector is mechanically rotated with a constant angular velocity for scanning the
antenna beam across the satellite trace in order to give the required swath of 1360 km
MSMR antenna consists of following subsystems

• Offset parabolic reflector

• Multifrequency Dual Polarised Feed
o Multifrequency Ortho mode Transducers
o Calibration Horn for 6.6 & 10.65 GHz
o Calibration Horn for 18 & 21 GHz
o Support structure
o Antenna Scan Mechanism (ASM)

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Table 4-7:Specifications of MSMR Antenna

Frequency(GHz) 6.6 10.65 18 21 6.6
Bandwidth(MHz) + 112 + 112 + 160 + 170.5 + 112
Beamwidth 42° ± 0.2° 2.6° ±0.15° 1.6° ± 0-1° 1.4° ± 0.1°
Polarisation V&H V&H V&H V'&H
Cross Pol.(dB) < - 23 < -23 < -23 < - 23
Return loss(dB) <-17 <-17 <-17 <-17
Beam efficiency 90% 90% 90% 90%
Scan offset angle 43.32° 4332° 43.32° 43.32°
Reflector: The offset parabolic reflector is of elliptical shape (862mm x 800 mm) and renders a
projected diameter of 800 mm aperture. The offset reflector is having F/D=1.8 and an offset angle
of 43.32°. This helps in achieving a clear field of view as well as 50° the Earth incidence angle of
the beam. The reflector is having embedded copper mesh on the reflecting surface to enable the
operation at 18 & 21 GHz of the system. The overall RMS variation of surface accuracy is 0.10 mm
over the elliptical size of (8 62.0 X 862.8) the reflecting surface. The reflector is fabricated out of
CFRP sandwich of aluminium-honey comb.
Feed: The feed consists of Horn and Ortho Mode Transducers (OMT). Corrugated horn has been
used because of the pattern symmetry, low cross polarisation and low side lobe levels are
achievable with this type of horn.
Support structure: In MSMR payload antenna, reflector and multifrequency feed are at a
distance of 1667 mm apart. The phase centre of the feed being 337 mm from the aperture of the
feed, the resulting seperation of 1330 mm between the reflector and the feed aperture plane has
been considered in achieving overall 2029 mm length of CFRP support structure. The support
structure supports the view of Scanning Mechanism (ASM) and the reflector at one side and the
feed, front end electronic packages, two number of calibation horns which are interconnected
with each other by plumbing waveguides and RF cables on the other side.
Antenna Scanning Mechanism: The spatial resolutin of MSMR is decided by the foot print of the
antenna beam. Circular scan is adopted for the MSMR because it provides more integration tme
and least torque requirement due to continuous constant angular rotation. In additon to this, due
to non reversal of angular momentum, the scan mechanism will have minimal effect on the
satellite attitude. The scan geometry of constant incident angle of 50 degrees makes the elliptical
footprint with larger axis across the scan direction. The 3 dB foot print in scan direction is decided
by the slant range and the antenna 3 dB beamwidth.

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Figure 4-6 MSMR Scan Path illustration Figure 4-7 Swath generation by MSMR
Frequency Beam Foot Print (km) Cell dimention (After
(GHz) Along Scan Across scan ground processing) km2
6.6 77 119 120 X 120
10.65 47 73 80 X 80
18 30 46 40 X 40
21 25 39 40 X 40
The scan period is fixed in such a way that 10 % overlap is provided for the smallest footprint ie.
21 GHz channel. This corresponds to an angular scan speed of 11.173 RPM ( 5.37 seconds per
rotation). The integration time corresponding to 11.173 RPM for various frequencies are listed
below. The onboard integration time implemented corresponds to half that for 21 GHz channel
which provides smallest foot print. The temperature sensitivity of MSMR depends upon receiver
predetection bandwidth, Integration time, type of receiver, antenna and receiver temperature
and gain measurement accuracy.
Table 4-8 MSMR Integration time
Frequency (GHz) Integration Time (oveall in Integration time
msec) implemented (msec)
6.6 96 18
10.65 60 18
18 36 18
21 32 18

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4.1.5.2.2 MSMR Receiver

MSMR payload has six receiver chains, catering to 21 GHz-V pol, 21 GHz - H pol, 18 GHz- V pol, 18
GHz-H pol, 10.65 GHz and 6.6 Ghz bands. For 6.6 and 10.65 GHZ bands single receiver is used to
collect both polarisations using a polarisation select switch at the input.
Table 4-9 Specifications of MSMR Receiver
Frequency (GHz) 6.6 10.65 18 21
No of channels 1(V/H) 1(V/H) 2(V/H) 2(V/H)
Predetection bandwith (MHz) 100 100 150 150
Noise Figure of receiver (dB) 4 4 4.5 4.5
Dicke clock 1 KHz
Integration Time 18 msec
Input dynamic range 2.7 degK-330 degK
Output signal level 0-10V
Sensitivity ~1degK
Receiver stability 0.01db
The function of radiometer is to measure the noise power incident at the antenna. In MSMR dicke
type configuration is used for the receiver. In dicke type radiomater, a SPDT switch used to
periodically switch the receiver input between the antenna and a constant noise sourse (Tref) at
a switching rate higher than the highest significant spectral component in the gain variation
spectrum.
Local Oscillators (LO): While dielectric Resonators are used for 6.6 GHz and 10.65 MHz
oscillators, Gunn diodes mounted in short circuited half guide wavelength cavity used for 18 GHz
and 21 GHz oscillators. Schottky barrier diode is being used as the device for detection. The diode
is biased and designed arround flat detector configuration to achieve the required banwidth.
Precision baseband processing subsystem (PBPS): This lies between the RF front end and the
quantiser of the DACS (Data Acquisition and control System), forming tail end of receiver. PBPS
has to generate a DC signal demodulation, and converts it to a format suitable to the quantiser.
4.1.5.2.3 Data acquisition and control subsystem
The Data Acquisition and Control Subsystem (DACS) is the tail end of the MSMR payload. DACS
carries out data digitisation, timing sequence generation and control signal generation for the
MSMR payload electronics. The on-board integration time selected is 18 msec. The MSMR data
will be digitised in 12 bits/sample to achieve digitisation accuracy better than 0.1 deg K over the
specified range of antenna temperature. 12 bit data of each radiometer channel is serialised at 8
KHz rate, multiplexed and transferred to on-board baseband data handling system (BDH).
Alongwith serial data, an additional strobe at every 12th bit is also provided to spacecraft BDH.
The six channel MSMR sensor and calibration data are digitised with 12-bit resolution to achieve
the required accuracy for specified range of antenna temperature. Uniform onboard integration

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and sampling intervals of 18 msecs amd 9 msecs. have chosen for all the six channels to reduce
overall MSMR hardware complexity. This avoids signal aliasing and enables further integration
and averaging operations in the ground processor. The table gives the polarisation switching
sequence & sampling interval details for the different MSMR channels. The total DACS data rate
is about 5.6 Kbps.
Frequency Polarization Sampling Interval (msec)
Even cycle Odd cycle Even cycle
21.0 GHz V V 9 g
21.0 GHz H H 9 9
18.0GHz V V 9 9
18.0 GHz H H 9 9
10.65 GHz V H 9 9
6.6 GHz V H 9 9

The MSMR Antenna Scan Mechanism (ASM) provides an anti-clockwise scanning of antenna
footprint on ground. A scan Start pulse which corresponds to the angular position of - 90 Deg
with reference to roll axis in each circular scan cycle, is provided by BDH to DACS. The first half
cycle from the SCAN START in each scan cycle is utilised for sensor data collection and the
remaining period is utilised for calibration sequence and collection of temperature information
from Analog & Digital Telemetry Subsystem (ADTMS).
DACS acquires the multichannel radiometer data and also generates the timing and control
signals required for Precision Base Band Processing Subsystem (PBPS), ADTMS and data transfer
to BDH.
DACS gets analog inputs from PBPS. Differential amplifiers are used in front of DACS input to take
care of ground potential diff. between PBPS and DACS packages.
The timing and sequence generator receives 8 kHz clock and SCAN START from BDH. All timing
windows and clock signals required to acquire the sensor, calibration and data acquisition slot
for ADTMS are generated with reference to the SCAN START.
Specification
Parameter
No. Channels 6
Analog Input 0 to 10
AID Resolution 12 bits
Sampling period 9 msec.
Total Cycle duration 5376 ms
Data words per cycle j 2521
Data rate ~ 5.6 Kbps
Digitizer ± I LSB rms

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The time sequencer generates various timing waveforms with reference to the Scan Start pulse
signal from BDH. In addition to these it generates Dickie switching clock (1 KHz) and sampling
clock (9 ms). All the timing windows are generated with 9 msec resolution and realised using a
programmable synchronous counter chain.
4.1.5.2.4 Analog & Digital telemetry subsystem (ADTMS)
The MSMR payload has several systems, the physical temperatures of which form the part of the
system calibration data. The knowledge of the absolute temperatures of these is necessary in
order to model/calibrate the system functionally. The analog & Digital Telemetry subsystem
(ADTMS) of the MSMR payload is meant for this precision temperature monitoring application.
Temperature is monitored at 51 points to an accuracy of + 0.1 deg. C. Thermisters and platinum
Resistance Devices are used as temperature sensors. The voltages sensed are quantised using a
12 bit ADC. The total ADTMS data stream consists of 64 words of 12 bits each which are
transferred to S/C data handling unit using a synchoronous serial transmission philosophy. This
transfer is carried out in the time slot of MSMR pay!oad at the basic clock frequency of 8 KHz. The
digital interfaces for ADTMS are the basic clock input. ADTMS acquisition slot. 9 ms sampling
clock from DACS and data, strobe and gate lines to the spacecraft.
4.1.5.2.5 Calibration
In MSMR two point internal calibration approach has been utilised by using dedicated horn
antennas viewing the cold space (2.7 deg K) and a black body at a high temperature will be used
for the hot reference. As the circular conical scan method is used in MSMR, the fore half period is
utilised for data collection whereas the aft half period will effectively be utilised for cold and hot
calibration sequences. During the aft half cycle, two sets of internal calibration are envisaged just
before and after data collection cycle.
4.1.5.2.6 MSMR Interfaces
Power interface : There are 10 DC-DC converter along with their 5 filter/regulator modules All
connection with the power packages will be through shielded twisted wire pairs on D-Type
connectors.
Subsystems Power dissipation(W)
Feed front end assembly ( FEFA) 38.5
PBPS 18.75
DACS 7.75
ADTMS 10
Antenna scan mechanism (ASM) 3.5
Power subsystem (All MPC+MPR) 22.5
Total 101
BDH Interface:The DACS and ADTMs have interfaces with BDH. The 12 bit MSMR sensor and
calibration data from DACS is sent in a bit serial format to the BDH system. At every 12th bit a

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strobe is sent. Same way the ADTMS send s 12 bit analogue telemetry (ATM) data in serial format
along with data validating strobe at every 12 th bit.

4.2 Oceansat-2
4.2.1 Introduction
Oceansat-2 spacecraft provides continuation of services of IRS-P4 with enhanced
application areas. Oceansat-2 is a 3-axis stabilized spacecraft basically derived from I-1.5K IRS
bus with proven mainframe systems.
Oceansat-2 carries three payloads - Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM-2), Ku-band
Scatterometer and Radio Occultation Sounder for Atmosphere (ROSA). OCM is a multi-spectral
optical camera, providing ocean colour data with repetivity of two days. It provides a ground
IFOV of 360 m in across track and 246 m in along track directions covering a swath of 1420 km.
The camera can be tilted by ± 20 ° with respect to nadir in the along-track direction.
The Ku band pencil beam scatterometer is an active microwave sensor for measurement
of wind speed and wind direction. It consists of a parabolic dish antenna of 1m diameter that is
continuously rotated at 20.5 rpm using a scan mechanism with the scan axis along the +Yaw axis.
This antenna is arrested during launch and released in orbit for the operations.
The ROSA is a GPS Receiver for atmospheric sounding by radio occultation. The GPS
receiver determines position, velocity and time using GPS signals. Besides, ROSA receives RF
signals from the ‘rising’ GPS satellites near Earth’s horizon through its occultation antenna and
from the excess phase delay and Doppler measurements, atmospheric parameters (Temperature,
humidity, pressure) can be derived.
During operational phase of the spacecraft, Scatterometer and ROSA payloads are
continuously ON and OCM will be switched ON during sun-lit passes over oceans as per user
requirements.

4.2.2 Mission Objective

The mission objectives of Oceansat-2 are
• To design, develop, launch and operate a state of art 3 axis body stabilized satellite
providing ocean based remote sensing services to the user communities
• To develop remote sensing capabilities with respect to Ocean resources
• To establish ground segment to receive and process the payload data.
• To develop related algorithms and data products
• To serve in well-established application areas and also to ensure the mission utility.

4.2.3 Orbit Details

Parameter Value
Type SSPO

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Altitude (km) 720

Inclination (Deg) 98.28
Period (Min) 99.31
Local Time 12.00 Noon + 10 min
Repeat Cycle 2 Days
Distance between adjacent traces 1382 km.
Distance between successive ground track 2764 km
Ground Track Velocity 6.7818 km/s

4.2.4 Salient features of Oceansat-2

Figure 4-8 Stowed configuration of Oceansat-2

Subsystem Oceansat-2
Structure CFRP- Aluminum honeycomb sandwich cylinder with
aluminum honeycomb panels.
Control Temperature control is with passive techniques using
Thermal Paints, multilayer blankets, Optical solar Reflector. Active
thermal elements like heaters.
Limits All electronics packages 0-40degC,
Battery: 5+5 degC,
OCM :15+ 2 o C
Solar Panel Solar panel deployment mechanism and Drive Mechanism
Mechanism OCM OCM Hold down and release & OCM Tilt

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Scatterometer SCAT antenna hold-down & release

Solar Panel Sun tracking, rigid,15.12 m2 6 panels 1.4 x 1.8 m2 (Each),
Power 1360 W at EOL, BSR(SCA)
Battery 2 batteries, 28 to 42V, 28 Cells, Ni-Cd 24 AH
Power Two raw buses (28-42V), PWM TCR, FCL, 10 Strings
Electronics
Telemetry 1024 words/frame, 2250 MHz, storage: 6.29 x 106 Bits
PCM/PSK/PM, 16 Kbps
TTC (BMU) Telecommand PCM/PSK/PM,4Kbps, .2071.875 Mz Time tag command
facility
Data Handling Data rate 42.4515 MHz
Data QPSK Modulated Transmission , Transmitted at 8300 MHz.
Transmission
Spec. Pointing Accuracies: Yaw: + 0.15o Roll: + 0.1o Pitch: + 0.1o
(3 sigma)
Driftrate : <3.0 x 10-4 deg/sec (3 sigma) : Pointing accuracy
AOCS (BMU) 100-150 m
Sensors Earth sensor(1), DSS(2), 4Pi SS(4), Magnetometer (2)
IRU(3 DTG), GPS
Actuators Reaction Wheels, 5 NMS(4 in tetrahedral), Magnetic
Torquers ( 2) , 1N Thrusters(8) 11 N Thruster(4)
Payloads OCM, Scatterometer, ROSA
Reliability goal 0.75 at the end of 5 years
Mass 975 kg

4.2.5 Oceansat-2 Payloads

There are two main payloads in Oceansat-2, namely, an Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) and
Ku-band Pencil beam Scatterometer. In addition, a piggy-back payload called the Radio
Occultation Sounder for the Atmosphere (ROSA) developed by the Italian Space Agency will also
be flown on-board Oceansat-2. While the OCM provides data on the bio-physical properties of
global oceans like Chlorophyll concentration, suspended sediments, algal blooms etc., the
Scatterometer provides data from which the surface Wind velocity (both speed and direction)
over ocean surface will be derived. ROSA is an atmospheric sounder and provides data on
Temperature and Humidity profiles in the troposphere as well as space weather.
A brief description of these payloads and their interfaces with other systems is given in
the following paragraphs.

4.2.5.1 Ocean Color Monitor (OCM)

The Ocean Color Monitor (OCM) is a solid state CCD camera and operates in eight narrow spectral
bands with 360m along-track and 240m across-track ground resolution covering a swath of 1420

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km from 720 km altitude. All the eight bands are in Visible and Near Infrared region having
spectral bands between 0.4µm and 0.885µm. Since the local time of pass for Oceansat-2 is
12noon, provision is made to tilt the Electro-Optics module about the Pitch axis by ±20º with
reference to nadir to avoid the sun glint from sea surface. During launch the EO Module will be
held by hold-down mechanism, which will be released in-orbit using a pyro cutter.

4.2.5.1.1 Specifications of OCM

Parameters Specifications
IGFOV 360m (across track) X 252m (along track)
Swath >1420 km
Repetivity 2 days (29 orbits)
Quantisation 12 bit
Spectral range 402-885 nm
SNR @ saturation radiance >512
Spectral bands (microns) Spectral Bands Saturation radiance
B1: 402-422, B1: 35.5,
B2: 433-453, B2: 28.5,
B3: 480-500, B3: 22.8,
B4: 500-520, B4: 25.7,
B5: 545-565, B5:22.4 ,
B6: 610-630, B6: 18.1,
B7: 725-755, and B7: 9.0,
B8: 845-885 B8: 17.2
Integration time (ms) 34.75
Detector CCD191A

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Number of pixel Total : 6000 Used: 3730

Video readout rate/port 86.6 KHz
Data rate / band 2.08 Mbits
Total data rate generated 16.64 Mbits
Band-to-band registration <+ 0.25 Pixel
Camera MTF @ Nyquist >0.2
frequency
Size (mm) E-O module 701 (R) x 527 (P) x 420 (Y)
Weight(kg) EO module: 64 and camera: 78
Power (Regulated) Imaging mode : 130W
Calibration mode: 132W

The OCM payload consists of the following systems

• Electro-Optics Module (EOM)

• Payload Electronics (PLE)
• Power converters and regulators (OPC / OPR)
4.2.5.1.2 Electro-Optics Module (EOM)
The EO Module consists of imaging lens assemblies, EOM Structure, Detector head assembly;
Detector electronics and payload tilt mechanism
Optical system: It consists of eight spectral bands in visible and near infrared region having
spectral bands between 0.4µm and 0.885µm with 20nm band width for bands B1 to B6 30nm
bandwidth for band B7 and 40nm bandwidth for B8. Each band consists of its own imaging Lens
assembly and a linear array detector (CCD). The optical system consists of 10 refractive lens
elements, a thermal filter in front and interference filter. To cover the wide field-of-view (+ 43º),
the first lens element is realized with parabolic surface. A “tele-centric” optical system is selected
to provide minimum distortion, uniformity of illumination and good MTF over the wide field
angle. The optical system is composed of a divergent component at the front end and a
convergent group at the back end. This configuration gives longer back focal length than effective
focal length and the main ray for each field of view goes out parallel to the optical view The
maximum angle of ray allowed to reach the focal plane is just 7 deg. This allows to place the band
pass filter behind the optical system just in front of the CCD.
Transmission of the lens is improved by providing anti-reflection coating. The band pass function
is achieved by using an interferential filter located after the lenses, at the end of the objectives.
This filter has two substrates, each one having two faces coated.
Optical system specification
Parameter Value
Equivalent focal length (EFL) (mm) 20.0±0.1

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F-number 0.3 for B1 & B2

0.5 for B3 to B8
Field of View ± 43º (86º total)
Clear working distance (mm) >16
Distortion < ±0.02%
MTF(@ 50 lp/mm) > 0.6

EOM Structure: The main structure of EO module is made out of single block of Al. Alloy 6061
material. This material is selected for its matching coefficient of thermal expansion, which helps
in maintaining the separation between the lens focal plane and detector within ± 2.0μ over a
temperature variation of 15 ± 2º C. Four thermal covers fitted on the EOM will cover the EO
module on +ve Yaw, -Ve Yaw, +ve pitch and –ve pitch direction. Thermal cover is black painted
on its inside surfaces and covered by MLI blanket outside. Auto-control heaters are mounted on
the inside surface of thermal cover. Lens side and detector side thermal covers have one cutout
for viewing and wire harness. A common hood with a slit aperture is placed in front of each row
of the lenses. These hoods limit the Field of View of the lenses to ±45º in pitch-yaw plane and
±2º in roll-yaw plane w.r.t the optical axis. The interface for the Tilt mechanism gimbal shaft is
provided on the Pitch axis sides of EOM. The EOM is held-down at an angle of –23º in the launch
configuration.
4.2.5.1.3 OCM Electronics
The OCM electronics is modular and satisfies the mission goal that no single point failure shall
lead to non-availability of two or more bands data. It has separate electronics for each band
without any redundancy. But cross coupling exists between camera electronics and BDH.
OCM Electronics can be functionally divided into following three portions
 Detector Head Assembly
 Detector Electronics
 Video processing Electronics
Detector head assembly: A 6000 element of 7 x 10μm pixel size linear arrays CCD (CCD191A
same as that used in IRS-P4) is used as detector. Out of 6000 active pixels available in the CCD,
3730 central pixels are used for imaging. For the dark current estimation and subtraction from
video data, 150 pixels on either edge of the CCD are used.
Each band lens assembly has different back focal length. Suitable spacers are used to place the
Detector in the focal plane. Considering the variation of the focal length with reference to
temperature the most matching material is found to be aluminum. However CCD is made out of
ceramic, which has very low coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE). Hence Invar material is
chosen for CCD Holder. Thermal stability among these two dissimilar materials will be achieved
by using a dowel screw at one end and free screw at other end. Two LED holders are located on
the detector head. Each LED holder would accommodate two LEDs used for on-board calibration.

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4.2.5.1.4 Calibration
Four LEDs of type HP 1N6092 are mounted on the detector mount. Their optical axis is at 71º
from the normal due to the limited space between the detector and the imaging optics. In view
of this large angle, the LEDs illuminate a larger photosensitive area compared to the imaging
mode in the lateral direction of the detector array. Sixteen distinct calibration levels will be set
using digitally altered exposure time method. The signal range coverage would be about 70% of
the full range. The expected non-uniformity of the illumination using calibration LEDs is better
than ± 50% with respect to the array mean calibration count.

4.2.5.2 Ku-Band Scatterometer

4.2.5.2.1 Introduction
The main objective of the Scatterometer Payload onboard OCEANSAT-2 is to gather the
information about the near surface winds over oceans at a global level. The Scatterometer wind
field measurements form a very important input to the global weather forecasting system.

Figure 4-9 Scatterometer

The near surface wind mostly modulates the capillary waves on the ocean surface whose wave
length is of the order of centimeters. Previous missions carried Scatterometers operating in both
C-band and Ku-band frequencies. The examples of the C-band Scatterometer are ERS-1 & 2, and
the recent Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) onboard METOP satellite. Ku-band missions include
SeaSAT, NSCAT and SeaWinds Scatterometer on QuikScat and ADEOS-II satellites. Looking at the
already established sensitivity of the Ku-Band frequencies to the wind vector and the wide
applications and significant research being carried out using the data from NSCAT and SeaWinds
and the available primary allocation, Ku-band was chosen for the Oceansat-2 mission.

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Characteristics of Scatterometer
Parameter Inner beam Outer beam
Satellite Altitude 720 km
Principal Axis Pointing angle 46o
Frequency 13.515625GHz
Wavelength 0.0221965 m
Wind Speed 4 – 24m/s with accuracy of 10 % or 2 m/s
whichever is higher
Wind direction 0 – 360ºwith accuracy of 20º deg.
Swath (qualified) 1400 km
Polarization HH VV
Basic Sigma naught cell (Center) 26 km x 6.8 km 31 km x 5.8 km
Kp over Basic sigma naught Cell 1.32-3.49 over 5 cells 1.89-3.02 over 5 cells
without error (4 m/s cross wind) around beam centre around beam centre
Kp over Basic sigma naught Cell 0.28-0.3 over 5 cells 0.3-0.33 over 5 cells
without error (24m/s cross wind) around beam centre around beam centre
Slant Range(km) 1208 1031 1208
One Way 3dB Foot Print Az(km) x 26 X 46 31 X 65
El(km)
Along Track Spacing (km) 19.7 19.7
Along Scan Spacing (km) 16.3 21
Across Scan Overlap ( Varies with 28% to 48% 29% to 71%
Azimuth position )
Along Scan Overlap 41% 34%
Cell Center Doppler (Excluding
Earth rotation)
-0.25 Deg Pointing Error (KHz) ± 455.69 ± 510.54
0.00 Deg Pointing Error (KHz) ± 457.86 ± 512.47
+0.25 º Pointing Error (KHz) ± 460.03 ± 514.38
Earth Rotation Doppler (Equator) ± 29KHz ± 31KHz
σ0Parameters (dB)
4m Cross Wind (Qualified) -31.3 -29.8
24m Up Wind (Qualified) -10.9 -12.4
Antenna Specifications
Antenna Diameter 1m
Angular Separation of Feeds 6.76º
Peak Gain 39.5dBi
Beam width (Al. Scan. X Ac. Scan) 1.47º x 1.67º
Transmitter Specifications

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Transmit Power 100W

Transmit Duty Cycle 27%
Transmit PRF for system( Nominal ) 193Hz
Transmit PulseWidth 1.35ms
Transmit Modulation LFM
Transmit Chirp Bandwidth 400KHz
Receiver Specifications Single Channel Output on IF of 15.625MHz
Receiver Type 15.625MHz ±800KHz
O/P Bandwidth 45dB to 109dB
Gain control (controlled by 6-bit gain
control telecommand)
Receiver Pathloss (dB) 3
Noise figure (dB) 3
Input Noise Power -109dBm over 1600KHz bandwidth
Receiver output 500m V p-p across 50 Ω resistance

Power(dBm) Spread Over Signal Signal+Noise Signal Signal+Noise

400KHz Chirp bandwidth
4m Cross Wind (qualified ) -141.17 -115.18 -140.77 -115.18
24m Up Wind (qualified) -120.82 -114.51 -123.25 -114.51
Receive Window 2.097ms (4096 sample points)
Window Start time 6.73ms 7.80ms
PRF 193Hz (nominal)
Quantization 8 bits I + 8 bits Q (including sign bit)
Sampling Frequency 1.953125MHz
Noise Bandwidth 1245KHz
Processing Bandwidth 305KHz ( 94KHz Foot print 305 KHz ( 153KHz Foot
bandwidth with ±0.25 error print bandwidth with ±0.25
in pointing, 58KHz earth error in pointing, 62KHz
Doppler and remaining is the earth Doppler and
margin ) remaining is the margin )
Measurement bandwidth 9.54KHz (nominal)
Output Processed Data rate 330Kbps (nominal mode)
(only)
Output Raw Data rate (only) 13.6Mbps
Elevation pointing (Inclusive +/- 0.25º
of attitude error)

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4.2.5.2.2 Antenna Sub-System:

The 1 mtr dia antenna reflector is a prime focal parabolic dish with a focal length of 0.4 meter.
The vertex of the dish is offset from the mounting interface by 180 mm (approx.). The reflector
dish is fixed at a tilt of 460 about the + yaw axis in the yaw-wave-guide plane. In the launch
condition, the reflector assembly is rotated by 300 clockwise, about the yaw axis (when viewed
from the positive yaw axis). Three CFRP tubes (called Spars) support the feed horns of the
antenna. The wave-guide is to be routed along one of the three Feed Support tubes. Two feed
horns are used for generating the two beams (Outer & Inner) with different polarizations at
specified look angles. The Antenna is attached to the Scatterometer scan mechanism to
mechanically spin the parabolic reflector along with the feeds around scan axis coinciding with
the +ve yaw axis of the satellite. The rear side of the antenna is white painted and the feed
assembly is covered with MLI blanket as per the Thermal design. Major specifications of the
Antenna reflector are given below.

Figure 4-10 Scatterometer Swath coverage

Specifications of Scatterometer antenna reflector
Parameter Value
Diameter of dish 1000mm
Outer diameter of dish 1014mm (max. permitted)
Focal length 400mm
Shape Axis-symmetric paraboloid
Angle of tilt (With respect to spin axis) 46.0 + 0.010

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RMS error 0.1mm

Mass <10 kg
No. of feed support tubes (FST) 3
Diameter of FST 20mm (max. permitted)
Feed bracket mass 0.4 kg
Feed adjustment (along reflector axis) + 10mm

4.2.5.2.3 Dual Channel Wave guide Rotary Joint

Space qualified dual channel microwave rotary joint for Ku-band has been developed in-house
for pencil beam scanning Scatterometer payload onboard Oceansat-2 after performing electrical,
mechanical, thermal and environmental qualifications. IISU has been responsible for fabrication
assembly and qualification of bearing assembly for the rotary joint. The conical scanning is
effected by mechanically rotating the Scatterometer antenna about the yaw axis at 20.5 rpm using
a scan mechanism. The two feeds of the reflector antenna for Scatterometer payload are fed with
microwave signal through the dual channel rotary joint. The stationary part of the joint is
mounted to the satellite deck through waveguide plumbing. The specifications of the Rotary joint
are given below.
Specifications for the Dual Channel Rotary Joint
Parameter Value
Frequency 13.515625GHz
Bandwidth ± 25MHz
Return Loss (max) Ch1: >19dB
Ch2: >19dB
Insertion loss (max) Ch1: 0.35dB
Ch2: 0.35dB
Isolation 40dB
Insertion loss – variation within a single scan Ch1: ± 0.05dB
Ch2 : ±0.05dB
Peak power Peak 140W, 34%DC
EMI/EMC Results 67 dB μVolt/m
Test type – RE102 MIL-STD 461 E
4.2.5.2.4 Scatterometer Scan Mechanism (SSM)
The Scatterometer Scan Mechanism is used to rotate the Antenna reflector along with its Feeds
and waveguide assembly and Rotary joint at a constant rate of 20.5rpm. It consists of a brushless
DC motor and its Drive Electronics.
The functional requirements of Scatterometer Scan Mechanism are

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 To provide necessary mechanical interface and rotate antenna, feed system, which
weighs 10 kg, at 20.5 rpm about the precision axis of rotation with scan stability of
0.1%.
 Provide necessary mechanical interface for microwave rotary joint stator & rotor part
 To accommodate the rotary joint stator part.
 Provide accurate scanning position information with accuracy of 0.01º on interrogation
at PRF
 Provide mechanical interface to payload deck.
 Define scatterometer relative orientation and position w. r. to payload reference
frame/bus reference frame.
 Precise static and dynamic balancing of rotating parts.
 Provide redundancy in drive motor, angular sensor and control electronics.
The SSM consists of a precision bearing unit with static reservoir, brushless DC outer rotating
drive motor assembly, optical encoder assembly, cube assembly (both in stator part and rotor
part) for optical alignment, housing, motor rotor housing, hollow central shaft and balancing
arms.
Bearing Unit Assembly: The mechanism is outer rotating one. SSM consists of precision bearing
unit assembly, which includes static central shaft that locates inner race of face to face mounted
two pairs of duplex angular contact ball bearings. Outer races are axially supported by a single
housing. Static reservoirs using nylasint are provided at both bearing pairs. This forms the
bearing unit assembly. The criticality is the designing and achieving of labyrinth seal so as to
avoid lubricant leakage as well as sufficient clearance between stator and rotor.
Encoder Assembly: Custom built 17 bit absolute optical encoder is used as angle sensor. It
consists of three parts such as encoder rotor, encoder stator, and electronics on stator part.
Configuration design ensures proper axial gap between stator and rotor disk of encoder.
The C.G. offset and cross inertia of Scatterometer rotor has to be balanced for static and dynamic
balancing. Balancing provisions are provided in rotating parts in two balancing planes
sufficiently apart. Locations are identified in other two orthogonal directions for minor cross
inertia unbalance correction. Static & dynamic balancing of QM SSM with antenna has been done
using 4 component Kistler dynamometer. The residual unbalance and the location of unbalance
w. r. t. scan start are obtained. S/C level drift rate performance analysis has been carried out using
the above values and the results are satisfactory.
Pennzane lubricant oil with its matching grease (Rheolube 2000/ MAPLUB) is used for SSM. To
ensure lubricant availability, the amount of oil that will be lost by evaporation over the mission
life is compared to the oil quantity available in the bearings. The rate of lubricant mass loss per
unit surface area of oil is calculated to be 4.0mg/ cm2/year. For 200m radial gap between
stationary shaft and rotating retainer, by providing a labyrinth passage estimated opening is
1cm2 on each side of the bearings. Hence the expected loss from each bearing during the 5 year

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life is only 56mg. Oil retained by each bearing cage is more than 450mg. Hence, factor of safety =
450 / 56 = 8.

4.2.5.3 ROSA (Radio Occultation Sounder for the Atmosphere)

4.2.5.3.1 Introduction
The ROSA Receiver is a GPS Receiver for space borne applications, specifically conceived
for atmospheric sounding by radio occultation, which is able to determine position, velocity and
time using GPS signals.
The ROSA, besides providing real-time navigation data, is able to accurately measure
pseudo ranges and integrated carrier phase (raw data), to be later processed on ground for
scientific purposes.
The ROSA processes the received GPS signals in both the L1 and L2 frequency bands,
allowing compensation of ionospheric delays. A codeless tracking scheme is included, in order to
process the encrypted P(Y) signals transmitted in the L2 frequency band.
The instrument is equipped with one hemispherical-coverage antenna that is mounted
with bore-sight direction equal to the Zenith direction and is used to track the GPS signals for
navigation purpose and for Precise Orbit Determination (POD). In addition, a directive Velocity
antenna is mounted on the Oceansat-2 spacecraft. This antenna is oriented in such a way to be
able to track signal from GPS satellites in Earth occultation (rising).
Sixteen (4 AGGA chips) dual-frequency channels are available in the ROSA Receiver, and
can be freely assigned to any combination of satellites. ROSA is provided with a MIL-STD-1553
communication interface over which telecommand, telemetry and measurement data are
exchanged. The Receiver digital section is based on an ADSP 21020 processor and four AGGA-2a
channels ASIC.
4.2.5.3.2 Main elements of ROSA Payload
Zenith pointing Hemispherical Antenna and LNA: Signals from this antenna can reach
(through the RF/IF section) all the Receiver AGGA-2a HW channels. GPS signals received by this
antenna are used to produce raw data measurements that are post-processed on ground for
Atmospheric Sounding purposes and they are used also to compute the on-board real-time
navigation and time solutions.
Velocity Antenna and LNA: This antenna is used only for Atmospheric Sounding applications
to produce raw data measurements from satellites that are rising behind the Earth horizon. The
Antenna is composed by two linear arrays, each pointing to a semi-plane (Velocity-Left, Velocity-
Right). The RF/IF paths coming from Velocity arrays are connected to all AGGA-2a chips.
RF/IF sections: Five RF/IF sections (one for each antenna path) compose the Receiver front-end
and include filtering and down conversion for the L1 and L2 frequencies. A 10 MHz reference

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OCXO oscillator is used in the frequency synthesizer from which all the Local Oscillators, and also
clocks used internally to the Receiver, are derived.
Digital Section: This section includes the Signal Processing HW(AGGA-2a channels), the CPU
Module that controls via SW all the Receiver functions and the Communication Module that
handles communication with the external Host (On-board Computer or Test Equipment). Four
AGGA-2a chips are mounted on ROSA, each AGGA being composed of 4 complex (12 single)
channels.
Power Management: ON/OFF commands are required from spacecraft to switch ON/OFF ROSA
receiver. These commands issued by the Spacecraft and to execute these commands DC/DC
Converter provides the secondary voltages to the Receiver, starting from the Spacecraft primary
line.
4.2.5.3.3 Navigation Antenna
The Navigation Antenna is dedicated to acquire the GNSS signals to determine with precision the
orbit of the satellite where there is installed the ROSA Instrument.
The navigation solution, from which depends the orbit determination, is fundamental in this
application, because the position’s knowledge in the time is essential to trace all the occultation
events during the observation phase of the Instrument. Its main features are summarized by the
following information.
Specifications:
Parameter Value
Frequency range L1 1560 - 1590MHz
L2  1212 - 1242MHz
VSWR 1.5:1
Gain -5dBic at Zenith
4dBic at 5° elevation above the horizon
Polarisation RHCP
Radiation Pattern Omni-directional – Azimuth
Hemispherical - Vertical
Weight 0.23 kg

4.2.5.3.4 Radio Occultation Antenna

The Radio Occultation Antenna is a special Antenna designed and developed for this application.
Its main purpose is to acquire and amplify the signal from the high atmospheric layers (ideally
up to 600 km) to ground earth surface (ideally 0 km). The major part of the gain of this Antenna
(about 12dB) is concentrated on angle of view of the lower atmospheric layers (under 100 km)
where the signal is weaker due to the atmospheric absorption, refractivity, and multipath effects.

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The main functional and performance features of this Antenna could be summarized in the
following information:
Frequency bands: The R.O. antenna shall operate in two L frequency bands:
L1 = 1565.19 - 1613.86MHz & L2 = 1217.37 – 1256.36MHz
VSWR: For both L1 & L2 bands the VSWR shall be ≤1.4:1 (return loss ≥15.5 dB)
Polarisation: Circular Right Hand Polarisation is requested for both L1 and L2 frequency band.
Axial Ratio: The 3.5dB value can be considered only in the baseline coverage region; outside the
axial ratio will be limited as much as possible.
Gain inside the baseline coverage region: The minimum value of 12dBi for both L1 & L2 bands
is critical related to the requested antenna dimension.
Gain inside the extended coverage region: The constraint of the minimum gain of -3dBi in the
extended coverage reduces the minimum gain value of the baseline coverage region.
Azimuth Gain Ripple: The antenna gain ripple shall not vary by more than 2dB for any azimuth
variation inside the baseline coverage region (0-100 km). For the extended region the gain ripple
will be minimized.
Functional Description
The main operations are:
 The ROSA Receiver performs the following main operations:
o Allocates HW channels to GPS satellites
o Receives L1/L2 C/A and P signals from GPS satellites
o Acquires and maintains Code Lock and Carrier Lock, demodulates and decodes
data
o message and recovers Navigation Data from each received GPS satellite
When at least 4 GPS satellites are in view, performs position, time and velocity
calculation based on a Least Squares algorithm (ECEFSPS solution)
 In parallel, performs Filtered Navigation Solution (ECINKF solution); the Kalman
filtered solution is able to propagate the solution also in absence of GPS measurements
 Uses calculated position information to establish geometrical line of sight information
of each acquired GPS satellite with respect to the Receiver platform, maintains a
tracking list of visible satellites and performs occultation events prediction
 For observation events, when Carrier Lock is not possible, performs Open-Loop high-
rate sampling of raw observables for carrier reconstruction on ground
 Monitors and maintains Receiver Health & Status

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4.3 Megha-tropiques
4.3.1 Introduction
Megha-Tropiques is an Indo-French Joint Satellite Mission for studying the water cycle
and energy exchanges in the tropics. In the early 1990s, France wanted a ‘Tropiques' satellite
while India wanted a ‘Climatsat' satellite. They merged the two ideas, resulting in a joint venture
Megha-Tropiques. The name chosen for the satellite, Megha-Tropiques, reflected the mission's
goals. ‘Megha,' the Sanskrit word for clouds, underscoring a key focus of the satellite, and the
French word ‘Tropiques' denoting its concentration on the tropical region.

4.3.2 Mission Objective

The main objective of the Megha-Tropiques mission is to study the convective systems
that influence the tropical weather and climate. The tropical region is the domain of monsoons,
tropical cyclones. It is also characterized by large intra seasonal inter annual variations, which
may lead to catastrophic events such as droughts or floods. Any change in the energy and water
budget of the land-ocean-atmosphere system in the tropics has an influence on global climate.
Objectives can be stated briefly as given below.
• To provide simultaneous measurements of several elements of the atmosphere water
cycle, water vapour, clouds, condensed water in clouds, precipitation and evaporation.
• To measure the corresponding radiative budget at the top of the atmosphere
• To ensure high temporal sampling in order to characterize the life cycle of the convective
systems and to obtain significant statistics

4.3.3 Orbital Parameters

Table 4-10: Orbital Parameters of Megha-Trophique
Parameter Value
Orbit Near circular/ equator
Altitude (km) 865.5 km
Inclination (deg) 20 Deg
Orbit Plane regression 6.01 deg/day
Apparent Sun Angle 52 days/Cycle
Orbit perigee within +/- 10 km
Distance between successive 2892
orbit (km)
Orbital Period(min) 101.91
Number of period/day 14.13
Launch vehicle PSLV-C18

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Figure 4-11 One day orbit pattern of Megha-Tropiques

Figure 4-12: 3.5 day Orbit patterns of Megha-Tropiques

Figure 4-13 Orbital pattern of Megha- Trophiques

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4.3.4 Salient features of Satellite

Subsystem Megha Tropiques
Structure IRS Bus structure with Separate Payload Interface
Module (PIM) for Payload mounting.
Control Temperature control is with passive techniques using
Thermal Paints, multilayer blankets, Optical solar Reflector, and
active thermal elements like heaters.
Limits All electronics packages 0-40degC,
Battery 0-10 deg ,
Solar Panel Solar panel deployment mechanism and Drive
Mechanism Mechanism
HRDM Hold Down Release Mechanism for MADRAS payload
ROSA ROSA antenna deployment mechanism
Solar Panel Rigid, deployable, Sun Pointing, CFRP Faceskin, 15.12 m2
Power , 6 panels 1.4 x 1.8 m2 (Each), 58.8 kg, 50 mic. Kaptan
insulator, 133 cells in series, 35 in parallel 10 string.
1180 W at EOL, GaInPas(In)GaAs/Ge ITJ
Battery 2 Ni-Cd, 24 AH batteries, 28 to 42V, 28 Cells/bat., (32 kg)
Power 2 buses, PWM TCR, FCL, 10 Strings , AH Meter
Electronics
Telemetry 2250.00 MHz , PCM/PSK/PM, RT: 4 Kbps, PB: 16 Kbps
OBC Telecommand PCM/PSK/PM, 2071.875 MHz
Computer I/F ASIC based processor interface logics
Data Handling BDH BDH & SSR in a single package with a storage capacity of
16 Gbits
Data Payload data transmission through S-Band (2280 MHz)
Transmission at a data rate of 5.2 Mbps
Spec. Pointing Accuracies: Yaw: + 0.05o Roll: + 0.05o Pitch: +
0.05o (3 sigma)
Driftrate : +3 x 10-2 deg/sec (3 sigma)
AOCS Sensors Star Sensors(2), 4Pi SS(4), Magnetometer (2), IRU(3
DTG), SPS
Actuators Reaction Wheels 5 NMS(4 in tetrahedral), Magnetic
Torquers (2) , 1N Thrusters(8) 11 N Thruster(4) Fuel
(131 kg) Dry Mass(36 kg)
Orbit 10/8 channels SPS
SADA SADA with Micros stepping (Unified SADA)
Payloads MADRAS, Saphir, SCARAB, ROSA
Mass 998 kg

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The Megha Tropiques satellite can be divided into two main parts Main Bus and PIM(Payload
Interface Module.

Figure 4-14 Stowed configuration of Megha tropiques

4.3.5 Payloads
Megha-Tropiques satellite carried 4 scientific passive instruments, ie :

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MADRAS: (Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures) A multi–
channel self-calibrating microwave imager mainly aimed at studying precipitation and cloud
properties.
SAPHIR: (Soundeur Atmospherique du profil d’Humidite Interopicale par Radiometric) A
microwave instrument used to retrieve water vapour vertical profiles.
SCARAB: (Scanner for Radiation Budget) An optical radiometer devoted to the measurement of
outgoing radiative fluxes at the top of the atmosphere.
ROSA: (Radio Occultation Sounder for Atmosphere Payload) A GPS Receiver specifically
conceived for atmospheric sounding by radio occultation, which is able to determine position,
velocity, and time using GPS signals.
Combining the information from these different payloads, the following parameters can be
derived: size of convective cells, cloud cover, water vapour profiles, deep cloud water content,
rain rate, cloud ice content and radiative fluxes, humidity content at the top of the atmosphere.

4.3.5.1 Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures

(MADRAS) Payload
The MADRAS instrument is a 9 channel self-calibrating
microwave imager. The payload is jointly developed by
ISRO and CNES. The payload scans the Earth +/65 deg, with
onboard angle of +45.05 deg in the along track direction.
The rotating part of MADRAS has a mass of about 100 kg.
MADRAS is nominally a scanning payload. A stationary
mode is defined for the payload, where the MADRAS is
pointed a specific angle (within +/- 65 deg) continuously.
IISU, SAC and ISAC have developed the MSM/MCE, MBE-
R/MBE-S and HDRM components of MADRAS respectively,
whereas MARFEQ-A & B have been developed by CNES.
The MADRAS RF front-end consisting of the entire RF
units from 18 GHz – 157 GHz including the antenna, feed
cluster, and on-board calibration is designated as MARFEQ
Figure 4-15 MADRAS Payload
(MADRAS RF Equipment).
MARFEQ-A is the mobile part of MADRAS. It includes a structure supporting the main reflector
associated to the horns located at the focal point of the parabola. Behind each horn one or several
receivers allows the detection of the RF signals

• Main Reflector made from a CFRP dish (projected diameter 650 mm),
• Feed Cluster and Front Ends Assembly constituted by aluminum RF elements with their
supporting structure and thermal hardware

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• Back Ends, Low Frequency Receivers and Interface Electronic Unit,

• Related waveguides, coaxial cables and harness,
• CFRP structure which supports the above elements and their thermal hardware and
which interfaces with the Scan Mechanism Rotating part through a titanium cylinder
and with the Hold Down and Release Mechanism through 6 titanium integrated fittings.
• MBE(R) will be accommodated on the lower part of MARFEQ-A Deck.
MARFEQ B is mounted on the fixed part of the instrument. It allows the calibration of the
receivers at each rotation. It is constituted of a mirror allowing a cold calibration and a black body
allowing the hot calibration. This equipment contains only accurate thermistors to measure the
physical temperature of the black-body.
The MARFEQ fixed part (MARFEQ-B) consists of:

• Cold Calibration Reflector made from a CFRP dish (projected diameter 285mm),
• Hot Calibration Target
• Aluminum structure which supports the above elements and interfaces with the Scan
Mechanism fixed part.
4.3.5.1.1 Hold Down and Release Mechanism (HDRM)
This is necessary to protect MSM bearings from launch loads, since the rotating elements of
MADRAS high. The mechanism will rigidly hold the MARFEQ at six locations. Once the spacecraft
is in orbit, the mechanism will release the MARFEQ, to enable scanning. MSM, MCW and MCE
form MADRAS Mechanism and Momentum Compensation System (MMCS). MMCS has four modes
of operation, viz.

• Run-up mode
• Scanning mode
• Pointing mode
• Run down mode.
4.3.5.1.2 MADRAS Momentum Compensation System (MMCS)
MMCS as a part of MADRAS payload consists of three elements such as;
MADRAS Scan Mechanism (MSM) : Scan Mechanism consisting of precision angular contact ball
bearing assembly, Diaphragm assembly for hold down compliance, drive motor, optical encoder,
PSTD for transfer of power and signal from and to Marfeq A/MBE(R) and MBE (S). The nominal
speed of the mechanism is 24.14 rpm with scan stability of +/- 0.1%.
Momentum Compensating Wheel (MCW): Momentum Compensating Wheel MCW consists of
precision ball bearing assembly, flywheel, brushless iron less DC motor in a hermetically sealed
casing. The MCW (Momentum Compensative Wheel) generates counter momentum such that the
residual momentum is very small and tolerable by the spacecraft. MCW consists of a wheel with
a low mass but high rotational speed to generated compensative momentum.

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MADRAS Control Electronics (MCE): The MADRAS Control Electronics (MCE) containing all the
electronic functions as management of the MSM, MCW, commutation electronics, power supply,
mechanisms command and control, interface with MBE.
MCE (MSM and Momentum Compensating Electronics) is an integrated control electronics
package for MSM. Rotating mass of the payload (100 kg) generates a large momentum about its
axis of rotation, which can destabilize the platform.
4.3.5.1.3 Payload Characteristics
MADRAS channel definitions
Channel Frequenc Polarizatio Pixel Bandwidth Science Parameters
No. y n size
M1 18.7 GHz H+V 40 km ±100 MHz Rain above oceans
M2 23.8 GHz V 40 km ±200 MHz Integrated water vapour
M3 36.5 GHz H+V 40 km ±500 MHz Liquid water in clouds, rain
above sea
M4 89 GHz H+V 10 km ±1350 Convective rain areas over
MHz land and sea
M5 157 GHz H+V 6 km ±1350 Ice at cloud tops
MHz

Parameter Value
Scan type Conical scanning at constant speed
Onboard look angle (w.r.t. Nadir) 45.05°
Incidence angle 53.5°
Maximum scan angle (cross track) ±65°
Scan mechanism speed 24.14 rpm⇔ 144.84 °/sec
⇔ 2.4855 sec/revolution
⇔ 0.4023 cycles/sec = 0.4023 Hz.
Dwell time (Channel wise) 16.8 millisec (18.7, 23.8, 36.5 GHz)
4.2 millsec (89 GHz)
2.5 millisec (157 GHz)
Swath 1700 km
Dynamic range of radiometer
Brightness temperature 3 °K to 320 °K
Scan mechanism stability 0.1% of the rate
Data rate: The total data rate of MADRAS is 33.858 Kbps.

Type of data Size Rate

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5248 words 2.48sec

Science TM

Figure 4-16 MADRAS Swath coverage pattern

4.3.5.2 SAPHIR (Soundeur Atmospherique du Profil d’Humidite Intertropicale

par Radiometrie) Payload
SAPHIR is a Microwave instrument for the retrieval of water vapour vertical profiles and
scanning millimeter wave humidity sounder. It scans the Earth in a nadir plane symmetrically
with respect to the local vertical with a scan angle of ±42.96 deg. It uses narrow channels close to
a water vapour absorption band at a frequency of 183 GHz. Six channels would allow to retrieve
information about six atmospheric layers from the Earth surface up to 12 km height. The
horizontal resolution is 10 km. The 6 channels are in the range of 183.31 ±0.2, ±1.1, ±2.8, ±4.2,
±6.8, ±11.0 (GHz).
The instrument is composed of two packages linked by a dedicated harness. The packages are
The RF Unit (6 Passive microwave channels) contains the antenna, the frontend, IF processor,
the scanning with the shroud and the calibration target.
The Electronic unit (EU) containing all the electronic functions as management of the
equipment, power supply, mechanisms command and control interface with satellite processor.
Following are highlights of its operation. Scans Earth’s atmosphere and switches between the
calibration sources of cold sky and hot target

• During each scan period the antenna performs one complete rotation in order to scan the
Earth over an angle of +/- 42.96 deg and performs hot and cold calibration
• During Earth scanning of +/- 42.96 deg, in nominal mode the angular speed is constant
and equal to 103.5 degree/sec.
• During the rest of scan period, in order to optimize the time dedicated to Earth’s
atmosphere measurements, the motor will produce half part of the time a constant and

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maximum acceleration and on the other half part of the time a constant maximum
deceleration. The current values of acceleration and deceleration [20] are 1666 deg/sec2
and 1666 deg/sec2.

Figure 4-17 Schematic of SAPHIR Payload

SAPHIR channel definitions and characteristics
Channels Central nominal Nominal ΔT (Sensitivity)
frequencies (GHz) Bandwidth (MHz) Req. Goal
S1 183.31 ± 0.2 200 2 °K 1 °K
S2 183.31 ± 1.1 350 1.5 °K 0.7 °K
S3 183.31 ± 2.8 500 1.5 °K 0.7 °K
S4 183.31 ± 4.2 700 1.3 °K 0.6 °K
S5 183.31 ± 6.8 1200 1.3 °K 0.6 °K
S6 183.31 ± 11 2000 1.0 °K 0.5 °K

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Figure 4-18 Payload Interface Module

Parameter Value
Scan type Conical scanning at constant speed
Polarisation Variable along swath
Incidence angle Variable along swath
Maximum scan angle(cross track) ± 42.96°
Scan mechanism speed 36.63 rpm⇔ 219.78 °/sec
⇔1.638 sec/revolution
⇔ 0.6105 Hz
Scan rate during Earth viewing phase 103.5 °/sec
Dwell time 6.406 msec
Swath 1705 km
Nadir spatial resolution 10 km
Dynamic range of radiometer 4 °K to 313 °K
Brightness temperature
Data Rate:
The total data rate of SAPHIR is 12.487 Kbps. The different kinds of data coming to BDH from
SAPHIR instrument are given in the table below.
Type of data Size Rate
Science TM 1216 words 1.64 sec
Aux data 64 words 19.6 sec

4.3.5.3 ScaRaB (Scanner for Radiation Budget) Payload

Radiometer devoted to the measurement of outgoing radiative fluxes at the top of the
atmosphere. Measures radiation fluxes in four channels in the range of 0.5 to 0.7µm, 0.2 to 4 µm,
0.2 to 50 µm and 10.5 to 12.5 µm spectral bands; in Visible, Solar, Total and IR Windows. It

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consists of (a) Optical Sensor Module (including scanner and calibration devices) and (b)
Electronic Module.
The optical sensor module (OSM) can be divided in two parts
 A rotating part with mechanism, four detectors, two choppers, an internal electronics and
a filter wheel.
 The external structure, with the casing, the two feet and the calibration module (CalM)
formed by three black body simulators and a lamp.
The Electronic Module (EM) containing all the electronic functions as management of the
equipment, power supply, mechanisms command and control interface with satellite processor.
Following are the highlights of its operation.
 During each scan period the rotor performs one complete rotation in order to scan the
Earth over an angle of +/- 48.91° and performs calibration on cold space.
 Produce part of time some acceleration and part of time some deceleration. In the table,
“te” represents ‘elementary time’ = pixels sampling period = 62.5ms. The total duration
for one full scan is 6 sec.
4.3.5.3.1 Scanning sequence in nominal mode
Function Angle Typical Duration Type of movement
Earth/Atmosphere -48.91° to +48.91° 51Xte = 3.1875 sec Constant speed
Scanning
Switching period +48.91° to -74.35° 30Xte = 1.875 sec Acceleration/
Deceleration
Stop on space view -74.35° 6Xte = 0.375 sec Stop(fixed position)
Switching period -74.35° to -48.91° 9Xte = 0.5625 sec Acceleration/
Deceleration
Total Period 96*te = 6 sec
In the background of the discussion above on the working of payloads, it is evident that the
payloads’ scanning are asynchronous. Further SAPHIR has acceleration and deceleration before
it scans the Earth portion. Similarly in case of SCARAB, in addition to acceleration and
deceleration, it stops to view deep space for a finite amount of time. This is likely to cause
disturbance on the platform with impact on spacecraft control and eventually Data Products
Generation. During this exercises, it emerged that platform rates achievable are of the order 10-
2deg/sec.

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Figure 4-19: Scarab Scanning lines and Overlap

ScaRaB channel definitions and characteristics
Channels Wavelength Radiometric Resolution (Noise) Signal Dynamics
(Max.)
Sc1 – Visible 0.5 to 0.7 µm < 1 W.m-2.sr-1 120 W.m-2.sr-1
Sc2 – Solar 0.2 to 4 µm < 0.5 W.m-2.sr-1 425 W.m-2.sr-1
Sc3 – Total 0.2 to 50 µm < 0.5 W.m-2.sr-1 500 W.m-2.sr-1
Sc4 – IR Window 10.5 to 12.5 µm < 0.5 W.m-2.sr-1 30 W.m-2.sr-1

Scan type : Cross track scanning at constant speed

Value
Parameter
Scan Angle (across track) ± 48.91°
Scan mechanism speed 10 rpm ⇔ 60 °/sec
⇔ 6 sec/revolution
⇔ 0.17 Hz
Dwell time 62.5 msec
Swath 2242 km
Nominal nadir spatial resolution 40 km
Data rate:
The total data rate of SCARAB is 853.333 Kbps. The different kinds of SCARAB data coming to
BDH are given in the table below.
Type of data Size Rate
Science TM 256 words 6 sec
Aux data 64 words 6 sec

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4.3.5.4 ROSA
The ROSA is a 16-channel dual-frequency GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver for
space borne applications, specifically used for atmospheric sounding by radio occultation and
determines position, velocity and time using GPS signals. The ROSA processes the received GPS
signals in both the L1 and L2 frequency bands, allowing compensation of ionospheric delays. A
codeless tracking scheme is included, in order to process the encrypted P(Y) signals transmitted
in the L2 frequency band.
The ROSA, besides providing real-time navigation data, is able to accurately measure
pseudo-ranges and integrated carrier phase (raw data), to be later processed on ground for the
scientific purposes of retrieval of atmospheric parameters such as Humidity, Pressure and
Temperature profiles between 0 and 100 km height above the Earth surface. These profiles can
be used in meteorological and climatologic forecast with a vertical resolution much higher than
that obtainable with measurement based upon microwaves or infrared techniques.
ROSA payload on Megha-Tropiques will supplement / complement the mission objectives
for the atmospheric studies. ROSA on Megha-Tropiques spacecraft has a fore and an aft antenna
facilitating occultation measurements in both velocity and anti-velocity directions of the
spacecraft thus allowing a large number of observations. The Navigation antenna looking along
the spacecraft’s zenith direction facilitates the precise orbit determination (POD).
GPS ROSA, raw data and the products are generated at ISSDC Bangalore and are also
archived for further use by application scientists.
ROSA Specifications
Features Specification

Dual Frequency operation: Receiving Frequencies:

L1 [1575.42 MHz] C/A-Code signal
L1 [1575.42 MHz] P-Code signal
L2 [1227.60 MHz] P-Code signal
Bandwidth: ±10 MHz nominal
Number of Dual-Frequency 16 Dual-Frequency channels.
Channels: Allocating channels to POD or Occultation is managed
automatically only by onboard software in order to
optimally share the hardware resources (channels).
Measurement rate: Navigation/POD:
1 Hz sampling data rate (for both code phase and carrier
phase)
Carrier Phase measurements for Occultation/space
weather channels:

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(a)Observation (Close loop): 1 Hz, 10 Hz and 50 Hz

sampling data rate depending on altitude of the
tangent point.
(b)Occultation (open loop): 100 Hz sampling data rate
only in lower troposphere.
Measurement accuracy: Pseudo range:< 50 cm
Carrier phase:< 5 mm
Bending angle: Better than 1 µrad
On-board POD software with < 30 metre (Real-time 3D-3σ solution)
Satellite positioning accuracy:
Receiver Power consumption: 45 Watts (Operating Mode)
Receiver operating voltage: +28V to +42V DC (37 V nominal)
Navigation input signal levels: L1-CA: -127 dBm (minimum)
L1-P: -130 dBm (minimum)
L2-P: -133 dBm (minimum)
Radio Occultation input signal L1-CA: -130 dBm to -142 dBm, -132 dBm (nominal)
range: L1-P: -133 dBm to -145 dBm, -135 dBm (nominal)
L2-P: -136 dBm to -148 dBm, -138 dBm (nominal)
Interfaces with satellite platform: House-Keeping Telemetry, Telecommand and Science
Telemetry interface: Mil-Std-1553B
Science Telemetry format: Space Packet as per CCSDS
133.0-B-1
Pulse Per Second (PPS) signal interface: RS-422
Number of PPS output signals:2
Receiver Mass: 9.2 kg
Receiver Dimension: 290.6 mm x 334.6 mm x 207.7 mm
Receiver operating temperature: -10 °C to +45 °C

The total data rate of ROSA varies from 11.264 Kbps to 113.664 Kbps.

Type of data Size Rate

Navigation and Observation data 704 to 7104 words 1 sec

Dual-Frequency ROSA antenna specifications

Features Specification
FOV (Field of View): Azimuth FOV (referred to orbital plane): ± 30°
Elevation FOV (referred to local zenith)
•Baseline coverage region: 116.7° to 118.3°

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•Extended coverage region: 90° to 116.7°

Antenna Gain: Gain inside the coverage region:

≥ 12 dBi for both L1 and L2 band
Gain inside the extended coverage region:
≥ -3 dBi for both the L1 and L2 band
Polarization: Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP)
VSWR: 1.4:1
Mass: 2.5 kg
Dimensions: 1050 mm x 280 mm x 80mm
(Single panel patch array)
Operating temperature: -80 °C to +100 °C
Dual-Frequency Navigation/POD antenna specifications
Features Specification

FOV (Field of View): ± 75° (referred to local zenith)

5 dBi (at zenith)
Antenna Gain:
4 dBi (at 5° elevation above the horizon)
Polarization: Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP)
VSWR: 1.5:1
Mass: 0.138 kg
Dimensions: 127 mm x 49 mm
Operating temperature: -70 °C to +80 °C

4.4 SARAL (Satellite for ARGOS and ALTIKA Payloads)

4.4.1 Introduction
The first mission for the Mini- satellite bus named as 'IMS-2' is being designed and
developed for a mini satellite series in the weight range of 400 to 450 kg capable of carrying
payloads up to a weight of 200 kg. The first satellite in the series is envisaged to carry two
payloads of CNES called ALTIKA & ARGOS. ALTIKA mainly consists of an altimeter useful for
ocean topography and ARGOS is a data collection platform to collect weather information from
ocean buoys for weather predictions. The first mission with these payloads is called 'SARAL'
(Satellite for ARGOS and ALTIKA Payloads) mission. It is planned to be launched onboard PSLV
in 2010.

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4.4.2 Mission Objective

• To design and develop a satellite bus (IMS-2 bus) in the weight range of 400 kg including
payloads up to a mass of 200 kg.
• The first bus IMS-2 will carry two payloads namely ARGOS and ALTIKA from CNES. The
first mission will be called the “SARAL” (Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA Payloads)
mission
• To develop required ground processing software for Altika payload and utilize the
payload data within India for ocean related applications

4.4.3 Orbit Details

Parameter Value
Orbit type Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
Orbit Radius (km) 7159.5
Mean altitude (km) 799.8
Inclination (deg) 98.55
Eccentricity 1.165 10-3
Orbit period 100.59
Local time at ascending node 6.00 AM
Cycle 35 days

4.4.4 Salient Feature of Spacecarft

The bus design is being done to miniaturize the currently proven operational main frame
sub-systems. These can be used for the mini satellite series and also it is planned to identify the
new technologies required for accommodating futuristic requirements of payloads and of mini
satellites. The SARAL mission envisages
- A small satellite bus to carry two payloads namely ARGOS and ALTIKA from CNES.
- The data reception and analysis facilities for data from these payloads.
- To explore the utilization of this data within India by involving the user agencies
Table 4-11 Salient features of IMS-2 Bus (SARAL)
Subsystem SARAL
Cuboid, Aluminum , Honey-comb panels with
Structure CFRP/AL face skin
Control Temperature control is with passive techniques
Thermal using Paints, multilayer blankets, Optical solar
Reflector, and active thermal elements like heaters
also..
Limits All electronics packages 0-40degC,
Battery 0-10 deg ,

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Mechanism Solar Panel Solar panel deployment mechanism and drive

mechanism
Solar Panel Deployable Solar Panels with ITJ cells
Power Four panels (two on either side in Roll ), ~700 watts
Battery Single Li Ion battery - 21AH, 350w continuous
Power
Electronics
Telemetry 1024 bits, 2245.68 MHz , storage: 6.29 x 106 Bits
RF Systems PCM/BPSK/PM, RT: 4 KBPS, PB: 64 KBPS 1W for S-
Band
Telecommand FM/PSK/PCM, 2067.897 MHz, 4 KBPS
DH QPSK for X-Band, 8 W for BDH
Data BDH
Transmission SSR Mission specific (~32Gb SSR)
Spec. Pointing Accuracies: Yaw: + 0.05o Roll: + 0.05o Pitch:
+ 0.05o (3 sigma)
Driftrate : 5 x 10-5 deg/sec (3 sigma)
AOCS Sensors Four pi (4Heads), Magnetometer (Two- tri axial),
Star sensor, miniaturized IRU.
Actuators RCS 4+4 thrusters of 1N & 0.2N, monopropellant, 30
kg single tank, Four 5NMS reaction wheels in
tetrahedral Configuration, two magnetic torquers
20Am²
Orbit GPS : Miniaturized SPS with dual frequency
Mass <400 kg

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Figure 4-20 Exploded view of SARAL

4.4.5 SARAL Payloads

4.4.5.1 ARGOS PAYLOAD
ARGOS is a global satellite system dedicated to science applications such as
metereological observation and environment study and protection, which is operated by the
French National Space Reasearch Centre (CNES) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) of USA.
It consists of unattended data collection platforms distributed over sea and land which
transmit data to the satellites, the ARGOS space equipment which receives the data transmitted
by the data collection platforms and transmits them to the ARGOS ground station, and the ATGOS
receiving sationas are located in Fairbanks and Wallops in USA, and Swalbard in Norway. The
global processing centres are in Toulouse, France and lorgo, USA, ArGOS also provides
determination of the location of the platforms in addition to relaying their data. Currently there
are more than 16000 data collection platforms and 900 Users from 70 countries.
Typical uses of the ARGOS system are environmental minitoring, oceanography,
meteorology, monitoring of vocanoes and water bodies, tracking of animals and birds, fleet
management, etc.
SARAL is the joint satellite mission in which ISRO would provide the satellite bus and
CENS would provide the ALTIKA Ka band altimeter and associated instruments, and ARGOS space
equipment. By placing the ARGOS instrument on this satellite, ISRO will become a member of the
international ARGOS Operations Committee and also come into contact with other users of

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ARGOS around the world for exploring the possibility of scientific sooperation in using data
collected by the ARGOS data collection platforms.
The new Advanced Data Collection System (A-DCS) insrument is designed to meet the
requirements of the third generation of the Argos system defined in the Argos-3 mission
specification.
A-DCS (ADVANCED DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM) developed by Alcatel for CNES includes:
 UHF Transmitter ( 465.98 MHz, 5W, 400bps)
 L- Band Transmitter ( 1.7 GHz, 1W, 7.5 kbps)
 Antenna, UHF Diplexer, Receiver Processing Unit
 Data Interface Unit

4.4.5.2 ALTIKA PAYLOAD

The aim of ALTIKA mission is to provide altimetric measurements designed to study
ocean circulation and sea surface elevation. The applications include Marine meteorology and sea
state forecasting, Operational oceanography, seasonal forecasting, climate monitoring and
climate research.
ALTIKA Payload includes Following Instruments
Parameter Value
The advantages of Ka band altimeters are It
A Ka Band altimeter ( 35.5 - 36 GHz):
has negligible Ionospheric effects and Better
vertical Resolution. The Ka Band altimeter is a
compact lightweight instrument easier to
accommodate on a wide range of satellite
buses.
Required for tropospheric correction
A dual frequency radiometer ( 24 / 37 GHz)
Derived from Madras (Megha-Tropiqus)
Development
Useful for orbitography and system
LRA (Laser Retro-reflector Array)
calibration
For adequate orbitography performance in
DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radio
low earth orbit
positioning Integrated by Satellite)
Enable to have similar performance as
reference missions like T/P, Jasan, ENVISAT
Required for mean sea level analysis and
coastal/inland applications

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4.5 ScatSat-1
4.5.1 Introduction
ScatSat-1 is a continuity mission for Scatterometer payload (Scat-1) on-board Oceansat-
2 spacecraft. This mission will provide continuity of weather forecasting services to the user
communities, as Scat-1 payload was declared non-operational. The data from this payload was
being used by many national and international users. Hence, demand for a new satellite with only
Scatterometer has come up.
ScatSat-1 will carry Ku-Band Scatterometer named as Scat-2 payload (Oceansat-2
Scatterometer was Scat-1) similar to the one flown on-board Oceansat-2 but with some enhanced
features. In order to take care of Oceansat-2 Scatterometer issues, like thermal and component
related, cross-couplings at crucial places and improved thermal design is addressed in ScatSat-1
(Scat-2). Scatterometer is an instrument working on the principle of back-scattered energy and
is used to measure the wind velocity (speed and direction) over the ocean.
The payload is configured on Indian Mini Satellite-2 Bus (IMS-2). The first mission of IMS-
2 bus is SARAL. IMS-2 Bus is evolved as a standard bus of 450 kg class which includes payload
capability of around 200 kg. IMS-2 development is an important milestone as it is envisaged to
be a workhorse for different types of remote sensing applications. The IMS-2 Bus is designed with
modularity, miniaturization and standardization. It is an operational class Satellite Bus with
complete redundancy in mainframe systems. ScatSat-1 is the second spacecraft configured on
IMS-2 Bus with some modifications. The Scatterometer payload will be accommodated on top
deck top side of the bus.

4.5.2 Mission Objectives

The mission objectives of ScatSat-1 are as follows:
• To provide continuity of weather forecasting services to the user communities.
• To generate wind vector products for weather forecasting, cyclone detection and
tracking.

4.5.3 Orbit Details

The orbit details for ScatSat-1 are given in the table 4-12 below:
Table 4-12 Orbit details of ScatSat-1
Parameter ScatSat-1
Spacecraft Mass 371 kg
Payload Mass 80 kg (without structure support)
Spacecraft Size 2185 (Y) x 1253 (R) x 2109 (P) mm3 (Stowed)
2185 (Y) x 4418 (R) x 2109 (P) mm3 (Deployed)
Average Power Generated 280 W

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Average Payload Power 120 W

Altitude 720 km
Orbit Sun Synchronous Orbit SSO
No. of orbits/day 14 + 1/2
Inclination 98.10° / 98.28°
Local time 9.20 am
Stabilization Three Axis stabilization
Launch Date 26 September 2016
Launch Site Shriharikota
Orbital Period 99 min 11 sec
Swath Inner: 1400 km (both HH & VV beams available)
Outer: 1400 - 1800 km (only VV beams available)

Figure 4-21 ScatSat-1 Configuration

4.5.4 Salient features of ScatSat-1

Table 4-13 Features of ScatSat-1 Systems
Subsystem Specification
371 kg (Mainframe: 266 kg, Payload: 105 kg)
Mass

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Scat-2
Payload
Cuboid built by 4 vertical panels & 2 horizontal
Structure
panels
Thermal Control MLI, Thermal coatings, Diffuser plates, OSR along
with auto controlled heater system
1. Paraffin Actuator Based Hold down and
Mechanisms
Release Mechanism for Solar Panel
Deployment
2. Pyro Based Hold down and Release
Mechanism for Scatterometer Antenna
Deployment
Specification 1. Pointing : ± 0.1° (3σ)
AOCS
2. Drift Rate : ± 3.0 x 10-04 º /s (3σ)
Sensors Mark 2 type Star Sensor (M&R), IRU (3 DTGs),
Magnetometer (M&R), Four 4 Pi Sun Sensors
Actuators 1. Four nos. of 10 Nm-s Reaction Wheels (10 Nm-
s Angular Momentum, 0.05 Nm Reaction
torque)
2. 20 A-m2 Magnetic Torquers along Roll and
Pitch,
3. RCS is monopropellant type with single 21 kg
tank,
4. 8 nos. of 1 N Thrusters
Power system 2Sx2P (753 W at EOL)
Solar Panels
Battery 28 Ah
Electronics Core power package (MPW11)
Telemetry
RF system TM Data Rate: 8 kbps (RT)
(After channel coding);
Frequency: 2255.14 MHz
Modulation: BPSK,
RF Power: 100 mW
Telecommand TC Data Rate: 4 kbps,
Demodulation: FM/PSK/PCM
Frequency: 2088.38 MHz
Payload Data Data Rate: 64 Mbps (After channel coding), QPSK,
System 4 W SSPA, Frequency: 8300 MHz
SPS 12 Channels, L1 & C/A

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SSR 32Gb

4.5.5 SactSat-1 Payload

ScatSat-1 is a dedicated spacecraft configured to carry Scatterometer Payload named
Scat-2 (Oceansat-2 Scatterometer is called Scat-1/OSCAT). Scatterometer Payload consists of
Digital Sub-System (Payload Controller + Digital Chirp Generator + Data Acquisition &
Compression System), Frequency Generator, Receiver, Transmitter, Travelling Wave Tube
Amplifier, Front End Switch Assembly, Scatterometer Scan Mechanism and Ku-band reflector
antenna. Scatterometer Scan Mechanism along with its control electronics was delivered by ISRO
Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), reflector by CMSE and payload structure by ISAC.

4.5.5.1 Scatterometer
Ku-Band pencil beam Scatterometer is an instrument working on the principle of back-
scattered energy and is used to measure the wind velocity (speed and direction) over the ocean.
Wind flow over the ocean surface generates and amplifies surface waves of centimeter
wavelength. Changes in wind velocity (speed and direction) cause changes in ocean surface
roughness, which in turn affect the radar cross-section and hence the magnitude of the
backscattered power. The normalized radar cross section (σ°) is estimated from the measured
backscattered power to estimate the wind speed. The σ° is a function of wind speed, relative wind
direction, incidence angle, polarization and radar frequency.
Knowledge of wind velocity (speed and direction) over oceans is critical for the
understanding and prediction of many oceanographic, meteorological and climate phenomena.
Ku-Band pencil beam Scatterometer Payload was launched on 23rd September 2009 on
Oceansat-2 satellite along with other two payloads namely Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) & Radio
Occultation Sounder for Atmospheric studies (ROSA) from SHAR launch pad using PSLV-14
launcher. It was launched into a near polar sun-synchronous orbit of 720 km altitude with the
local time of equatorial crossing in the descending node at 12 noon ± 10 minutes. Based on the
large amount of data received and analyzed, it is proven that they are consistent and of immense
use to the scientists and user agencies engaged in ocean studies, wind vector retrieval, weather
forecasting and climate studies. Scatterometer is a global mission and payload is designed for five
years life.
Incidentally, the Ku-band Scatterometer on Oceansat-2 was the only sensor of its kind
anywhere in the world and proving its value to the scientific community. The downloaded semi-
processed data from the satellite sensor is further processed at NRSC, Hyderabad and ground
derived wind vectors were being posted daily at 12 hourly intervals i.e. 5 AM and 5 PM on the
internet for utilisation by the user community. Due to certain anomalies in the Traveling Wave
Tube Amplifier (TWTA) in the Scatterometer Main chain, the Scatterometer ended its mission
pre maturely on 2nd April 2014. As the Indian and global meteorological agencies were utilising

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the Scatterometer operationally, currently there is a gap of such data. Keeping in view, the user
interest and requirement for providing timely updates of sea surface wind vector products, it is
proposed to have a repeat mission of Scatterometer similar to Oceansat-2 but with enhanced
features as early as possible to ensure the data availability.
Parameter Value
Payload Mass Without structure support: 80 kg
With structure support 105 kg
P/L Module Dimensions 1823 (Y) X 1025 (R) X 1276 (P) mm3
Power 120 W
TM-TC Interface MIL-STD-1553B
Data Interface LVDS Serial
Data Rate Processed Data Mode:
Mode 1: 293.36 to 725.68 kbps
Mode 2: 367.47 to 8181 kbps
Raw Data Mode:
Mode 1: 13.58 to 14.03 Mbps
Mode 2: 13.28 to 21.1 Mbps
Frequency 13.515625 GHz ± 50 MHz
Polarization HH (Inner beam)
VV (Outer beam)
Pointing angle Principle Axis: 46o
Inner (HH) Beam: 42.62°
Outer (VV) Beam: 49.38°
Swath Inner: 1400 km (both HH & VV beams available)
Outer: 1400 - 1800 km (only VV beams available)
One way 3 dB foot print 26 x 46
Azimuth (km) x Elevation (km) 31 x 65
Scan Rate 20.5 rpm
Transmit PRF 186 – 200 Hz (193 Hz Nominal)
Wind Speed Range 3 to 30 m/s (10.8 to 108 km/hr)
Wind Direction Range 0° to 360°
Wind Speed Accuracy 1.8 m/s rms or 10% whichever is higher
Wind Direction Accuracy 200 rms
Wind Vector Cell (grid) Size 25 km x 25 km
The block diagram of Ku-band Pencil beam Scatterometer operating at 13.515 GHz is
shown below. The payload is configured with 100% cold redundancy except for mechanical

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elements like antenna, scan mechanism and rotary joint. It consists of a parabolic dish antenna
of 1m diameter which is offset mounted at an angle of 46° with respect to the Yaw axis (earth
viewing axis). This antenna is continuously rotated using Scatterometer Scan Mechanism (SSM)
at 20.5 rpm with the scan axis along the +ve Yaw axis. Two offset feed horns at the focal plane of
the antenna are used to generate Inner beam and Outer beam which will conically scan the
ground surface. The Frequency Generator subsystem provides coherent RF and master reference
signals needed for the instrument and up converted 13.515 MHz ± 200 kHz frequency signal as
input to transmitter subsystem. The chirp modulated signal is amplified using TWTA and is
transmitted at a pulse repetition frequency of 193 Hz (nominal). The inner beam operates with
HH polarization and outer beam with VV polarization. The earth viewing geometry is shown in
fig. 2. The backscattered energy of the transmitted RF pulse from the ocean surface is received
back at the antenna and after on-board Doppler compensation and range compression; the
digitized data is transmitted to the ground. The normalized radar cross-section referred as
Sigma-naught (σο) is calculated on ground from this echo data and the Wind vector is derived
from (σο) using a Geophysical Model Function (GMF). The Receiver subsystem is designed with -
109 dBm sensitivity and 109 dB gain. The On-board payload controller receives the tele-
commands from OBC over the MIL-STD-1553B bus and configures the instrument for data
acquisition. Due to relative motion of the satellite with respect to earth, a Doppler shift of the
echo return signal is imparted which needs to be estimated on-board with the knowledge of
antenna scan position, spacecraft velocity and beam pointing angle. The Scan Mechanism
subsystem provides the angle encoder interface of the rotating antenna system and the antenna
position information is used in real time by the Payload Controller for computation of Doppler
Frequency (fdc). The data acquisition and compression subsystem (DACS) receives the receiver
output analog signals and does single digitizer I-Q demodulation, range signal processing and
formatting. The processed and Formatted DACS data is sent to BDH subsystem through LVDS
interface. On-board calibration is done once every PRF, which gives a measure of the product of
instantaneous transmitter power and receiver gain. Hence, drifts in these parameters during the
operational life of the instrument can be known and corrections can be applied on ground in
computation of wind vectors.

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BMU-M 1553 Bus Coupler BMU-R

SCE-M CrossPatch Package SCE-R

BDH-M BDH-R

DSS-M DSS-R

CrossPatch FG-R
FG-M
Switch(M&R)

Rx-M Rx-R
TWTA-M TWTA-R

LNA-M LNA-R
FESA (M&R)

SSM (M&R)
Main-Main
Redn-Redn RJ
Main-Redn
Redn-Main
Semirigid
Waveguide
1553 BUS

H V

Figure 4-22 Block Diagram of the Scatterometer System

C
E-
M

V
H S

Figure 4-23 Earth Viewing Geometry for Scatterometer

4.5.5.1.1 Scatterometer Scan Mechanism

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Scatterometer Scan Mechanism along with Rotary Joint (RJ), bearing unit assembly, lubrication
system and SSM Control Electronics (SCE) will be delivered by ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU)
and all other payload elements will be delivered by Space Applications Centre (SAC).
Scatterometer Scan Mechanism (SSM) has following functional requirements:
• Provide necessary mechanical interface and rotate reflector with feed which weighs 11
kg at 20.5 rpm about the precision axis of rotation with a scan stability of +0.1%.
• Provide necessary mechanical interface for Rotary Joint, Scatterometer Interface Module
(SIM) structure & reflector
• Define reflector and RJ relative orientation and position
• Provide accurate scanning position information for the payload
• Incorporate features to hold down during launch conditions in order to protect the
precision ball bearings of mechanism & meeting the stiffness requirement
Rotary Joint (RJ) has the following functional requirements:
• It transfers microwave between rotating and non-rotating parts of SSM Control
Electronics (SCE) has the following functional requirement;
• Drive control electronics unit for SSM and rotate SSM at a speed of 20.5 rpm with scan
speed stability better than 0.1 %.
• Scan position is provided on interrogation depending on PRF. The angular position of the
mechanism should be made available with an accuracy of 0.01 degree with respect to a
scan start position on receiving data request from the Pay Load Controller (PLC).
• Provide scan start and angular position data during scan to PLC.
• Electrical interface for power, telemetry and Telecommand signals
• The commutation electronics for SSM drive motor
• Provides scan start data to BMU

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5. Cartographic Satellite Series

5.1 Technology Experiment Satellite (TES)
5.1.1 Introduction
The TES (Technology Experimental Satellite) is the first high resolution (<1 m) satellite
launched by ISRO. It was launched to demonstrate more than eleven new technologies developed
by various design groups across the centres
Critical technologies tested in the TES are given below

• Attitude and orbit control system (AOCS) for step and stare imageries in desired
direction.
• Two mirror on-axis optics (RC Type) for payload (providing <1m nadir resolution at 560
km altitude)
• X-band phased array antenna (PAA) with two beam generation capability for payload
data transmission
• Single surface tension propellant tank of large capacity RCS tank
• High torque reaction wheels : 0.1 nm and 10 NMS
• Standardized PW, TM, TC system
• Tetrahedral wheel configuration which provides 0.23 NM torque and 23 Nm sec. Angular
momentum capacity about each axis.
• Improved satellite positioning system
• Two Advanced solid state recorder with 32 GB each for storage of 6 mins of payload data
• Data security by encryption technique (encryption by stream ciphering scheme
inclusion/exclusion option and key changing provision.
• Honeycomb type central cylinder

5.1.2 Mission Objective

The mission objectives of TES are
 To design and develop a technology experimental satellite incorporating a set of critical
technologies
 To provide on-orbit demonstration and validation of these technologies for future
enhanced capability missions, and also
 To provide hands on experience in complex mission operations like step and stare
maneuvers and onboard earth rotation compensation etc.

5.1.3 Orbital Parameters

Parameter Normal Orbit Special orbit 1 Special orbit 2
Altitude (km) 560 410 501
Repeat Cycle(Days) 1 2 5

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No. of orbits per cycle 15 31 91

Inclination (Deg) 97.65 97.08 97.45
Ground trace Velocity 6.97 7.2 7.04
(km/s)
Decay rate (m/day) 61 to 27 410 to 232 125 to 61
Orbital Time (min) 96 92.9 94.73
Local Time (descending) 10.30 10.30 10.30
AM

5.1.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft

Subsystem TES
Aluminum / Aluminum honey comb elements,
Structure Cuboid main frame similar to IRS-P4
Thermal Passive/ semi active thermal control with paints, MLI
Thermal control blankets, OSR and close loop temperature control
Thermal All electronics 0-40deg C,
Limits Battery 0-10 deg C,
PAN : 20+3 deg C
Mechanism Solar panel Solar panel hold down and deployment mechanism
similar to 1A/1B
Sun pointing through SADA
Solar panel Rigid ,Sun tracking, uncanted, 9.636 m2, 6 panels 1.1 x
Power 1.46 m2 ,(Each), BSR (SCA) , 800 watts (EOL)
Batteries 2 batteries, 28-42V, 28 Cells, Ni-Cd, 21 AH
Electronics More efficient power electronics developed. Two raw
buses (28-42V) supplying power to all subsystems.
Modular type of DC-DC converters for payload and data
handling
Telecommand Conventional systems backed by microprocessor based,
TTC time tagged and payload sequencer both for main and
redundant.
Telemetry ASIC based telemetry system. PCM/PSK/PM modulation
Transponder Uplink frequency 2028.70 MHz
Downlink frequency 2203.20 MHz
Data Handling Data rate :2 X 42.4515 Mbps
Transmission frequency X-band 8150 and 8350 MHz
Modulation : QPSK
Recording facility: 2 x 32 GB (SSR)
Specification Pointing accuracy
AOCS Pitch : +0.15oRoll: +0.15o Yaw: +0.20o

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Drift rate: 3 X 10-4 o/s

Sensors Earth sensor (2+1), PYS (1), 4 pi sun sensors(4),
Magnetometers(2), IRU
Actuators Magneto torquers(2), Reaction wheels(4), 1 N thrusters
(8) and 11 N thruster (1)
AOCE 1750 architecture based microprocessor system for
main and redundant

Figure 5-1 Stowed View of TES

5.1.5 TES Payload

The Technology Experiment Satellite (TES) carries one PANchromatic camera called
PAN-TES. This camera works on the ‘push-broom scanning’ concept using linear array Charge
Coupled Devices (CCD) as sensors. Four 4K, 7um x 7um are used to cover a swath of about 13.5
km at Nadir. In this mode of operation, each line of the image is electronically scanned and
contiguous lines are imaged by the forward motion of the satellite. The improved along track
resolution is achieved by step and stare method.
The PAN-TES camera is a high resolution camera with Instantaneous Geometrical Field
of View (IGFOV) of better than 3 meters. Totally this camera covers a swath of better than 13.5
km. The satellite is agile and can be rotated to +/- 45 deg w.r.t pitch axis and +/- 26 deg w.r.t roll
axis. The focal length of 3920 mm provides an across track IGFOV of better than 3 meter at nadir
view from 560 km altitude. The pitch bias and rate enable the camera to provide better than 3
meter along track resolution. The capability of having maximum +/- 26 deg. bias w.r.t roll axis
provide 5 days revisit of the same location as well as stereo viewing capability in across the track
direction.

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5.1.5.1 System Configuration

The PAN-TES camera had three elements. They are
• Electro-optics module (EOM)
• Payload electronics
o Detector electronics
o Payload electronics packages

• Payload power supply

o Payload power converters
o Payload power regulators
5.1.5.1.1 Electro-Optics Module (EOM)
PAN-TES camera is a single band camera covering the spectral range from 0.5 to 0.85
microns wavelength. The EOM contains
o Imaging Optics
o Detector Head assembly
o Detector electronics
The imaging optics is an Ritchy-chretian (RC) type reflective system with three field
correction lens covering a FOV of +0.85 deg. The optical system has an F/no of 7 and effective
focal length of 3920 mm. The two mirror system is chosen because of its compactness. The use of
hyperboloids for both mirrors allows simultaneous correction of third order spherical aberration
and third order coma. The lenses extend the FOV of the telescope by reducing the Field
aberrations and give a flat image. The optical design of the telescope features an on-axis concave
hyperbolical primary mirror and a convex hyperboloid secondary mirror and three spherical
field correcting lens elements(for extending the FOV of telescope) The lenses are housed in a
barrel with an appropriate flange and are refereed as lens assembly. Bothe primary and
secondary mirrors are coated with enhanced aluminum coating, to avoid the oxidization of
aluminum a protective layer of MgF2 coated on the aluminum coating

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Figure 5-2 Optical Schematic of TES PAN Payload

Figure 5-3 Multiple focal plane generation

Figure 5-4 Exploded View of TES Payload

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Figure 5-5 TES PAN Camera and Detector Head

5.1.5.1.2 PAN TES Specification
OPTICS Value
Type RC Type
Primary mirror
Material Zerodur
Diameter (mm) 570 mm (Usable (560 mm)
Center thickness (mm) 65
Weight (kg) 30
Aspect ratio 1: 10
Obscuration 11.5 %
Opening radius at the center(mm) 190
Secondary mirror
Material Zerodur
Radius of curvature Ro 905 +/- 2 mm
Conic Constant -5.057
Surface figure lambda/10(rms(lambda/67)
Center thickness (mm) 35
Diameter (mm) 190
Weight (kg) 2
Field corrector
No. Lenses 3
Max. lens diameter 128 mm
Focal length 1310 mm
Housing material Titanium
Optical system specification

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Effective focal length (EFL) 3920 mm

Spectral Band (micron) 0.5 – 0.85
F-Number F/7
Field of View + 0.85 deg.
Optical system length 1068 mm
Diffraction limited MTF 0.42
Design MTF 0.39
Achieved optical system MTF(Optics level) 32
Detector
Type Charge Coupled Devices
Detector material Silicon
Spectral response 0.4 um to 0.85 um
No. of pixels 4096/CCD(TH7833)
Pixel arrangement Inline
No. Output ports 4/CCD
No. of CCD devices 4

The four numbers of 4k CCD with 7 x 7 micron size pixels were used to cover a swath of
greater than 11 kilometers. The rays come out from the secondary are spilt by a isosceles prism
and two image planes are created. To mount four devices a specific assembly was designed and
detector 1 & 3 are mounted on one side and 2 & 4 were mounted on another side of the detector
head. The CCDs are mounted on PCBs which in turn are supported by a carrier plates. Detector
1 & 3 view along nadir whereas detectors 2& 4 are shifted in the image plane in the along track
direction. The actual along track distance between these two planes was 22.533 mm each
detector had separate interference filter and LED Panels( consisting of four LEDs, two for optical
bias and two for calibration mode operation). The earth rotation effects on the swath are taken
care by adjusting the location of CCDs. Detector parameters are given below.

Figure 5-6: illustration of CCD projection on Ground

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5.1.5.1.3 Payload Electronics

Payload electronics is similar to IRS-1D payload electronics with four chains. The payload
electronics consists of
1. Detector electronics
2. Payload electronics
Detector Electronics (DE): Each DE package consists of four preamplifiers, bias voltage
generators, clock drive optical bias LED drivers. Detector driver electronics supplies bias voltages
and clocks required for CCDs. The two LEDs required for Optical Bias of CCDs are driven in series
with a constant current drive. Designed around LM 723 regulator. The power supply lines to the
DE are filtered Using Line filters before being fed to the circuits. The charge collected by the
detector pixels are read simultaneously from all four ports and converted to voltages. This signal
is amplified by the DE and pre-amplified signals from DE are provided to the Payload electronics
(PLE) package.
Payload Electronics: The signals from the DE are amplified in the programmable gain amplifier.
The three levels pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) signals of 1.2 MHz is pre-amplified in DE and
is further processed in PLE. A constant DC bias is subtracted from total signal to subtract the
optical bias in the summing amplifier. There are four Gain settings for the amplifier for each Band
which are selectable through ON/OFF commands. The amplified signal is DC restored and
digitized. The seven bit parallel data with hot redundancy is available at PLE output on separate
buffers for BDH main and BDH redt.
The timing logic receives the Line start pulse (WLS repetition Rate: 0.8836 ms, pulse width 1.48
microseconds) and Bit Rate Clock (BRC) of 28.301 MHz with 50% duty cycle from baseband data
handling system and generates the required clock wave forms to read out the data from CCDs
The input clocks from BDH main and redundant are cross coupled with logic main and redundant
and also the output signals of timing logic are cross coupled and given to BDH.
On-board calibration scheme: In calibration mode the detectors were directly illuminated by
the two LEDs which were mounted at an angle of 15 deg. to the optical axis. Calibration mode
operations were done during night passes. Provision to operate the individual CCDs or all CCDs
together in Cal Mode was provided.
System Spec.
Parameter Value
IGFOV (m) < 3meters
Swath km better than 13 km
Integration time (msec) 0.883
Quantization level 128 (7 bits)
Number of gains 4
Signal to noise ratio > 128 (at saturation

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5.1.5.1.4 Step and Stare method

A new imaging method called Step and Stare method implemented first time in this mission. In
this method the ground trace is slowed down by changing the look angle continuously and the
along track resolution is improved.

Figure 5-7 Step and Stare method of TES

Figure 5-8: Ground Projection of Detector

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5.2 IRS-P5 (Cartosat-1)

5.2.1 Introduction
IRS-P5 is a first spacecraft designed to acquire stereoscopic Imageries. The objectives of
the IRS-P5 mission are directed at geo-engineering (mapping) applications, calling for high-
resolution panchromatic imagery with high pointing accuracies. The spacecraft features two
high-resolution panchromatic cameras for in-flight stereo imaging. Hence, IRS-P5 is also referred
to as Cartosat-1. The data products are intended to be used in DTM (Digital Terrain Model)/DEM
(Digital Elevation Model) generation in such applications as cadastral mapping and updating,
land use as well as other GIS applications.

5.2.2 Mission Objective

Followig are the mission objectives

• To design and develop an advanced 3-axis body stabilised remote senisng

satellite for providing the enhanced spatial resolution (better than 2.5 m) with
stereo imaging capability for the cartographic applications.
• To further stimulate new areas of user applications in the areas of cartographic
applications; urban management; disaster assesment, relief planning and
management; environmental assesment and other GIS applications.

5.2.3 Orbit Details

Following factors were considered for finalizing the orbit.
• A marching orbit
• Early revisit of adjacent path
• A faster revisit to cover the region of interest
Two orbits were selected for envisage two different operation modes called stereoscopic image
mode and wide swath mode.
Table 5-1 Orbit Details of IRS-P5
Parameter Stereoscopic Mode Wide swath Mode
Altitude (km) ~618 ~618
Orbit Polar sun synchronous Orbit Polar sun synchronous Orbit
Semi Major Axis (km) 6996.14 6996.14
Inclination (deg) 97.87 97.87
Orbital Period (min) 97.1826 97.1826
Equatorial crossing time 10.30 AM 10.30 AM
Cycle Time 126 days 131 Days
Orbits in cycle 1867 1941
Launch Vehicle PSLV-C6

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5.2.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft

The spacecraft structure is of IRS-P6 heritage, having a size of about 2.4 m x 2.7 m
(height). The structure of the spacecraft consists of the MPL (Main Platform) and the PPL
(Payload Platform). The MPL consists of main cylinder assembly, four vertical panels, top deck
and bottom deck. The cylinder assembly comprises of a central load bearing cylinder, satellite
interface ring and top ring. The top ring of the cylinder interfaces with the top deck. All the four
panels consist of a CFRP cone, PPL deck, wedges for camera mounting, bracket to mount the
payload electronic package near to the Detector Head assembly, and star sensor mounting wedge.
The CFRP interface cone isolates the PPL Deck and the MPL. The two cameras are encompassed
within a thermal cover assembly with two hoods and anchored to the PPL deck
AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystem): The platform is three-axis stabilized (star
sensors in loop, magnetic bearing reaction wheels in tetrahedral configuration, 16 nozzles with
1 N thrusters, 4 nozzles with 11 N thrusters). The pointing accuracies are ±0.05º in all axes,
attitude knowledge = 0.01º, the stability (attitude drift) is 5 x 10-5 º/s, and the ground location
accuracy is < 220 m. The S/C provides a body-pointing capability in the cross-track direction to
facilitate a better observation coverage of points of interest, the FOR (Field of Regard) is ±26º.
The AOCS employs a MIL-STD 31750 processor.
A power of about 1.1 kW (EOL) is provided. The power subsystem of Cartosat-1 consists
of six deployable solar panels, with three panels in each wing (sun side and anti-sun side), each
panel of size 1.4 m x 1.8 m. A SADA (Solar Array Drive Assembly) is employed for maximum
power tracking. Two NiCd batteries, each of 24 Ah capacity, provide power during the eclipse
phases of the orbit. The power bus is formed by ohmic interconnection of solar array strings
(current source) and battery (voltage source). There are two raw bus lines called Bus-A and Bus-
B. The raw bus is essentially the battery whose voltage ranges from 28 - 42 V. Bus control is by
PWM based TCR (Taper Charge Regulator).
RCS (Reaction Control Subsystem): The RCS of Cartosat-1 is a monopropellant hydrazine
system using nitrogen as pressurant and operating in a blow-down mode. The RCS is used for
correcting the satellite injection errors in attitude and inclination, attitude acquisition and
maintenance of the desired sun synchronous orbit. Eight nozzles of 1 N and four 11 N thrusters
are mounted on the bottom deck.
The Thermal control subsystem maintains the temperature of different subsystems
within the specified limits using semi-active and active thermal control elements like paints, MLI
(Multi-Layer Insulation) blankets, optical solar reflectors and auto-temperature controllers All
the surfaces of PAN cameras are thermally treated with black paint. All MFD (Mirror Fixing
Devices) are provided with black tapes. The payload CCD cold finger is connected to heat pipe by
a copper braid. Each CCD has one heat pipe which runs over the thermal cover and gets attached
to the sun side radiator plate and anti-sun side radiator plate respectively.

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Figure 5-9 IRS-P5 Viewed from EP-01 side Figure 5-10 IRS-P5 Viewed from EP-03 side
Table 5-2 Salient features of IRS-P5
Subsystem IRS-P5
Cuboid, Aluminum aluminum Honeycomb structure,
Structure Payload support structure with CFRP to separate
payload platform from main bus
Control Temperature control is with passive techniques using
Thermal Paints, multilayer blankets, Optical solar Reflector, and
active thermal elements like heaters also. Heat pipe
radiator panel is used to maintain the temperature of
LISS-4 detector head assembly.
Limits All electronics packages 0-40degC,
Battery 0-10 deg ,
Payload EO modules : 17 to 23
Mechanism Solar Panel Solar panel deployment mechanism and Drive
Mechanism
Solar Panel Rigid, deployable, Sun tracking, CFRP Faceskin, 15.12 M2
Power , 6 panels 1.4 x 1.8 m2 (Each), 58.8 kg, 50 mic. Kaptan
insulator, 133 cells in series, 35 in parallel 8 string.
1020 W at EOL, BSR
Battery 2 batteries, 28 to 42V, 28 Cells, Ni-Cd 24 AH
Power 2 buses, PWM TCR, FCL, 8 Strings
Electronics

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Telemetry 1024 bits, 2245.68 MHz , storage: 6.29 x 106 Bits

TTC PCM/PSK/PM, 16 Kbps
Telecommand PCM/FSK/FM/PM, 2067.897 MHz
Data Handling The payload data are transmitted in X-band at a data rate
of 105 Mbit/s. The BDH (Baseband Data Handling)
system consists of two separate chains, one for LISS-3
and AWiFS data, and the second chain for LISS-4 data.
The LISS-4 data are transmitted on carrier-1 at 8125
MHz and LISS-3 + AWiFS data are transmitted on carrier-
2 at 8300 MHz.
Data BDH X-Band, PCM/QPSK, 2 carriers, data rate: 2 x 52.5
Transmission Mbps/carrier
Carrier frequency 8125 MHz & 8300 MHz , PAA( 64
elements) RHCP
JPEG like compression(3.2:1)
SSR 120 Gbit(EOL),
Spec. Pointing Accuracies: Yaw: + 0.05o Roll: + 0.05o Pitch: +
0.05o (3 sigma)
Driftrate : 5 x 10-5 deg/sec (3 sigma)
AOCS Sensors Earth sensor(1), DSS(2), Star Sensors(1 Indian, 1
imported)), 4Pi SS(4), Magnetometer (2), IRU(3 DTG),
SPS
Actuators Reaction Wheels 5 NMS(4 in tetrahedral), Magnetic
Torquers (2) , 1N Thrusters(8) 11 N Thruster(4) Fuel
(131 kg) Dry Mass(36 kg)
SADA SADA with Micro-stepping
AOCE Hardwired system as a backup only for microprocessor
based linear controller.
Payloads PAN Aft, PAN Fore mass(250 Each)
Mass 1560 kg

5.2.5 IRS-P5 Payload

The payload instrumentation consists of two panchromatic cameras of PAN heritage as
flown on the IRS-1C/D satellites. The objective is to obtain fore-aft stereo imagery with two fixed
(body-mounted) instruments (i.e., a two-line stereo configuration). They are mounted with a tilt
of + 26 deg. (Fore) -5 deg (Aft) from yaw axis in Yaw roll plane. Both cameras are identical in
optical electrical and mechanical design. It also has off-nadir capacity up to + 22 deg by providing
roll biasing in the orbit ref. frame. The discrimination of elevation differences of better than 5 m
make the data particularly suitable for map-making and terrain modeling

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 PAN-F (Panchromatic Forward-pointing Camera) featuring a fixed forward tilt of 26º.

 PAN-A (Panchromatic Aft-pointing Camera), it is fixed at an aft tilt of -5º.
Each camera provides a spectral range of 0.5 - 0.85 µm, a spatial resolution of 2.5 m, a
swath width of 30 km, and data quantization of 10 bits. Stereo imagery is acquired with a small
time difference (about 50 s) due to the forward and backward look angles of the two cameras.
The major change in imaging conditions during this time period is due to rotation of Earth. An
algorithm for Earth rotation compensation is being used to eliminate the delayed observations of
the two cameras.
Table 5-3 Features of IRS-P5 Payload
Parameter PAN-F Camera PAN-A Camera
Spectral range 500 - 850 nm
Along-track tilt angle with respect to nadir +26º -5º
Spatial resolution (cross-track x along- 2.5 m x 2.78 m 2.22 m x 2.23 m
track)
Radiometric resolution
a) saturation radiance 55 mW/(cm2 sr µm)
b) data quantization 10 bit
c) SNR 345 at saturation radiance
Swath width (for stereo imagery) 29.42 km 26.24 km
Swath width (for monoscopic observation 55 km (with swath overlaps)
mode)
CCD array (No of arrays x No of elements) 1 x 12,288 1 x 12,288
Detector element size 7 µm x 7 µm 7 µm x 7 µm
Optics:
Telescope aperture diameter 50 cm
No of mirrors 3
Effective focal length 1945 mm
F number f/4
FOV (Field of View) ±1.08º
Integration time 0.336 ms
Detector 12 K CCD
Quantization 10 Bits
SWR @ nyquist frequency >0.20
SNR Signal To Noise Ratio >256
MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) cross-track = 20, along-track = 23
Onboard calibration Relative, using LEDs
Data compression JPEG algorithm, compression ratio = 3.2:1
(max)

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Data rate 105 Mbit/s (source data rate of 340

Mbit/s)
Nominal B/H ratio for stereo 0.62
Power 110 W (Per Camera)
Mass < 250 kg (Per Camera)

Payload consists of

• Electro optical module

• Payload Electronics
• Power Electronics
5.2.5.1.1 Electro-optical Module
Each optical module consists of axis three mirror optical system and detector Head assembly
consisting of 12K CCD, spectral Band filter and calibration LED
Optical system: The optical system is extended version of the panchromatic camera of IRS-
1C/1D. i.e un-obscured off-axis reflective system. The focal length of the system is 1945 mm and
the FOV is +1.3 deg across track and + 0.2 deg in along track. The optical system of each PAN
camera is designed with a three-mirror off-axis reflective telescope with an off-axis concave
hyperboloid primary mirror, convex spherical secondary mirror and an off-axis concave
ellipsoidal tertiary mirror - to meet the required resolution and swath width.
The mirrors are made from special Zerodur glass blanks. The mirrors are polished to an accuracy
of lambda/80 and are coated with enhanced AlO2coating. The mirrors are mounted to the electro-
optical module using iso-static mounts, so that the distortion on the light weighted mirrors are
reduced to a minimum.
Interference spectral filter
Shape : Rectangular
Dimension: 115 x 20 x 6 mm3
Coated area: 110 x 18 mm2

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Figure 5-11 Optical schematic of IRS-P5 PAN

Figure 5-12 Electro optical Module of IRS-P5 Camera

Figure 5-13 PAN camera under testing

5.2.5.1.2 Detector Head Assembly:
Each camera has separate DHA. The Detector is a linear CCD detector array of 12,288 pixels
which is mounted in a DHA.

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The DHA Consists of DHA Housing, 12K Linear CCD, CCD Holder, 16 LEDs per CCD, LED Holder,
Interference Spectral Filter, cold finger, Bias voltage generating circuits, clock driver circuits and
Thermal control systems.

Figure 5-14 Detector Head Assembly

5.2.5.1.3 Detector
Each DHA uses 12 K element linear CCD Thomson make (THX31543A) with a pixel size of 7
micron x 7 micron staggered by 35 microns. Silicon is used as photo sensitive element which is
sensitive upto 1.1 micron. The detector provides video data on 8 ports 4 ports for odd pixel and
4 ports for even pixels. Each port provides video data for 1520 pixels including 20 prescan pixels.

Figure 5-15: Staggered arrangement of pixels in 12 K CCD

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Figure 5-16 12K CCD Architecture

Wide Swath by
attitude changes

Figure 5-17: Schematic of imaging modes of IRS-P5

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Figure 5-18: Along-track imaging geometry of the CartoSat-1 fore- and aft-viewing
cameras
The imagery of the 2-line along-track stereo camera may be used for a variety of applications,
among them for the generation of DEMs (Digital Elevation Models). The data is expected to
provide enhanced inputs for large scale mapping applications and stimulate newer applications
in the urban and rural development.

5.3 Cartosat-2/2A/2B
5.3.1 Introduction
The Cartosat-2 is a high resolution agile satellite with less inertia. This satellite is used to
acquire spot images and strip images upto 200 km. The various type of image pattern possible is
provide in the figure 13.4

5.3.2 Mission Objective

The main objectives of the Cartosat-2 mission are –

• To design and develop a high agility advanced satellite with a high spatial resolution of
around 1.0 m in panchromatic band with an operational life of 5 years and mission
reliability of 0.75.

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• To meet the ever – increasing user demands for cartographic applications at cadastral
level urban and rural management, coastal land use and regulation, utilities mapping and
development and various other GIS applications.

5.3.3 Orbit Details

Table 5-4 Orbit details of Cartosat-2/2A/2B
Parameters Nominal Recurrent
Altitude (km) 630.6 560
Semi Major Axis (km) 7008.6 6938.1
Eccentricity 9999 E-004
Inclination (Deg) 97.914 97.91
Argument Of Perigee(Deg) 90 87.19
Local Time 9 .30 A.M 9.30 AM
Revisit (Days) 4 1
Repetivity 310 days 1
Orbits/day 14. 15
Period(min) 97.446 96

5.3.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft

Table 5-5: Salient features of Cartosat-2/2A/2B

Parameter Cartosat-2/2A/2B
Mass 678 kg ( Payload: 119.5 kg)
Structure Hexagon shaped Aluminum and aluminum
honeycomb structure
Thermal Components Passive control using tapes , OSR, MLI Blankets
and semi-active/active control using
proportionate temperature controller and
heaters, Detector cooling via heatpipe
Temp. Range 20+5 deg.C range for imaging sensors electro-
optics
5+5 deg. C for Chemical Batteries
0 to 40 deg.C for electronic packages
Mechanism DGA Drive Dual Gimbal antenna hold down and drive
mechanism.
Solar Array Solar arrays deployment is done by solar array
Deployment hold down and deployment mechanism.

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Power Solar Array Four (2+2), 4.64 m2 (1.45m x 0.8 m each),

Rigid deployable panels, without SADA, Sun
pointing. 23 cells(Triple junction) series, 60 in
parallel 9 strings.
1200 W @ EOL
Battery 42V, SAFT, NiCd, 18 AH, 2 Batteries, 28 cells in
series
Electronics Modularized distribution Package, Mother
Board-daughter Board control Package.
Telemetry S-Band; PCM/PSK Real Time rate 256 bps and
Communication play back rate 4 Kbps;
Telecommand S-Band : PCM/PSK/FM/PM, and
VHF : PCM/FSK/AM
Tracking Facility for ON/OFF and Data commands
S-Band tone ranging and two way Doppler X-
band beacon
BMU (AOCE + Telecommand 4 KBPS PSK Modulated with 44 KHz Sub
TM/TC) carrier.
Telemetry 4 KBPS with 32 KHz/128 KHz sub carriers

Attitude/Orbit Star sensor(2), 4 PI sun sensors(4),

sensors Dynamically Tuned Gyros (DTG)(3),
Magnetometers(2), SPS for orbit
determination)
Attitude 15 NMS, 0.3 Nm RW (4) mounted in
control tetrahedral configuration, Magnetic
torquers(3), Hydrazine thrusters(8 one
Newton) 63 kg Fuel
Orbit Control Monopropellant hydrazine thrusters
Orbit- <40 meters
Determination
accuracy
Attitude 40 Arc sec along bore sight of
Determination SS
Accuracy 10 Arc sec across bore sight
Data Handling

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Payload Panchromatic ~1 m resolution

RC type optics
Mass Bus C2:678 kg (Bus+ Payload)
Payload Payload:119.5 kg

Figure 5-19 Stowed Configuration- Cartosat-2/2A/2B

Figure 5-21 Cartosat-2 Exploded view

Figure 5-20 Cartosat-Stowed View

5.3.5 Cartosat-2/2A/2B Payload

Optical system is a modified RC system consisting of two-mirror RC type telescope, three lenses,
a window and a band pass filter. Field correcting optics consisting three lenses elements is used

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to correct the aberrations at the larger field of view (+/- 0.5 deg.) and also to flatten the image. A
band pass filter placed close to the CCD defines the band shape. The camera operates in the
spectral band of 0.5 – 0.8 µm using 12000 elements CCD array. The CCD covers a swath of about
9.6 km.
The two CCDs are located within the focal plane along with band pass filters and calibration
system using LEDs. Two independent chains of Camera Electronics are planned to cater to two
CCDs.

5.3.5.1 Panchromatic camera specifications:

Camera Value
Resolution ~1 m
Swath ~9.6 km
Spectral Band 0.5 to 0.8 M
Detector 12 K Linear Array CCD
Optics Type RC type
Optics F/8, 5.6m Focal Length
Spectral Band 0.5 to 0.85 µm
FOV + 0.43 Across track)
+ 0.2 (along Track)
Size of the Primary Mirror 700mm
Size of the Secondary Mirror 199mm
CCD
No. Of Pixels /Detector 12000
Pixel Size 7 µm X 7µm
No. Of Output Ports / Detector 8
System
IGFOV ~1 M (for non- tilt conditions)
Integration time 366µsec
Radiometric Quantization 10 bits
Quantization Levels 1024 (for 10 bits)
SNR (at saturation)
55 Mw/Sr/µM 180
10 Mw/Sr/µM 80
Camera Size 760mm (dia) X 1600mm (height)
Camera Weight ~ 120 kg
Power < 60 W

5.3.5.2 Payload Configuration

The payload consists of a Telescope-having an obscured two-mirror system with field
correcting optics, two CCDs located within the focal plane along with the band pass filters and

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calibration system using LEDs. The payload is a single panchromatic camera (0.5 to 0.8 microns)
with a spatial resolution of around 1m and swath of 9.6 km. Two CCD’s – One main and one redt.
have been provided. The main CCD interfaces with the BDH (M) and RF (M), while the redt. CCD
interfaces with BDH (R) and RF (R). The camera is mounted on a highly agile platform capable of
being steered across and along the track to provide spot imageries of the desired locations.
The camera system requirements are as follows:
• Provide images with ground projection of better than 1 m in panchromatic band.
• Provide swath of about 10 km.
• Cover 100% albedo for an observation time of around 09.30 AM
• Configuration shall have low moment of Inertia.

Two independent chains of Camera electronics to cater to two CCDs and are planned to
be located close to the detector. The CCDs are mounted in two identical DHAs (Detector Head
Assembly) and are configured to have cold redundancy and one of them will be on at a time.
Each DHA consists of:

• 12 K Linear array CCD.

• Bias voltage generating circuits
• Clock driver circuits
• LEDs for onboard calibration

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• Heaters and thermistors for thermal control.

5.3.5.2.1 Detector
Detector is a 12 K element linear charge coupled device THX31543A with a pixel size of
7 µ x 7µ staggered by 35 µ. It provides video data on 8 ports; four ports for odd pixels and four
ports for even pixels. Each port provides video data for 1520 pixels including 20 pre-scan cells.
CCD has anti blooming and integration control and the Integration time selected is 366 µs.

Figure 5-22 12K CCD architecture

5.3.5.2.2 CCD Drive
CCD requires a total of 20 bias voltage lines for its operation. These are generated using the series
regulators with an input supply of 18 V.CCD needs a total of 20 clocks for operation. DHA receives
clock signals at TTL level from timing and control logic circuits and are conditioned to suitable
voltage levels to drive the required loads of CCD.
5.3.5.2.3 Calibration:
There is provision for in-flight calibration. Total eight LEDs are provided in each DHA as two sets
of four LEDs in series.
5.3.5.2.4 Heaters and thermistors for CCD temp control
CCD temperature variation is required to be controlled to a narrow range of about 20 + 2 deg. C
to minimise the impact of photo response variation on radiometer. The heaters are put ON
whenever CCD is OFF to minimise temperature variation near the CCD. These heaters are
mounted on cold fingers. DHA also requires to maintained at a nominal setting of 20 deg. C and
control range of + 2 deg. C; for this DHA requires to be cooled. This is achieved by attaching copper

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braids to the cold finger used for holding the CCD. The copper braid in turn is attached to radiator
plate through heat pipes. There are control heaters along with controller to maintain the DHA at
20 + 2 deg.
5.3.5.2.5 Camera Electronics:
The camera electronics consists of:

• Port wise video processing chain

• Timing and control logic
• Exposure control logic for imaging and calibration modes
• Clock distribution circuit
• Calibration drivers.
Camera electronics provides necessary clocks for detector operation and constant current for
calibration LEDs. It receives video signal from detector, processes and digitises it, extract true
video and provide it to BDH subsystem for further processing. Fig: 3.1.6 Shows the Block
Schematic of Camera Electronics.
5.3.5.2.6 Video Processor
It receives analog video from DHA, amplifies the signal, restricts the bandwidth, and
extracts digitised data corresponding to true video by converting analog data. After processing
the data it transmits the same to the Base Band Data Handling System.
It also takes care of saturation and low-level noisy conditions. All the ports are read out
simultaneously. Considering the requirements of processing speed (readout rate: 4.2MHz/port),
data rate (336 Mbps/detector) and accuracy and other factors the video chain is configured
separately for each chain.
5.3.5.2.7 Logic:
Control logic generates various signals required for CCD operation and video processing. The
function is realised by three circuits:
a)Timing and control logic: This logic receives Bit Rate Clock and Wider Line Start Pulse (WLS)
from BDH subsystem and generates control signals required to read out of signals from the CCD,
signal processing activities of video processing and latching of port data and basic clocks for
calibration logic circuit.
b) Exposure control Logic: On board calibration is used to monitor degradation, if any, of the
detectors. Here the CCD is continuously illuminated with a constant light using 8 LEDs in 2 sets
and the integration time is varied to obtain various calibration levels.
ECL generates integration clock with 16 exposures widths in calibration mode a single exposure
width in image mode.

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In imaging mode, the residual charges, if any, at photo sites are drained into sink for a small
duration to result in better radiometric accuracy. The circuit takes line rate and pixel rate/16
control pulses from timing logic and generates integration control pulses. In imaging mode the
width of this clock is fixed. When the calibration mode is selected, the mode status is used to
initiate the counter and vary the width of integration clock at line rate. The logic generated 16
widths in a cyclic form.
c) Clock distribution: Clock distribution receives all the clock outputs generated in Timing and
Exposure logic and distributes them to DHA subsystem and video processor packages according
to the requirements. Calibration Driver: Calibration driver provides constant DC current for 8
calibration LEDs located in two groups at Detector Head Assembly. The LEDs continuously glow
and provide illumination on detector in calibration mode.
A constant current of 16 + 1mA is passed through each set of 4 regulator. The circuit is powered
only when calibration mode is selected.

5.3.5.3 Data Handling

Cartosat-2 is the Advanced Remote Sensing spacecraft configured with a high-resolution
camera on an agile platform. The imaging modes/profiles are new this mission so as to use the
imaging time more efficiently with respect to the coverage. At 630 km sun synchronous orbit,
Cartosat-2 carries a high spatial resolution Panchromatic camera with an operational life of 5
years. The payload consists of two 12K element linear CCDs. The video data is quantised to 10
bits. The total data rate per ports of the CCD works out to be 336MBPS. The video data at this rate
from the 8 ports of the CCD video processor electronics required to be formatted and transmitted
to the ground by DH system through the X-band carrier. The video data is also to be suitably
encrypted and additionally stored in a SSR for later playback and transmission. CCD1 data is to
be transmitted through the main DH chain and the CCD2 data is to be transmitted through the
redundant DH chain.
5.3.5.3.1 Data Interface Package
Data Interface Package receives eight ports of data each at 4.2 Mpixels/sec from Payload
Electronics. Each port data bus is 10 bits parallel. The JPEG like compression system requires
data in a 8x8 block form. There is also a requirement to bypass the compression and transmit the
original data in bypass.
Electrical Specifications
No. of input ports 8 ( 4I + 4Q)
Port data rate 4.2M words/Sec
Port data format 10 bit parallel
No. Of Pixels/Port 1504 (2 prescan+1500 Valid video+2 post scan)
Integration time ~ 365.71μsec
Output data to DCS 2 ports, LVDS, 10 bit parallel @ 17.5 MBPS

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Output data to BDH 2 ports, TTL 10 bit parallel @ 5.25 MBPS

Power ~ 10W

The order in which video pixels of each port are coming out from payload is as shown below:
Odd Ports
Port1: Prescan 19 &20,, Pixel#1, #3,……,#2997, #2999, post scans 1&2
Port2: Prescan 19 &20,Pixel#3001, #3003,……,#5997, #5999 post scans1&2
Port3: Prescan 19 &20,, Pixel#8999, #8997,……,#6003, #6001, post scans1&2
Port4: Prescan 19 &20, Pixel#11999, #11997,……,#9003, #9001, post scans1&2
Even Ports
Port5: Prescan 19 &20, Pixel#2, #4,……,#2998, #3000, post scans1&2
Port6: Prescan 19 &20, Pixel#3002, #3004,……,#5998, #6000, post scans1&2
Port7: Prescan 19 &20,Pixel#9000, #8998,……,#6004, #6002, post scans1&2
Port8: Prescan 19 &20,Pixel#12000, #11998,……,#9004, #9002, post scans1&2

S/C Ground Trace S/C S/C

0.3
0.9

1 Spots 0.3

2
2 Spots

SPOT PAINT MULTI

Strips

C
artosat-2B

Figure 5-23 Image pattern of Cartosat-2

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5.4 Cartosat-2S (2C/2D/2E/2F)

5.4.1 Introduction
Cartosat-2 Series Satellites are high resolution remote sensing satellite configured with
panchromatic camera and a 4-band multispectral camera operated in ‘Time Delay Integration
(TDI)’ mode. It provides scene specific imageries of 0.64m spatial resolution in panchromatic
camera and better than 2m in multispectral camera with a swath of 10 km. This three-axis
stabilized mission provides spot images of the desired location and has the capability of a long
track steering to provide stereo spot imageries and across track steering up to + 26° to enhance
the range of spot imageries. Cartosat-2 Satellites also carries two Event Monitoring Cameras Ev1
(0.5m Monochrome) and Ev2 (0.4m RGB) to provide video imagery of pre-selected site with sub
meter sampling to build the capability for real time monitoring of ground events. Cartosat-2
Satellites will meet the information requirements of the user community primarily for urban and
rural planning, micro-watershed development and geo-engineering applications for an
operational life of 5 years.
The Cartosat-2 Satellites are envisaged to provide a highly agile 3- axes stabilized
platform. Thus, the satellite provides a 5 day re-visit capability using its agility.
The spacecraft nominal altitude is 505 km. The overall mass of the satellite is around 715
± 5 kg and the power generation capability is around 986 watts (BOL).

Figure 5-24 Cartosat-2S Remote Sensing Satellite

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5.4.2 Mission Objectives

The main objectives of the Cartosat-2S mission are:
 To provide assured continuity of data services for user community.
 To provide high resolution images in Panchromatic and Multispectral bands with an
operational life of 5 years.

5.4.3 Orbit Details

Cartosat 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F comparison.
Table 5-6: Orbit details of Cartosat satellites
Parameter Cartosat 2C Cartosat 2D Cartosat 2E Cartosat 2F
Spacecraft Mass 738 kg 714 kg 711 kg 710 kg
Payload Mass 120 kg 120 kg 120 kg 120 kg
Spacecraft Size 2435 x 2300 x 2435 x 2300 x 2435 x 2300 x 2435 x 2300 x
(Yx Px R)mm 1620 1620 1620 1620
Average Power 986 W (BOL) 986 W (BOL) 986 W (BOL) 986 W (BOL)
Generated
Average Payload Power <70 (PAN) <70 (PAN) <70 (PAN) <70 (PAN)
<130 (MX) <130 (MX) <130 (MX) <130 (MX)
Altitude 505 km 505 km 505 km 505 km
Eccentricity 9.999 x 10-04 9.999 x 10-04 9.999 x 10-04 9.999 x 10-04
Orbit LEO LEO LEO LEO
No. of orbits/day 15 17/93 15 17/93 15 17/93 15 17/93
Inclination 97.48° 97.46° 97.44° 97.47°
Local time 9 hrs 30 min 9 hrs 30 min 9 hrs 30 min 9 hrs 30 min
Stabilization 3 Axis 3 Axis 3 Axis 3 Axis
Launch Date Jun 22, 2016 Feb 15, 2017 Jun 23, 2017 Jan 12, 2018
Launch Site SHAR SHAR SHAR SHAR
Orbital Period 94.72 min 94.72 min 94.72 min 94.72 min
Swath 10 km 10 km 10 km 10 km

5.4.4 Salient features of Cartosat Systems

The overall mission elements of Cartosat-2S mission are essentially the following:

• The payload system with Panchromatic and Multispectral cameras that can
simultaneously image the area of interest with TDI mode of imaging.
o The payload consists of light weighted primary and secondary mirrors and CFRP
housing.
o PAN and MX TDI detectors with optical butting and spectral filters.

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o The video processing electronics and associated powering circuits.

• The camera is operated in continuous mode with enhanced imaging efficiency.
• The spacecraft can be biased along and across the track up to ±26° respectively to
enhance range of spot imageries and to image the area of interest.
• CCD is mounted along pitch axis to maximize power generation during payload operation.
• A suitable low orbit has been chosen and maintained to meet the various requirements
of the payload, spacecraft bus and data users.
• Appropriate maneuvers during an orbit will be carried out to optimize between solar
array sun pointing for adequate power generation and payload axis pointing towards
earth to provide effective thermal control for payload and to point at regions as required
for imaging.
• On-Board Computer performs various functions such as sensor processing, command &
house-keeping, Attitude & orbit control, Thermal management and payload sequencer
execution.
• High accuracy star sensors (3nos.) and gyros for attitude reference
• Magnetic torquers, Reaction wheels and RCS Thrusters as actuators
• Power system with
o AZUR and ZTJ solar cells on high stiffness CFRP substrates as power generation
o Li-Ion battery for energy storage
• RF system comprising the S-Band system for TTC functions and SSPA based X-Band
system for payload data transmission
• A 12 channel GPS SPS (M &R) is in house make to provide spacecraft position data for
attitude determination to support data products generation system.
• 12 Monopropellant RCS system for orbit correction and momentum dumping and for
initial acquisition of spacecraft
• The Data Handling system performs DWT based compression, formatting, encryption and
encoding before storing the data in SSR or Data Transmission.
• Onboard Solid State Recorder for recording the P/L data, which will be played back
subsequently.
• A ground TT&C network capable of operating and controlling spacecraft as per guidelines
of spacecraft control centre which will house the required hardware and software
elements
• Ground system for payload data reception, data processing, data product generation, data
dissemination and archival
Table 5-7 Features of Cartosat Systems
Subsystem Specification
Mass 715 ± 5 kg
Payloads PAN, MX & 2 EvM Cameras
Structure Hexagonal Prism Shaped

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Thermal Control Optical Solar Reflectors (OSR), Multi-layer Insulation

blankets (MLI), Quartz wool blanket, isolation spacers,
and thermal interface materials.
Mechanisms Solar Panel – Accordion Type of Deployment (CCL, Hinges
& Spring Actuators)
DGA – 2 orthogonal drive modules
AOCS
Pointing Accuracy Rate (3 σ) over 2 Hz Band : 2.0e-04°/s
DC Rate : ≤ 2.0e-05°/s (one tenth of 3 σ rate)
Sensors 3 Heads Mk2 Star Sensors
Two 4-PI Sun Sensors
Mini 2 Two Magnetometer
IRU with 1553 Interface
Actuators Eight canted 1N thrusters for attitude corrections as well
as OM operation
Four un-canted 1N thrusters for OM Operation
Four Reaction Wheels (0.3 Nm Torque and 15.0 Nms
@3300rpm) mounted in tetrahedral configuration about
+Yaw axis, Tacho & 16Bit TCS Interface
Three Magnetic Torquers of 20.0 A-m2 Capacity
Power System
Solar Panels 2*2 | Azur & ZTJ cells | 900W (EOL)
Battery 36*2 Ah Li-ion | 10Sx24P
Electronics Bus Voltage – 30-42 V
Peak Load Current - <12A@37V
TT&C
Telemetry S-Band |4 kbps (RT), 16 kbps (PB) | PCM (NRZ(S))
Telecommand S-Band |4 kbps | PCM/PSK
RF System
Payload Data System X-Band | 320 Mbps | QPSK
SPS 12 Channel | L1 (1575.42 MHz) | C/A Code
SSR
200Gb

5.4.5 Cartosat-2S Payload

Cartosat-2 Satellites uses similar imaging optics and mainframe of Cartosat-2 series with
enhancement in focal plane to cater to the mission objectives for improving spatial resolution in
panchromatic band and incorporating multi-spectral capability for host of civilian applications.
Also, it shall provide continuous imaging using Time Delay and Integration (TDI) concept which
facilitates faster image acquisition by avoiding staring time. The camera is mounted on a highly

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agile satellite platform capable of being steered across and along the track to provide spot
imageries of the desired locations. In order to achieve 0.64 meter resolution with Cartosat-2A/2B
optics, the nominal satellite altitude required is 505 km. The high resolution PAN and multi-
spectral camera along with the camera electronics and Two experimental “event monitor” (EvM)
cameras have been accommodated within the available telescope field of view. The PAN and MX
camera specifications are given in table below. Major features of EvMs are given in Table 5-8 &
Table 5-9.

Table 5-8 PAN and MX Camera specifications of Cartosat-2 Satellites

Cartosat-2 Satellites
Parameter
PAN MX
Ground projection at nadir (m) 0.64 <2
Swath (km) 10 10
Spectral bandwidth (μm) 0.45-0.9 B1: 0.45-0.52B2: 0.52-
0.59 B3: 0.62-0.68B4:
0.77-0.86
SWR (%) @ Nyquist freq. >10 >20
Saturation Radiance (mW/cm2-str- 55 B1: 53B2: 53
μm) B3: 47B4: 31.5
Quantization (bits) 11 11
SNR 180 (TDI=12 stages) at Band-1/2/3/4: 300
100% Albedo 180 (TDI=80 (TDI=15) at 100%
stages) at 15% albedo 50 albedo Band-1/2/3/4:
(TDI=12 stages) at 15% >60 (TDI=15) at 15%
Albedo albedo Band-1/2/3/4:
> 120 (TDI=45) at
15% albedo
Size of EO module envelope (mm) + 775, 775, 1415
Roll Pitch Yaw
Weight of EO module 120 kg
Unregulated power (W) <70 <130
Data rate (Gbps) 2.4 1.5
Equatorial crossing time 09:30 AM (descending node)

Table 5-9 Major Features of Event Monitor Cameras

EvM-1 EvM-2
PARAMETER
MODE-1 MODE-2
Number of pixels in Across-track: 2048 Across-track: 2048 1600 * 1200
a frame Along-track: 2048 Along-track: 82

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Bands Monochrome 3 (RGB)

GSD (m) from 500 0.5 0.4 (2*2 pixels of
km altitude 0.2m)
Swath (m2) from 1006 * 1006 1006 * 40 314 * 236
500 km altitude
Frame rate (fps) 28 375 15
Data rate (Mbps) 1280 ~230Mbps
Unregulated power 5.8 2.4
(W)

Payload consists of telescope, focal plane assembly and camera electronics housed in mechanical
systems as shown in Figure 5-25 & Figure 5-26.

Figure 5-25 Isometric View of Electro Optic Module

Figure 5-26 Fold mirror assembly

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5.4.5.1 Optical System (Telescope)

It is same as Cartosat-2A/2B and is a modified RC system with two-mirror configuration
and field correcting optics. It comprises of primary mirror (PM) (concave hyperboloid mirror of
aperture 700mm and radius of curvature of 2585mm), secondary mirror (SM) (convex
hyperboloid mirror of aperture 199mm and radius of curvature of 850.4mm) and field correcting
optics (FCO). Field correcting optics (FCO) has been modified to increase the field of view from
to ±0.5° to ± 0.6° to retain same swath at reduced spacecraft altitude. The focal length (5600mm)
and the F-number (f/8) of the telescope remain same as in the earlier Cartosat-2 series. Focal
plane uses split field configuration based on field separation by using multiple fold mirrors so as
to accommodate PAN, MX and EvM detectors. The optical system caters to spectral range of
450nm to 900nm. The band characteristics of multi-spectral bands will be similar to the IRS
series of payloads. In Mx chain spectral selection is carried out using four band strip filter
commensurate with detector architecture mounted directly on the detector package. Optical
schematic of the telescope is shown in Figure 5-27.

Figure 5-27 Optical Schematic of Telescope

Physical size of the detectors is almost twice the active size and therefore when placed
adjacent to each other, results in discontinuous swath and also exceeds the field of view of ±0.6°.
This is overcome using optical butting technology. The optical butting concept is shown in Figure
5-28.

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Figure 5-28 Optical Butting Configurations

5.4.5.2 The Detection Systems

It is located in the focal plane. The detection system is designed with TDI detectors which
facilitates continuous imaging capability and high SNR for low-illumination scenes. PAN channel
uses two 8k TDI CCDs and MX has five 1.3k TDI CCDs to achieve full swath.
Realization of 0.64m GSD in PAN with 10 km swath is with 7μm pixel size and >15000
pixels. This is achieved by use of 8K TDI detector. The 8K TDI array has 80 stages with 4, 8, 12,
16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 80 stage selections and lateral anti-blooming feature.
Realization of better than 2m GSD for MX is achieved by use of 1.3K Quad- TDI detector
having pixel size of 17.6μm and four TDI arrays within single package, which can cater to four
different spectral bands, is selected. It provides 1.57m ground projection.
Onboard calibration is planned to be carried out using stellar imaging, lunar imaging
and ground sites similar to that of Cartosat-2 series.

5.4.5.3 Payload electronics (PE)

It consists of high speed miniaturized front-end electronics for detector drive and video
processing; high speed timing and control logic electronics and low noise regulated payload
power supply. Modular configuration is adopted for payload electronics. Noise performance of
payload electronics is aimed to achieve high dynamic range at system level. 11-bits quantization
is implemented. PE for Cartosat-2 Satellites is a similar to Cartosat-2 Series, based on TDI
detectors with miniaturization and Low power dissipation using state of the art components like
AFEs, FPGA, LVDS, SerDes, SMD resistors/capacitors and micro/nano connectors to meet size,
weight and power goals.
Main functions of payload electronics are:

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• Provide required detector drive signals (Bias and clocks)

• Perform analog processing and digitization of detector output
• Timing and control signal generation
• Power supply for all payload electronics systems
• Interface to data handling, Tele-command, Telemetry and Raw bus
All these above functionalities are realized through three building blocks namely,

• Front End Camera Electronics (FCE)

• Digital Control & Processing Electronics (DCPE)
• Payload power supply (PPS)
FCE mainly comprises of all the analog mixed electronics system near the focal plane assembly
of the telescope along with detector.
DCPE is a complete digital system generating all logic and control signals for detector & FCE. PPS
will have DC/DC converters, regulators and distribution circuitry for providing low noise multi
voltage level supply lines for FCE and DCPE. DCPE and PPS will have interfaces to BDH, OBC and
Spacecraft Raw bus.
PE is custom designed and independent both for PAN and MX payloads. Modular approach is
followed for complete PE chain with minimum cross coupling and with available real estate and
low power.
Each MX detector has four arrays. Out of four arrays, two arrays of a detector are handled by
single electronics module. Hence total 10 modules are required for 20 arrays of five TDI
detectors. Each chain is powered individually and there will be total 10 PPS Units (PPSU)
required to power MX camera. Each PPS delivers approximately 7W power. Two PAN detectors
are handled by two independent electronics modules comprising of FCE, DCPE and PPS unit. PE
block diagram is shown in Figure 5-29.

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Figure 5-29 Block diagram of Camera Electronics Configuration (per module)

5.4.6 Comparison of Cartosat-2 Series Satellites

Table 5-10 Changes in Carto 2D w.r.t Carto 2C

S.No. Cartosat 2C Cartosat 2D

Integration
1 Mk I SS – 2 no’s & Mk II SS – 1 no All are Mk II SS. HX1750 based CPU
Card has been used to provide better
timing margins.
2 X-Band Transmitter main mounted top X-Band Transmitter main & redundant,
deck outside, converter mounted on RP-05 converter mounted top deck outside.
panel.
3 EP-04 panel is split as 2 panels. EP-04 panel is single as continuous.
4 Latch valves are MPLV type Latch valves are SFLV & MPLV type
(Each 2 no’s)
5 Magnetometer Mini Magnetometer.
ASPC Card Modification to
accommodate Mini Magnetometer.
Reaction Control System
6 Tayco make heaters – 4 no’s Indigenous thruster bed for 2 nos. of
non-canted thrusters Y1, Y2.
OBC
7 Modifications in EID
o To accommodate additional heaters(Thermal Requirement)
 8 heaters added(RW, BDH, SSR related)
 Payload heater(Cold Finger 4(M)) shifted to OBC-10)
o TM & TC requirements of Mark-II star sensors

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 Two Nos of PII pulse commands reduced for SS1 & SS2
o TM & TC requirements of Mini-Mag
 TM Requirements of Mini-Mag
• 4 Nos of Analog Monitoring for +/-10V Regulator Monitoring
 TC Requirements of Mini Mag
• 4 PII Pulse commands for Mini-Mag supply On/Off
8 OBC Software modifications based on Cartosat-2C observations & Mission/ISTRAC
Requirements.
Mechanism
9
• DGA mechanism for CARTOSAT 2D and 2E will have only one Resolver per Drive
Module.
• Redundancy with in DGA removed as PAA is main Antenna and DGA is
Redundant.
Thermal

11
• EP03/EP05 panel – PW-12/22 (Diode) packages are removed and diodes are
shifted to solar panels rear side.
• EP04 split panels are made into single panel to improve the structure stiffness
• RP03 – Mark 1 star sensor replaced with Mark-2 star sensor
• RP04 – Mark 1 star sensor replaced with Mark-2 star sensor
• Top deck layout – XBS-11/12 package is stacked on top deck outside; XTC shifted
fromRP05 to top deck adjacent to XBS package. PEC-10/20 relocated from top
deck outside to top deck inside below XBS.
• PAA MMICs – Eight 20 dbm and eight 26 dbm MMICs were used in Cartosat-2C.
Presently, six 20 dbm and ten 24 dbm MMIC are used.
• SSPA – Change in the make of 2W SSPA from GAETEC to Astra.
• SPS – One imported and one Indigenous. Change in the SPC configuration
• Payload metering cylinder is indigenous.
• Additional Heaters For –REACTION WHEELS, BDH & SSR
SSR
12
• Cross coupling in the playback path has been removed and the modules are now
shifted to the data controller.
• Data transitions have been increased in the data to remove data redundancy.
• Addition of processor write signal to logic.
13 SSR software has been changed in 2D w.r.t 2C in terms of bug fixes and mission
requirements.

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Table 5-11 Changes in Cartosat-2E w.r.t Cartosat-2D

S.No. Description
RCS
1 Indigenous thruster bed heaters in place of Tayco make heaters for all 4 nos. of non-
canted thrusters Y1, Y2, Y3 & Y4.
SPS
2 • SPS Main SPS (R) are in- house SPS.
• DC-DC converters SPC-13 (or SPC-41) & SPC-23 are stacked. Mounting provision
to be explored on EP-03 outside near to SPS- 10/20.
• SPS computes PVT based on 12-channels measurement. Existing SPS-PB format
(184 bytes per frame) provides 10-channel data in HK & PB.
• SPS-PB data frame size to be increased from 184 bytes to 210 bytes. It will
provide the full data of 12-channel receiver. Channels 11 & 12 data also to be
used for OD.
• PB data acquisition at checkout and ISTRAC to be updated for increased frame
length.
• Ground processing software of checkout & FDG to be modified to accommodate
the SPS-PB format change.
• SPS-PB download time will increase from 134 seconds to 153 seconds for 1454
frames.
• TM & Aux data will be available for 10-chaneels hence no change in on-board
OBC software. Remaining two channel data will be available in MIL 1553-B
output.
• SPS PB storage logic will be modified in SPS RCE software based on CARTO-2D
observation. PB storage will continue from current storage location in case of
S/W reset occurs. Stored data will not be erased.
• Storage will continue without giving storage on command.
• On-board position loss observation will be taken care by modified frame sync
software module.
• RF front end housings SPS-11 & SPS-21 are identical to CARTOSAT- 2D.
• Since in-house receiver needs one RF input, Power divider not required.
• Filter & PD cards need not to be mounted in top housing of SPS-11 & SPS-21.

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Table 5-12 Changes in Cartosat-2F w.r.t Cartosat-2E

S.No. Description
RCS
1 • Indigenous thruster bed heaters in place of Tayco make heaters for one block of
thrusters R1, R2, R3, R4 & Y1, Y2.
• All four latch valves are of SFLV type.
• Use of indigenous Transition tube.
Battery

2 •LG make battery (2 Nos) with a capacity of 50.4 Ah in place of 36 Ah ABSL make
battery. Allowed DOD changed to 15%.
X-Band System

3 • Configured with in-house X-Band Transmitter (M&R). Heritage from C2C.

SPS

4 • SPS-10, L1 frequency GPS receiver identical to CARTOSAT-2E.

• SPS -210 is GPS + NAVIC BASED receiver with messaging facility.
• SPS-211 in place of SPS-21. SPS-211 has L1 & L5 dual band antenna.
• SPS-20 EID modified as per SPS-210
• SPS-21 housing modified to accommodate L1 + L5 antenna.
• SPS-210 PB data increased from 1454 frames to 1600 frames.
• SPS-PB frame size increased from 212 bytes per frame to 360 bytes per frame.
• SPS-PB data acquisition software updated and checkout and ground station for
increased frame length.
• SPS Filter package accommodated on EP-04 panel.
Thermal

5 • Additional Temperature sensors and Heaters are provided for NavIC based SPS.

Software Changes

6 • 1553 Interface with SPS to receive NAVIC based command.

• Additional words in SA#7 (32 instead of 15 Only SPS2)
• Command Encryption with Onboard Decryption Software for NAVIC based
commanding
• Command Validation and decoding
• Telemetry database updation for NAVIC based parameters
• ATC database modification for additional heater requirement for SPS

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6. Microwave Remote Sensing Satellite Series

6.1 RISAT-1
6.1.1 Introduction
RISAT is the first microwave satellite designed and fabricated by ISRO. This mission will
facilitate data collection in day/night and in all weather conditions.

6.1.2 Mission Objective

 To Develop a multimode, agile SAR payload operating in ScanSAR, Strip and spot modes
to provide images with coarse, fine and high spatial resolutions respectively
 To develop and operate a compatible satellite to meet the mission requirements
operating in three axis stabilized mode in 536.38 km circular sun synchronous orbit.
 To establish ground segment to receive and process SAR data.
 To develop related algorithms and data products to serve in well-established application
area and also to enhance the mission utility.

6.1.3 Orbital Parameters

The guiding parameter for the orbit selection for RISAT is achieving a global coverage in
a systematic way for a given swath. In interferometric applications modes, the presence of atomic
oxygen and atmospheric drag has also been kept in view.
Parameters ScanSAR Medium STRIP MAP Interferometer
Mode Resolution Mode Mode
Mode
Altitude(km) 536.38 536.38 536.65 526.9
Inclination 97.554o 97.554o 97.555o 97.52o
Repeat cycle 377 orbits in 377 orbits in 25 2096 orbits in 136 orbits in 13
25 Days Days 139 Days Days
Orbit Period 95.4907 95.4907 95.542 95.294
(Minutes)
Path-to-path 212.6 106.3 19.12 294.7
Distance(km)
Swath (km) 223 115 25 25
Local Time: 6.00- Hrs +/- 5 min (Descending)

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6.1.4 Salient Features of the spacecraft

Parameter RISAT-1
Structure Single cylinder of 2.77 m height. The bottom side of the
cylinder has a truncated triangular structure to
accommodate major bus elements and hold the SAR
antenna. At the top side of the cylinder a cuboid
structure is designed to accommodate solar panels,
sensors antenna etc.
Thermal Components Passive control using tapes , OSR, MLI Blankets and
semi-active/active control using proportionate
temperature controller and heaters(No eclipse in
winter; max 22 min eclipse in summer)
Less albedo load due to 6 AM/6PM equatorial crossing
time
Temp. Range 20+5 deg.C range for imaging sensors electro-optics
5+5 deg. C for Chemical Batteries
0 to 40 deg.C for electronic packages
Mechanisms Payload SAR Hold down &deployment Mechanism

Solar array Solar Array Hold down &Deployment Mechanism

Power Solar Array 2 x 3 Al honeycomb sandwiched between CFRP

faceskin. Panels will be along Roll axis.
Battery NiH2 70 AH , 42 cells
Telemetry 2250.00 MHz , 4 Kbps with 32 kHz subcarrier/128 kHz
sub-carrier(RT & Dwell)
Communicatio 16 kbps with 128 kHz sub-carrier (PB)
n Telecommand 2071. 875 MHz PCM/BPSK/PM
Sub carrier frequency 44 kHz & 4 kbps
Attitude and AOCS Spec. Pointing accuracy : 0.05 Deg (3 sigma) (All Axis)
Orbit Control Drift Rte : 3.0 e-4 deg/sec (3 sigma)
(AOCS) sensors Star sensors(2), Earth Sensor(2), Two Axis DSS, 4-Pi sun
sensor(2), Tri-axial Magnetometer(1), IRU(3) with 1553
interface
10 channel S/A code SPS
Attitude 11 N canted thrusters(8), Center 11 N thruster(1), four
control Reaction Wheels(50 NMS), two 60.0 A-m2Magnetic
torquers,
Modes Operation Sun Acq, IAC mode, SKF,SSQ,ES-DTG, ES-Q, Normal
Mode

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Payload SAR Operating in C-Band 5.35 GHz.

Operation modes
Fine Resolution Strpmap Mode-1 (FRS-1)
Coarse Resolution ScanSAR Mode(CRS)
Medium Resolution ScanSAR Mode(MRS)
Fine Resolution Stripmap Mode-2(FRS-2)
High Resolution Spotlight Mode (HRS)
Circular polarimetric Modes (C-HRS, C-FRS-1, C FRS-2,
C-MRS, C-CRS)
Mass 950 kg approx
Mass 1850 kg

Figure 6-1 Stowed view of RISAT-1

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Figure 6-2 On-orbit view of RISAT

6.1.5 Payload
The C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is the payload of RISAT. Radar
backscattering depends upon the sensor parameters such as frequency, polarization and
incidence angle, dielectric constant roughness and geometry of the target. In RISAT, SAR Payload
will be operating in C-band (5.35 GHz) with both co-and cross- polarization, which will meet most
of the resource applications and also enable achieving high resolution capability. The SAR
payload is based on active phased array antenna technology, which will provide multimode
capability.

6.1.6 Modes of Operation

The proposed SAR will operate in the following basic modes:
Fine Resolution strip map Mode-1 (FRS-1): This is the conventional mode of SAR. In this the
orientation of the antenna beam is fixed with respect to flight path so that a strip of constant
swath (25 km) is illuminated along the flight direction. The indented resolution is 3m for FRS-1
mode.
Coarse Resolution ScanSAR Mode (CRS): The scanSAR mode allows increasing the swath. This
is achieved by periodically stepping the antenna beam to the neighboring subswaths(in range
direction). In the CRS mode of RISAT there will be 12 beams. These results, total swath in CRS
mode would be 223 km. the resolution offered in this mode will be 50 m.
Medium Resolution Stripmap Mode-2 (FRS-2): This is a 6 beam scanSAR mode, similar to the
CRS mode, providing a resolution of 25 m over a swath of 115 km.
Fine resolution Stripmap Mode-2(FRS-2): This mode has quad polarization capability.
Philosophically, this mode is a hybrid strip map and scanSAR. In this case the beam orientation is
kept fixed with respect to the flight path and a strip of constant swath width is covered. Part of
the aperture time the beam polarisation is switched from V-transmit to H-transmit, and vice-

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versa. Hence, this mode would be used for polarimetry, as we can have all the four combinations
of polarization viz. VV, VH, HH,HV.
High Resolution Spotlight Mode (HRS): In the spotlight mode, the antenna beam is oriented
continuously to illuminate a particular spot on the ground. This method increases the target
aperture time which results in improved azimuth resolution (1m) The improved resolution is
obtained at the cost of azimuth coverage.
Circular Polarimetric Modes (C-HRS, C-FRS-1, C-FRS-2, C-MRS, C-CRS): All the modes
mentioned above can be operated in hybrid-circular polarization. This is achieved by
transmitting H & V polarized signals simultaneously but with a relative phase-shift of 90o. Hence,
the transmit signal is in circular polarization and the receive signal is in linear (Dual-pol) – this
makes it a hybrid-circular polarisation operation. To keep the average power-requirements same
as the original specifications, the pulse-width is reduced to half.
Major Mission Parameters for Space borne High Resolution SAR
Parameter Value
Altitude 536 km
Orbit Sun Synchronous (6 A.M/6 PM equatorial crossing)
P/L operating frequency C-Band (5.35 GHz)
Polarisation Single/Dual/Quad-polarisation
Hybrid circular polarimetry
(Transmit circular, receive linear)
Antenna Microstrip Active antenna 6m x 2m
Peak Gain 43.1 dBi
Total no. Beams 64 on each side of the flight track (Total 128)
On board storage SSR with 240 GBits
No. of TR Modules 288 pairs
Transmitter power per TRM 10 W (Ave.)
Antenna peak power 2.88 kW
Average DC Input Power 3.92 kW
Range Compression On Ground
Pulse Width 20 micro sec/10 microsec ( 10 microsec for circular
polarization)
Antenna Roll Bias(deg) 36
Range Coverage(km) 107 - 659
Look Angle (Deg 11.28 – 49.09
Incidence Angle 12.25 – 55.02
Doppler BW (Hz) 2532.23
FRS-1/FRS-2/ MRS/CRS HRS
PRF(Hz) 2800-3200 3000-7000

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Worst  o (dB) Considering both -16.81 @ 25 km -15.82

qualified and unqualified regions
(100 km – 700km)
Swath 25/25/115/223 10
Slant range resolution(m) 2/4/8/8 0.7
Ground range resolution(m) FRS1: 9.4 – 2.4 3.3-0.85
FRS2: 18.8 – 4.9
MRS: 37.7-9.8
CRS: 37.7.9.8
Azimuth Resolution(m) 3/9/21-23/41-55 1
Chirp bandwidth(MHz) 75/37.5/18.75/18.75 225
Sampling frequency(MHz) 83.3/41.67/20.83/20.83 250
Data Window (micros)@ nominal 63-184 (@30 km Swath) 80-165(@10 km Swath
earth radius of 6371 km
No. Of complex samples 4864-21504/2560- 19072-41344
12288/1280-6144/1280-
6144
Data Compression Onboard BAQ(6/5/4/3/2 3 – bit BAQ
bits)
Data Rate (Mbps) 6 BAQ 3 BAQ(For 100 km
azimuth)
Single pol. 176-744/-/44-213/44-213 490 – 744
Dual Pol. 352-1488/-/88-426/88- 980-1488
426
Quad pol. -/1756-744/-/-
Worst-case Range Ambiguity(in -16.94@22 km -16.0 @10 km
dB) @ nominal PRF -15.6@25 km
-13.4@30 km
Worst case Azimuth Ambiguity (in -21.47 -25.20
dB) @ Nominal PRF

Active Antenna specifications of C- Band SAR

Parameter Value
Frequency 5.350 GHz
Antenna Type Printed Antenna
Antenna Size 6m (Along Flight) x 2m (Cross Flight)
Antenna Gain 43.1 dBi
Antenna Bandwidth 0.5 dB over 225 MHz bandwidth around center frequency
Side Lobe Level Azimuth Elevation

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- 18 dB
- 15 dB
Cross polarization level Better than – 23 dB
Relative gain and phase Gain Tracking Phase Tracking
tracking between radiating 0.5 dB rms 6 deg rms
arrays of 24 elements
No. of TR Modules 288, each with 10 W peak power
Peak Power 2.88 kW
Avg. Output power 213 W (with duty cycle of 7 %)
Average DC Input Power (to 3.672 kW
Active antenna)
TR Module Output tracking O/P Power Tracking Phase Tracking
0.5 dB rms 6 deg rms
TR Module Receive path Gain Phase
Tracking 0.5 dB rms 6 deg rms
Gain/Phase Quantisation Gain Phase
6 bits 6 Bits
TR Module Bandwidth 0.5 dB over 225 MHz bandwidth around centre frequency
Loss/Noise Figure Tx loss Rx loss Mismatch Noise Figure
Loss
0.3 dB 0.3 dB 0.6 dB 3.5 dB
No. of Antenna Beams 128

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7. Space Science and Planetary Series

7.1 IRS-P3
7.1.1 Introduction
IRS-P3 was an experimental EO (Earth Observation) mission, a follow-up mission to IRS-
P2, considered to be pre-operational and served in parallel for technology evaluation and
scientific methodology studies. A portion of the payload was provided by DLR (German
Aerospace Center). In addition, DLR provided data reception support (Neustrelitz) and launch
phase support. The secondary use of the mission is to enhance and improve the IRS mission
capabilities toward operationalization and application. This mission had two payload pointing
modes, ie Earth pointing and stellar/inertial pointing.

7.1.2 Mission Objective

The Mission Objectives of IRS-P3 are

• To provide the opportunity for RS application in the areas of land, atmosphere and
oceanographic investigations.
• To validate new RS methods and develop affiliated application potential.
• To provide opportunity for experiments in X-ray astronomy.
• As payload for the third developmental flight of PSLV.
Objectives of Earth pointing mode

• To provide continued remote sensing data services in the areas of improved crop
discrimination, crop yield, crop stress and disaster management.
• Remote sensing of ocean atmosphere system and coastal waters and to retrieve
quantitative values about the co-existing c-varying water constituents like chlorophyll
sediments and gelbstoff
• To provide dynamic target for calibrating PCMC radars during Indian Launch campaigns.
Objective of Stellar pointing mode

• To study periodic and aperiodic intensity and spectral variations of galactic and
extragalactic X-ray sources by making pointed mode observations of specific X- ray
objects.
• To discover pulsations of binary nature and quasi-periodic oscillations of X-Ray sources
• Study of light curves and spectral evolution of transient & flaring X-ray sources

7.1.3 Orbit details

Table 7-1: IRS-P3 Orbit Details
Parameter Value
Orbit Sun-synchronous

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Altitude 817 km
Orbital Period 101.35 minutes
Orbit inclination 98.7 deg
Equatorial Crossing Time 10.30 AM
Repeat Cycle 24 Days
Launch vehicle PSLV-D3

7.1.4 Salient features of IRS-P3

The IRS-P3 spacecraft structure was of IRS-P2 heritage. The bus design had of four
vertical panels and two horizontal decks supported on a central load-bearing cylinder of 930 mm
diameter and 1188 mm height. The payload was accommodated on the outer side of the upper
deck, which was oriented in flight direction (Roll axis). The onboard power generation was
achieved by a pair of deployable, sun-tracking, un canted solar panels (9.636 m2), which
generates a power of 873 W. Two Ni-Cd batteries (21 Ah/24 Ah) catered to the eclipse and peak
load demands.

Figure 7-1: Stowed configuration of IRS-P3

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The spacecraft was three-axis stabilized. The AOCS employed Earth sensors, sun
sensors and dynamically tuned gyros as attitude sensors; actuation was provided by reaction
wheels, magnetic torquers and an RCS (Reaction Control System). An Earth pointing accuracy
of better than 0.20º in all axes and better than 0.05º in all axes for stellar pointing (X-ray
observation mode) was provided. In addition to these attitude sensors, AOCS also employed
a star sensor in control loop in order to maintain the attitude during stellar pointing mode.
The star sensor was an area array CCD imager of 288 x 384 pixels (FOV of 6º x 8º). It worked
as a star tracker with respect to a set of optical stars, identified a priori in conjunction with
the X-ray package. The star sensor was mounted on positive roll axis and co-aligned with the
X-ray payload's optical axis. When the spacecraft was inertially oriented and locked to a
specified X-ray source, the star sensor works in a static mode. Therefore, the star sensor
always locks to a specific scene about the roll axis. Total S/C mass = 922 kg, a hydrazine
propulsion system (84 kg of fuel sufficient for three years) with 16 thrusters is used for orbit
maintenance.
The IRS-P3 bus was derived from the flight proven IRS-1A/1B buses. New systems
were the processor based attitude and orbit control system (AOCS) which was derived from
INSAT-II for large angle maneuvers, the processor based telecommand system and FPGA
based telemetry system. ISRO developed Ni-Cd batteries (24 Ah) were used.
Table 7-2 Salient features of IRS-P3
Subsystem IRS-P3
Structure Four vertical and two horizontal decks supported on a
central load bearing cylinder of 930 mm dia. And 1188 mm
height. Decks are made up of Aluminum/aluminum
honeycomb panel. On Inner surfaces packages were
mounted.
Outside of Earth viewing panel carried payload data
antennae, the TTC antenna and attitude sensors.
The payloads were on outside of top deck
Thermal Control The design philosophy was maximum use of passive
elements and minimum use of semi-active elements. This
was achieved by extensive use of thermal control coatings,
Thermal control tapes, optical solar reflectors (OSRs),
multilayer insulation blankets(MLI), conductive grease etc.
Limits Electronic packages: between 0 to 40 deg C
Battery: 5+5 Deg C
Power system Solar Panel Two sections feeding two batteries (Total 870 W
generated) 9.7 Square Meter rigid panels. Controlled by
Shunt switches. Battery charging control by dissipation less
PWM taper charge regulators.
Battery Battery : Two 24 AH, Ni-Cd batteries comprising 28 cells
each
Electronics 370 W continuously, 40 V Bus

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Telecommand Operated in S-Band PCM/FSK/FM/PM modulation

Telemetry System Based on PCM/PSK modulation in S-Band (2230
MHz) with dwell mode facility. One orbit data storage was
implemented..
Tracking The Tracking is provided by range and Doppler
measurements using S-band TTC transponder.
Payload Data The payload data was transmitted in S-Band 2280 MHz
with BBSK modulation (Data rate 55.2 MBPS)
AOCS Pointing AOCS Supported Nadir mode WiFS and MOS payloads and
Accuracy Stellar mode for X-Ray Payloads.
Pointing accuracy : 0.2 deg. Nadir Mode 0.01 deg. Stellar
mode
Sensors Sensors: Earth, Sun and star sensor
Star sensor in loop mode was used for stellar pointing
mode.
Actuator Actuators: Two Magnetic torquers, four Wheels, 8 one
newton thrusters and one 8 newton thruster. Fuel loaded :
84 kg

Figure 7-3 View of IRS-P3 Figure 7-2 The WiFS camera illustration

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7.1.5 IRS-P3 Payloads

7.1.5.1 WiFS (Wide Field Sensor):
WiFS was an pushbroom imager of IRS-1C and IRS-1D heritage. WiFS was an extended
version of 3 channels on IRS-P3: 0.62 - 0.68 µm, 0.77 - 0.86 µm, with an additional channel at
1.55-1.75 µm (SWIR). Each band had two detectors centered at a FOV of ±13.6º to achieve a
swath of 770 km (repeat cycle of 5 days). The optics system consists of eight lenses with
spectral bandpass and neutral density filters for each spectral band. The dynamic range in
each gain was 7 bits. The absolute radiometric accuracy was better than 10% with relative in-
band accuracy of 2%. The data rate for the VNIR data (2 channels) was 2.6 Mbit/s, for the
SWIR data it was 1.73 Mbit/s. WiFS had a mass of 25 kg and used 50 W. The objectives of WiFS
observations were to monitor the vegetation index on land and to observe the ocean surface.

Figure 7-3: WiFS Swath coverage on earth

Table 7-3: WIFS camera specifications
Parameter Value
Spectral bands (µm) 0.62 - 0.68, 0.77 - 0.86, 1.55 - 1.75 (SWIR)
Spatial resolution 188 m
Swath width 770 km (FOV of ±13.6º), 4096 pixels
Repetition cycle 5 days
SNR at saturation radiance >128
Mis-registration 0.25 pixel
Data quantization 7 bit (radiometric resolution of 128 grey levels)
Integration time 28.42 ms
Data rate 2.06 Mbit/s
Mass 25 kg
Power 50 W

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7.1.5.2 MOS (Multispectral Optoelectronic Scanner):

MOS is an experimental imaging push-broom spectrometer for VNIR/SWIR range
observations. MOS is provided by DLR (German Aerospace Center), Berlin. The objective is to
monitor the Earth's surface (surface-atmosphere interaction, ocean color, phytoplankton,
regional and global distributions of man-made aerosols and their links to gaseous admixtures,
spectral and spatial cloudiness characteristics, etc.) in the VNIR/SWIR region of 0.4 - 1.6 µm.
The goals of MOS payload are
• To design and build a spectral imaging instrument, dedicated for ocean colour Remote
Sensing with many > 10 narrow spectral channels in the VIS-NIR range (400-1000nm)
• To separate the problem of object signature and atmospheric disturbance by
independent measurements in different spectral regions and with special designed
optical means.
• To make experiments to prove the instrument concept and to get experience in high
spectral data handling and image processing.
• To develop algorithms and test the methodological concept with emphasis on CASe-2
coastal water
• To make measurements at different ocean/coastal regions, by satellite and
synchronous ground truth to verify the algorithm or carry out its regional tuning, if
necessary.
The sensor apparatus consists of three complementary instruments. MOS operation requires
at least one calibration per month (with respect to the sun).
MOS-A is an atmospheric spectrometer with four narrow channels in the O2A-
absorption band at about 760 nm for the measurement of atmospheric turbidity. The data
from MOS-A are used for correction of the atmospheric influence (scattering) on the
multispectral data of MOS-B. In addition the O2A-method permits the measurement of aerosol
content and profile.
MOS-B is a 13-channel spectrometer in the spectral range of 408 to 1010 nm. The
center wavelengths of the channels are chosen with the objective for the quantitative retrieval
of ocean and coastal zone parameters. They also provide a capability for vegetation signature
determination (red edge) and estimation of H2O (water vapor) content in the atmosphere
from the NIR-measurements.
MOS-C is a line camera at 1.6 µm with a bandwidth of "50 nm. The SWIR channel data
is used for improved surface term and roughness estimation. In addition the data of the SWIR
channel may be used for the following applications: cloud/snow/ice discrimination, cloud
type discrimination, estimation of sea surface roughness, and for the improvement of
atmospheric correction algorithms.
Table 7-4: Specifications of the MOS instruments
Parameter MOS-A MOS-B MOS-C
Spectral range (nm) 755 - 768 nm 408 - 1010 SWIR
No. of channels 4 13 1

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Wavelengths (nm) 756.7; 760.6; 408; 443; 485; 520; 570; 615; 1600
763.5; 766.4 (O2A- 685; 750; 870; 1010; 815; 945
band) (H2O-vapor)
Spectral resolution 1.4 nm (FWHM) 10 nm (FWHM) 100 nm
(FWHM)
FOV along-track 0.344º 0.094º 0.14º
FOV across-track 13.6º 14.0º 13.4º
Swath width 195 km 200 km 192 km
No. of pixels per row 140 384 299
Spatial resolution 1.57 km x 1.4 km 0.52 km x 0.52 km 0.52 km x
(ground pixel size) 0.64 km
Measuring range 0.1 - 40 0.2 - 65 0.5 - 18
Lmin-Lmax
\[µWcm-2nm-1sr-1\]

Data quantization 16 bit

Data rate 1.3 Mbit/s

MOS calibration: In-orbit calibration measurements are performed using internal reference
lamps (prior to each data take). In addition sun calibration measurements are performed once
a month. This is achieved
with a diffuser in front of the
entrance optics of the sensor.
The following calibration
functions are performed:

Figure 7-4 Illustration of the MOS (Modular Optoelectronic

Scanner) instrument

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• DSNU (Dark Signal Non-

Uniformity) and PRNU (Photo
Response Non-Uniformity)
•Absolute sensitivity calibration
• Linearity control
• Spectral alignment control
MOS in-orbit inter
calibrations with sensors from
other missions are attempted
when orbital opportunities arise
for a common target area or test
sites. Examples are: MOS on
IRS/P3 with MOS on Priroda, or
with SeaWiFS on Seastar, or with
OCTS on ADEOS.
Principle of the imaging
pushbroom spectrometer
operation: A strip (swath) of the
Earth's surface is imaged through
the entrance optics on the field
stop. The collimator optics
realizes parallel light rays falling
onto the grating. The grating
disperses the different “colors”
Figure 7-5 Schematic illustration of the MOS
that are focussed by the imager
observation concept
into the focal plane.
Corresponding to the desired wavelength, CCD line arrays are mounted into the focal plane.

Figure 7-6 Schematic illustration of the optical block of MOS-B

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Sensor Calibration
The demanded radiometric data quality was guaranteed by two on-board calibration
concepts realized in hardware. 1. An internal sensitivity check 2. an external calibration to the
sun (SUNCAL). The internal check is made in each block with two small filament lamps
mounted besides the entrances slit. Through the auxiliary slits the lamps are illuminating the
collimator optic and after dispersion at the grating are illuminated the CCD – lines in the focal
plane. By powering the lamps in four high stabilized current levels and superposing of both
lamps we have 16 levels of different illumination intensities for each channels in MOS-A and
MOS-B. In MOS-C CCD was illuminated directly by the lamps.

Figure 7-7. Optical Schematic of MAS-A and MOS-B

Figure 7-8 Optical Schematic of MOS-C

7.1.5.3 IXAE (Indian X-ray Astronomy Experiment):

IXAE is an ISRO/ISAC and TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai,
India) cooperative experimental astronomy instrument package with the objective to study
periodic and aperiodic intensity and spectral variations in X-ray sources. Source observation
is achieved by `pointed mode observations,' employing an array of three co-aligned
collimated PPC (Pointed Proportional Counter). The system operates in mutual anti-

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coincidence fashion for significant reduction of background noise (cosmic rays and Compton
interaction of gamma rays).
Another objective is the study of light curves and the spectral evolution of transient
and flaring X-ray sources as well as long-term intensity monitoring of known binary X-ray
stars and other bright X-ray sources. This is achieved by means of XSM (X-ray Sky Monitor),
based on the principle of a pin hole placed above a position sensitive to PPC in anti-
coincidence mode.
Table 7-5 PPC and XSM instrument specification
PPC XSM
Energy range 2 - 20 keV Energy range 2 - 8 keV
FOV 2º x 2º FOV 90º x 90º
No of PPC 3 Pin hole size 1 cm2
No of layers per PPC 3 Distance to 16 cm
detector
No. of anode 18 Detector 32 proportional
cells/layer counters
Size of cell 1.1 cm x 1.1 cm Detector cell size 1 cm x 1 cm x 32
cm
Entrance window 25µm , 500 Å, Al Window 25 µm Mylar, Al
coated coated
Filling gas Ar+CH4, at 800 torr Filling gas Ar+CH4

The principle objective of the IXAE is to carry out timing studies of X-ray pulsars, X-
ray binaries, and other rapidly varying X-ray sources. The XSM detects transient X-ray sources
and monitors the light intensity of bright X-ray binaries. Each of the detectors (PPC, XSM) are
controlled by independent microprocessor based processing electronics. A common
electronics subsystem acts as an interface with the satellite bus. An oven controlled oscillator
(accuracy one part in 109) provides high timing accuracy.
The PPC is a multi-cell multi-layer proportional counter array with active
anticoincidence on three sides. The total geometric area is about 400 cm2, the filling gas is
90% Argon + 10% Methane. A 25 µm aluminized mylar acts as the entrance window. The field
of view is restricted to 2º x 2º using a passive collimator. The detector has a command
controlled high voltage unit. The processing electronics for the PPC has an onboard memory
of 512 kByte, the spectra (64 channels spanning 2 to 30 keV) and light-curves are stored
onboard with the command selectable integration times.
The XSM is a planar position sensitive proportional counter with a pin-hole of 1 cm2
positioned 16 cm above the detection plane. The FOV is 90º x 90º. The detection plane
consists of 32 proportional counter cells with a resistive wire (NiCr) as the anode. Position
resolution along the wires is achieved by charge division and perpendicular to the wires it is
achieved by cell placement (1 cm). The energy range of the detector is 2 to 8 keV.

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Figure 7-9 Schematic view of the IXAE instrumentation

7.1.5.4 C-Band Transponder

The C-Band transponder system consists of three portions as given below and is used
for calibrating ground radars at SHAR
1. Receiving section which operates at 5.660 GHz with sensitivity of -70 dBm
2. Transmitting section which operates at 5510 MHz and 5800 MHz with a peak power
of 400 watts
3. DC/DC converter which provides constant output voltages
Single antenna is used for receiving and transmitting Operations.
Receiver: The RF input received by the antenna is fed to the circulator. The signal passes from
circulator to the pre-selector filter. This filter is used as selector. Output from this
filter/selector is fed to a mixer. Output of local oscillator (LO) which is fundamental oscillator
generates C-Band frequency is also fed into the mixer. Mixer performs as a down converter
and converts C-Band signal to the IF frequency. The amplified IF signal is detected by a solid
state detector, filtered by a low pass filter, am0plified and passed to digital section through a
buffer. The digital circuits provide triggers to the modulator which produces a high voltages
negative pulse for cathode pulsing of the magnetron.
Transmitter: The Transmitter is a mechanically tuned C-Band magnetron oscillator. The
power output is provided to the unit through 4 port circulator.
DC/DC converter: The DC/DC converter provides input to CBT at 23 V +2% and 1.2 A. the
initial surge current requirement under all conditions is 1.5A.

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7.2 Chandrayaan-1
7.2.1 Introduction
Chandrayaan-1 is the first Indian planetary exploration mission that performed
remote sensing observation of the Moon to enhance our understanding about its origin and
evolution. Chandrayaan-1 was launched successfully on October 22, 2008 from SDSC SHAR,
Sriharikota. The spacecraft was orbiting around the Moon at a height of 100 km from the lunar
surface for chemical, mineralogical and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon. The spacecraft
carries 11 scientific instruments built in India, USA, UK, Germany, Sweden and Bulgaria.
After the successful completion of all the major mission objectives, the orbit has been
raised to 200 km during May 2009.

7.2.2 Mission Objectives

Mission Objectives of Chandrayaan-1 are as follows
 To realise the mission goal of harnessing the science payloads, lunar craft and the
launch vehicle with suitable ground support systems including Deep Space Network
station.
 To realise the integration and testing, launching and achieving lunar polar orbit of
about 100 km, in-orbit operation of experiments, communication/ telecommand,
telemetry data reception, quick look data and archival for scientific investigation by
identified group of scientists.

7.2.3 Orbit Details

Chandrayaan-1 Mission sequence and Final orbit are shown in following picture

Parameter Value
Mission Remote Sensing, Planetary Science
Orbit 100 km x 100 km : Lunar Orbit

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Launch Date 22 October 2008

Weight 1380 kg (Mass at lift off)
Launch Site SDSC, SHAR, Sriharikota
Launch Vehicle PSLV - C11

7.2.4 Salient features of Chandrayaan-1

The spacecraft design is adopted from flight proven Indian Remote Sensing Satellite
bus coupled with suitable modifications specific to the lunar mission. Apart from the solar
array, TTC and data transmission, that are specific to the lunar mission, other aspects of
system design have flight heritage. However, some changes specific to lunar mission is also
incorporated. These include extending the thrust cylinder and having an upper payload deck
to accommodate MIP and few other payloads. Additionally, Chandrayaan-1 had a canted solar
array since the orbit around the Moon is inertially fixed resulting in large variation in solar
incidence angle. There is a need to have a gimbaled high gain antenna system for downloading
the payload data to the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN).
The spacecraft is a cuboids in shape of approximately 1.50 m side, with a liftoff mass
of about 1.380 ton with bus element accounting for about 0.4 ton, payload about 0.1 ton and
propellant about 0.8 ton. At lunar orbit it will be about 0.6 ton. This is a three-axis stabilized
spacecraft generating about 750 W of peak power using canted single sided solar array and
supported by a Li-Ion battery for eclipse operations. The spacecraft used bipropellant system
to carry it from EPO through lunar orbit, including orbit and attitude maintenance in lunar
orbit. The propulsion system carried required propellant for a mission life of two years, with
adequate margin. The TTC communication is in the S-band. The scientific payload data that
stored in a solid-state recorder is later played back and down linked in X-band through
20 MHz bandwidth by a steer able antenna pointing at DSN.
Parameter Value
Scientific Objectives: Simultaneous chemical, mineralogical and photo geologic
mapping of the whole moon in visible, near infrared,
low and high energy X-rays with high spatial resolution
Scientific Payloads Terrain Mapping Camera-TMC
Hyper Spectral Imager-HySI
Lunar Laser ranging Instrument-LLRI
Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer-LEX
Solar X-ray Monitor- SXM
High Energy X-ray /X-ray Spectrometer-HEX
Payload Weight 55 kg (Including 10 kg Announcement of Opportunity
payload)
Launcher Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-PSLV-XL
Mission Strategy Elliptic Parking Orbit. Trans Lunar Injection. Lunar Orbit
Insertion
Lunar Orbit 100 X 100 km Circular Polar
Operational Life Time Two Years
Spacecraft Cuboid shape, 1.5 m side, 3-axis stabilized

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Spacecraft Mass Dry mass-440 kg, Initial Lunar Orbit Mass with propellant-
524 kg
Communication System S-Band uplink for telecommand, S-Band downlink for
telemetry, X-Band for Payload data reception
Deep Space Network (DSN) Location : Bangalore, Fully steerable dual feed 34m-dia
Station antenna
Mission Control Centre Location : Bangalore-responsible for all spacecraft
operations, running of ground infrastructure
National Science Data Centre Act as repository of scientific data Centre (NSDC) from
(NSDC) experiments conducted on-board Chandrayaan-1

Figure 7-10 Deployed mode View of Chandrayaan

7.2.5 Chandrayaan-1 Payloads

There are 11 instruments on chandrayaan-1. Among them five are from India and six
are from other space agencies.
Table 7-6 Chandrayaan-1 Payloads
Sl.No Payload Description Organisation &
Country
Scientific Payloads from India
1 Terrain Mapping camera in the panchromatic band SAC, ISRO, India
Camera (TMC) having 5m spatial resolution and

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40 km swath, to prepare a high

resolution atlas of moon
2 Hyper Spectral imager operating in 400-900nm SAC, ISRO, India
Imager (HySI) band with a spectral resolution of
15nm and spatial resolution of 80
m with a swath of 40 km, for
mineralogical mapping
3 Lunar Laser for determining accurate altitude LEOS,ISRO,India
Ranging Instrument of the spacecraft above the lunar
(LLRI) surface for topographical mapping
4 High Energy X - ray with a ground spatial resolution of PRL, India
Spectrometer (HEX) approximately 20 km, for
measuring 210Pb, 222Rn
degassing, U, Th etc
5 Moon Impact payload for exploration of the VSSC, ISRO, India
Probe(MIP) moon from close range and
impacting on the moon
Scientific Payloads from abroad
1 Chandrayaan-I X-ray X-ray spectrometer Rutherford Appleton
Spectrometer (CIXS) Laboratory (RAL),UK
2 Near Infrared Investigations of the process of Max-Planck Institute,
Spectrometer (SIR - basin, Maria and crater formation Lindau,
2) on the Moon
3 Sub keV Atom for imaging the Moon surface using Swedish Institute of
Reflecting Analyzer low energy neutral atoms as Space Physics
(SARA) diagnostics in the energy range
10eV-2keV
4 Miniature Synthetic for detection of water ice in the (NASA) Developed by
Aperture Radar (Mini permanently shadowed regions on JHU/APL and NAWC
SAR) the Lunar poles up to a depth of a
few meters
5 Moon Mineralogy spectrometer for characterization (NASA) Brown
Mapper (M3) and mapping lunar surface University and JPL.
mineralogy in the context of lunar
geologic evolution
6 Radiation Dose To qualitatively and quantitatively Bulgarian Academy of
Monitor (RADOM) characterize, in terms of particle Sciences
flux, dose rate and deposited
energy spectrum, the radiation
environment in near moon space

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7.2.5.1 Terrain Mapping Cameara (TMC)

The terrain mapping stereo camera (TMC) in the 500–850 nm band with three linear
array detectors for nadir, fore and aft viewing and has a swath of 20 km. It provide 3D image
of the lunar surface with a ground resolution of 5 m with base to height ratio of one.

Figure 7-11 Terrain mapping Camera

Scientific Objective:
The aim of TMC is to map topography of both near and far side of the Moon and
prepare a 3-dimensional atlas with high spatial and elevation resolution of 5 m. Such high
resolution mapping of complete lunar surface will help to understand the evolution processes
and allow detailed study of regions of scientific interests. The digital elevation model available
from TMC would improve upon the existing knowledge of Lunar Topography.

Figure 7-12 Optical Schematic and View angles of TMC

Payload Configuration Details:
The TMC images in the panchromatic spectral region of 0.5 to 0.85 µm, with a spatial/
ground resolution of 5 m and swath coverage of 20 km. The camera is configured for imaging
in the push broom mode, with three linear 4k element detectors in the image plane for fore,
nadir and aft views, along the ground track of the satellite. The fore and aft view angles are
±25º respectively w.r.t. Nadir.
TMC measures the solar radiation reflected / scattered from the Moon’s surface. The
dynamic range of reflected signal is quite large and is represented by the two extreme targets
– fresh crust rocks and mature mare soil.

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TMC uses Linear Active Pixel Sensor (APS) detector with in-built digitizer. Single
refractive optics covers the total field of view for the three detectors. The optics is designed
as a single unit catering to the wide field of view (FOV) requirement in the direction along the
ground track. The incident beams from the fore (+25°) and aft (-25°) directions are directed
on to the focusing optics, using mirrors. Modular camera electronics for each detector is
custom designed for the system requirements using FPGA. The data rate is of the order of 50
Mbps. The dimension of TMC payload is 370 mm x 220 mm x 414 mm and mass is 6.3 kg.

7.2.5.2 Hyper spectral imager (HySI)

The hyper spectral imager for mineralogical mapping is operating in the 400–950 nm
range employing a wedge filter coupled to an area array
detector. It has 64 continuous channels with a spectral
resolution better than 15 nm and a spatial (pixel) resolution
of 80 m with a swath of 20 km
Scientific Objective:
To obtain spectroscopic data for mineralogical
mapping of the lunar surface. The data from this instrument
help in improving the available information on mineral
composition of the surface of Moon. Also, the study of data in
deep crater regions/central peaks, which represents lower
crust or upper mantle material, helps in understanding the mineralogical composition of
Moon’s interior.
Payload Configuration Details:
The uniqueness of the HySI is in its capability of mapping the lunar surface in 64
contiguous bands in the VNIR, the spectral range of 0.4-0.95 µm region with a spectral
resolution of better than 15 nm and spatial resolution of 80 m, with swath coverage of 20 km.
HySI collects the Sun’s reflected light from the Moon’s surface through a tele-centric refractive
optics and focus on to an APS area detector for this purpose. The dispersion is achieved by
using a wedge filter so as to reduce the weight and compactness of the system compared to
using a prism / grating.

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Figure 7-13 Optical Ray trace of HySI

The wedge filter is an interference filter with varying thickness along one dimension
so that the transmitted spectral range varies in that direction. The wedge filter is placed in
close proximity to an area detector. Thus, different pixels in a row of the detector will be
receiving irradiance from the same spectral region but different spatial regions in the across
track direction. In the column direction of the detector, different rows will receive irradiance
of different spectral as well as spatial regions in the along track direction. The full spectrum
of a target is obtained by acquiring image data in push broom mode, as the satellite moves
along the column direction of the detector. An Active Pixel Sensor (APS) area array detector
with built-in digitizer maps the spectral bands. The payload mass is 2.5 kg and its size is 275
mm x 255 mm x 205 mm.

Figure 7-14 Mapping Scheme of HySI

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7.2.5.3 Lunar laser ranging instrument (LLRI)

Scientific Objective:
To provide ranging data for determining
the height difference between the spacecraft and
the lunar surface.
The elevation map of the Moon,
prepared using the laser ranging instrument
carried onboard Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft
helps in studying the morphology of large basins
and other lunar features, study stress, strain and
flexural properties of the lithosphere and when
coupled with gravity studies, helps to find the
density distribution of the crust

Figure 7-15: Laser pulse roundtrip – illustration

The LLRI employs an Nd–Yag laser with energy 10 mJ and employ a 20 cm optics
receiver coupled to a Si–APD (Avalanche Photo Diode). It is operating at 10 Hz (5 ns pulse)
and can provide a vertical resolution better than 5 m. The LLRI and TMC provide
complementary data for generating a topographic map of the Moon and the LLRI, in
particular, provide the first such data set for the polar region at higher than 80° latitude.

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Payload Configuration Details:

LLRI works on the time-Of-Flight (TOF) principle. In this method, a coherent pulse of
light from a high power laser is directed towards the target whose range is to be measured. A
fraction of the light is scattered back in the direction of the laser source where an optical
receiver collects it and focuses it on to a photoelectric detector. By accurately measuring the
roundtrip travel time of the laser pulse, highly accurate range/spot elevation measurements
can be made.
LLRI consists of a 10 mJ Nd:YAG laser with 1064 nm wave source operating at 10 Hz
pulse repetition mode. The reflected laser pulse from the lunar surface is collected by a 200
mm Ritchey-Chrétien Optical receiver and focused on to a Silicon Avalanche Photodetector.
The output of the detector is amplified and threshold detected for generating range
information to an accuracy <5m. Four constant fraction discriminators provide the slope
information in addition to range information. The different modes of operation of LLRI and
the range computations from the detector output are controlled and computed by a FPGA
based electronics. The processed outputs of LLRI are used for generating high accuracy lunar
topography. The payload mass is 11.37 kg with base plate.

Figure 7-16: Block Schematic of LLRI

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7.2.5.4 High energy X– γ ray spectrometer (HEX)

The high-energy X–γ ray (30–270 keV) spectrometer
(HEX) employs CdZnTe solid-state detectors and has a suitable
collimator providing an effective spatial resolution of 40 km in
the low energy region (<60 keV). It employs a CsI
anticoincidence system for reducing back-ground and is
primarily intended for the study of volatile transport on Moon
using the 46.5 keV γ ray line from 210Pb decay as tracer. 210Pb is
a decay product of volatile 222Rn and both belong to the 238U
decay series. The instrument has a detection threshold of <30 keV and a resolution of better
than 10% at 60 keV. This instrument is to infer compositional characteristics of lunar terrain
from a study of the continuum background in this energy range as well as low resolution Th
and U mapping of terrains enriched in these elements
The High-Energy X-ray spectrometer covers the hard X-ray region from 30 keV to 270
keV. This is the first experiment to carry out spectral studies of planetary surface at hard X-
ray energies using good energy resolution detectors. The High Energy X-ray (HEX)
experiment is designed primarily to study the emission of low energy (30-270 keV) natural
gamma-rays from the lunar surface due to 238U and 232Th and their decay chain nuclides.
Scientific Objectives:

• To identify excess 210Pb in lunar polar regions deposited there as a result of transport
of gaseous 222Rn, a decay product of 238U from other regions of the Moon. This will
enable us to understand transport of other volatiles such as water to the polar regions.
• To detect other radioactive emissions, to characterise various lunar terrains for their
chemical and radioactive composition on the basis of specific/integrated signal in the
30-270 keV region.
• To explore the possibility of identifying polar regions covered by thick water-ice
deposit from a study of the continuum background.
Payload Configuration Details:
The geometric detector area of 144 cm2 is realized by nine Cadmium Zinc Telluride
(CZT) arrays, each 4 cm x 4 cm (5 mm thick), composed of 256 (16x16) pixels (size: 2.5 mm x
2.5 mm). Each CZT array is readout using two closely mounted Application Specific Integrated
Circuits (ASICs), which provides self-triggering capability. The detector will be biased at the
cathode with –550 V and the electronic charge signals are collected at the anode. A Cesium
Iodide (CsI (Tl)) scintillator crystal coupled to photomultiplier tubes (PMT), will be used as
the anticoincidence system (ACS). The ACS is used to reduce the detector background.

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Figure 7-17 HEX Payload Transparent view

A specially designed collimator provides a field of view (FOV) of 33 km X 33 km at the
lunar surface from a 100 km orbit. The spatial resolution of HEX is 33 km and the mass is 14.4
kg.

7.2.5.5 Moon impact probe (MIP)

In addition to the primary scientific payloads, an impactor carrying a high sensitive
mass spectrometer, a video camera and a radar altimeter was included in this mission. The
impact probe of 35 kg mass was attached at the top deck of the main orbiter. The impactor
was released at the beginning of the mission after reaching 100 x 100 km lunar polar orbit
and allowed to impact in a predetermined location on the lunar surface.
During the descent phase, it is spin-stabilized. The total flying time from release to
impact on Moon was around 25 minutes. Apart from the video imaging of the landing site, the
onboard mass spectrometer tried to detect possible presence of trace gases in the lunar
exosphere.
The primary objective is to demonstrate the technologies required for landing the
probe at a desired location on the Moon and to qualify some of the technologies related to
future soft landing missions.
Payload Configuration Details:
There were three instruments on the Moon Impact Probe. The dimension of the impact probe
is 375 mm x 375 mm x 470 mm
Radar Altimeter – for measurement of altitude of the Moon Impact Probe and for qualifying
technologies for future landing missions. This is operating at 4.3 GHz ± 100 MHz.

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Video Imaging System – for acquiring images of the surface of the Moon during the descent
at a close range. The video imaging system consists of analog CCD camera.
Mass Spectrometer – for measuring the constituents of tenuous lunar atmosphere during
descent. This instrument is based on a state-of-the-art, commercially available Quadrupole
mass spectrometer with a mass resolution of 0.5 amu and sensitivities to partial pressure of
the order of 10-14 torr.
MIP System Configuration
The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) essentially made up of honeycomb structure, which
housed all the subsystems and instruments. In addition to the instruments, it comprised of,
the separation system, the de-boost spin and de-spin motors, the avionics system and thermal
control system. The avionics system supported the payloads and provided communication
link between MIP and the main orbiter, from separation to impact and provided a database
useful for future soft landing.

Figure 7-18 Impact Probe Mission Profile

7.2.5.6 Chandrayaan imaging X-ray spectrometer (CIXS)

Two options were considered for detection of low energy (1–10 keV) fluorescence X-
rays from lunar surface; use of a thermoelectrically cooled X-ray CCD (LEX) or of a swept-
charge X-ray detector (SCD) array. The final choice was SCD and CIXS, a modified version of
D-CIXS instrument on board SMART-1, proposed by RAL, UK, and supported by ESA was
selected in place of LEX.
This collimated LEX had a field of view of ∼30 km and aimed to provide detail
chemical mapping of the lunar surface for the elements, Mg, Al and Si and also for Ca, Ti and
Fe during solar flare times. An X-ray solar monitor (XSM) is a part of this payload and will
continuously monitor the solar X-ray flux essential for analyzing the data on fluorescence X-
rays to infer absolute elemental abundance. CIXS is collaborative payload between ISRO and
RAL with a group of ISRO scientists and engineers involved in various aspects of payload
design and fabrication and detector characterization.

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Scientific Objective:
The primary goal of the CIXS instrument is
to carry out high quality X-ray
spectroscopic mapping of the Moon, in
order to constrain solutions to key
questions on the origin and evolution of
the Moon. CIXS used X-ray fluorescence
spectrometry (1.0-10 keV) to measure the
elemental abundance, and map the
distribution, of the three main rock
forming elements: Mg, Al and Si. During
periods of enhanced solar activity (solar
flares) events, it was planned to determine the abundance of minor elements such as Ca, Ti
and Fe on the surface of the Moon.
Payload Configuration Details:
The instrument utilised technologically innovative Swept Charge Device (SCD) X-ray
sensors, which were mounted behind low profile gold/copper collimators and
aluminium/polycarbonate thin film filters. The system had the virtue of providing superior
X-ray detection, spectroscopic and spatial measurement capabilities, while also operating at
near room temperature. A deployable proton shield protects the SCDs during passages
through the Earth’s radiation belts, and from major particle events in the lunar orbit. In order
to record the incident solar X-ray flux at the Moon, which is needed to derive absolute lunar
elemental surface abundances, CIXS also includes an X-ray Solar Monitor.
The XSM sensor unit:
The X-ray Solar Monitor (XSM) was provided through collaboration between
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) and University of Helsinki. With its wide field-of-view
of ± 52 degrees, XSM provides
observation of the solar X-ray
spectrum from 1-20 keV with
good energy resolution (< 250
[email protected] keV) and fast spectral
sampling at 16 s intervals. The
onboard solar monitor acting in
real time will greatly enhance the
capability of CIXS to determine absolute elemental abundances as well as their ratios. The
total mass of CIXS and XSM is 5.2 kg.
Heritage:
The CIXS instrument was primarily based on the D-CIXS instrument on the ESA
SMART-1 mission. The hardware was developed at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK
in collaboration with the ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore and exhibits significant
improvements over the instrument flown on SMART-1.

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7.2.5.7 Near infrared spectrometer (SIR-2)

SIR-2 is an upgraded, compact,
monolithic grating, near infrared point
spectrometer based on SIR flown on board
ESA's SMART-1 mission and covered the
wavelength region 0.9–2.4 μm. The
instrument has a spectral resolution of
6 nm. It is a linear CCD array based
instrument with a resolution of ∼80 m per
pixel.

Figure 7-19 Near-IR Spectrometer (SIR-2)

Scientific Objectives:
SIR-2 is to address the surface-related aspects of lunar science in the following broad
categories:
 Analyse the lunar surface in various geological/mineralogical and topographical
units;
 Study the vertical variation in composition of crust;
 Investigate the process of basin Maria and crater formation on the Moon;
 Explore “Space Weathering” processes of the lunar surface;
 Survey mineral lunar resources for future landing sites and exploration.
The determination of the chemical composition of a planet’s crust and mantle is one
of the important goals of planetary research. Diagnostic absorption bands of various minerals
and ices are located in the near-IR range, thus making near-infrared measurements of rocks,
particularly, suitable for identifying minerals.
Payload Configuration:
SIR-2 is a grating NIR point spectrometer
working in the 0.93-2.4 microns wavelength range with
6 nm spectral resolution. It collects the Sun’s light
reflected by the Moon with the help of a main and a
secondary mirror. This light is fed through an optical
fiber to the instrument’s sensor head, where it is
reflected off a dispersion grating. The dispersed light
reaches a detector, which consists of a row of
photosensitive pixels that measure the intensity as a
function of wavelength and produces an electronic
signal, which is read out and processed by the
experiment’s electronics. The mass of the instrument is
3.3 kg and the instrument unit dimension is 260 mm x
171 mm x 143 mm.

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7.2.5.8 Sub-keV atom reflecting analyzer (SARA)

The SARA payload consists of two major subsystems, Chandrayaan-1 low energy
neutral atom (CENA) and solar wind monitor (SWIM). CENA detects neutral atom sputtered
from the lunar surface by solar wind ions. The CENA sensor has an energy range of 10 eV to
2 keV with an energy resolution of ∼50% and can resolve groups of elements such as H, O,
Na/Mg group, K/Ca group and Fe. SWIM is a simple ion mass analyzer consisting of a sensor
and an energy analyzer that provides information on the energy and mass of the incident solar
wind ions. Space Physics Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram, is responsible for developing the
data processing unit.

Scientific Objectives: SARA will image the Moon surface using low energy neutral atoms as
diagnostics in the energy range 10 eV - 3.2 keV to address the following scientific objectives:
 Imaging the Moon’s surface composition including the permanently shadowed areas
and volatile rich areas
 Imaging the solar wind-surface interaction
 Imaging the lunar surface magnetic anomalies
 Studies of space weathering
The Moon does not
possess a magnetosphere and
atmosphere. Therefore, the
solar wind ions directly
impinge on the lunar surface,
resulting in sputtering and
backscattering. The kick-off
and neutralized solar wind
particles leave the surface
mostly as neutral atoms. The
notable part of the atoms has
energy exceeding the escape
energy and thus, such atoms propagate along ballistic trajectories. The SARA instrument is
designed to detect such atoms with sufficient angular and mass resolution to address the
above scientific objectives. SARA is the first-ever energetic neutral atom imaging mass
spectrometer. Payload Configuration Details: The SARA instrument consists of neutral atom
sensor CENA (Chandrayaan-1 Energetic Neutrals Analyzer), solar wind monitor SWIM and
DPU (Data Processing Unit). CENA and SWIM interface with DPU, which in turn interfaces

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with the spacecraft. The masses of CENA, SWIM and DPU are 2 kg, 0.5 kg and 2 kg respectively,
totaling the SARA mass as 4.5 kg.
Low-energy neutral atoms enter through an electrostatic charged particle deflector
(1), which sweeps away ambient charged particles by a static electric field. The incoming low
energy neutral atoms are converted to positive ions on an ionization surface (2), and then
passed through an electrostatic analyzer of a specific (“wave”) shape that provides energy
analysis and effectively blocks photons (3). Particles finally enter the detection section (4)
where they are reflected at grazing incidence from a start surface towards one of several stop
micro channel plate (MCP) detectors. Secondary electrons generated at the start surface and
the stop pulses from the stop MCP detectors preserve the direction and the velocity of the
incident particle. SWIM is an ion mass analyzer, optimized to provide monitoring of the
precipitating ions. Ions first enter the deflector, which provides selection on the azimuth
angle, following a cylindrical electrostatic analyzer. Exiting the analyzer the ions are post-
accelerated up to 1 keV and enter the time-of-flight cell, where their velocity is determined
by the same principle (surface reflection), as in the CENA instrument.

7.2.5.9 Miniature synthetic aperture radar (MINI-SAR)

Multifunction miniature radar consisting of SAR, altimeter, scatterometer and
radiometer operating at 2.5 GHz will explore the permanently shadowed areas near lunar
poles to look for signature of water ice. The mini-SAR system will transmit right circular
polarization (RCP) and receive both left circular polarization (LCP) and RCP. The SAR system
has a nominal resolution of 150 m per pixel with 8 km swath.

Figure 7-20: Miniature Synthetic Aperture Radar (Mini-SAR)

Scientific Objectives: To detect water ice in the permanently shadowed regions on the Lunar
poles, upto a depth of a few meters. Although returned lunar samples (from earlier missions)
show the Moon to be extremely dry, recent research suggest that water-ice may exist in the
Polar Regions. Because its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the ecliptic plane, the poles of
the Moon contain areas that never receive light and are permanently dark. This results in the
creation of “cold traps”, zones that, because they are never illuminated by the sun, may be as
cold as 50–70oK. Cometary debris and meteorites containing water-bearing minerals

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constantly bombard the Moon. Most of this water is lost to space, but, if a water molecule finds
its way into a cold trap, it remains there forever – no physical process is known that can
remove it. Over geological time, significant quantities of water could accumulate. An onboard
SAR at suitable incidence would allow viewing of all permanently shadowed areas on the
Moon, regardless of whether sunlight is available or the angle is not satisfactory. The radar
would observe these areas at incidence angle near 45 degrees, recording echoes in both
orthogonal senses of received polarization, allowing ice to be optimally distinguished from
dry lunar surface. The Mini-SAR radar system can operate as an altimeter/scatterometer,
radiometer, and as a synthetic aperture radar imager. Payload Configuration Details: The
Mini-SAR system will transmit Right Circular Polarization (RCP) and receive, both Left
Circular polarization (LCP) and RCP. In scatterometer mode, the system will measure the RCP
and LCP response in the altimetry footprint, along the nadir ground track. In radiometer
mode, the system will measure the surface RF emissivity, allowing determination of the near
normal incidence Fresnel reflectivity. Meter-scale surface roughness and circular polarization
ratio (CPR) will also be determined for this footprint. This allows the characterization of the
radar and physical properties of the lunar surface (e.g., dielectric constant, porosity) for a
network of points. When directed off nadir, the radar system will image a swath parallel to
the orbital track by delay/Doppler methods (SAR mode) in both RCP and LCP. The synthetic
aperture radar system works at a frequency 2.38 GHz, with a resolution of 75 m per pixel from
100 km orbit and its mass is 8.77 kg.

7.2.5.10Radiation dose monitor (RADOM)

RADOM is a miniature
spectrometer–dosimeter that uses a
semiconductor detector and measure the
deposited energy from primary and
secondary particles using a 256 channel
pulse analyzer. The deposited energy
spectrum can then be converted to
deposited dose and incident flux of charged
particles on the silicon detector.
Scientific Objectives:
RADOM will qualitatively and quantitatively characterise the radiation environment
in near lunar space, in terms of particle flux, dose rate and deposited energy spectrum. The
specific objectives are to
 Measure the particle flux, deposited energy spectrum, accumulated radiation dose
rates in Lunar orbit;
 Provide an estimate of the radiation dose around the Moon at different altitudes and
latitudes;
 Study the radiation hazards during the Moon exploration. Data obtained will be used
for the evaluation of the radiation environment and the radiation shielding
requirements of future manned Moon missions.

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Radiation exposure of crew members on future manned space flight had been recognised as
an important factor for the planning and designing of such missions. Indeed, the effects of
ionising radiation on crew health, performance and life expectancy are a limitation to the
duration of man’s sojourn in space. Predicting the effects of radiation on humans during a
long-duration space mission requires i) accurate knowledge and modeling of the space
radiation environment, ii) calculation of primary and secondary particle transport through
shielding materials and through the human body, and iii) assessment of the biological effects
of the dose.
The general purpose of RADOM is to study the radiation hazards during the Moon
exploration. Data obtained will be used for the evaluation of radiation environment and
radiation shielding requirements for future manned lunar missions.
Payload Configuration Details:
RADOM is a miniature spectrometer-dosimeter containing one semiconductor
detector of 0.3 mm thickness, one charge-sensitive preamplifier and two micro controllers.
The detector weighs 139.8 mg. Pulse analysis technique is used for obtaining the deposited
energy spectrum, which is further converted to the deposited dose and flux in the silicon
detector. The exposure time for one spectrum is fixed at 30 s. The RADOM spectrometer will
measure the spectrum of the deposited energy from primary and secondary particles in 256
channels. RADOM mass is 160 g.

7.2.5.11Moon Mineral Mapper (MMM)

The MMM (M3) is a high throughput push broom imaging spectrometer operating in
0.7–3.0 μm range with high spatial (70 m per pixel) and spectral (10 nm sampling) resolution.
It will have a swath of 40 km. It uses a 2D HgCdTe detector array for measuring reflected solar
energy in the above wavelength range.

High-resolution compositional maps by Moon Mineralogy Mapper will improve the

understanding of the early evolution of a differentiated planetary body and provide a high-
resolution assessment of lunar resources.
Scientific Objectives:
The primary Science goal of M3 is to characterize and map lunar surface mineralogy
in the context of lunar geologic evolution. This translates into several sub-topics relating to
understanding the highland crust, basaltic volcanism, impact craters, and potential volatiles.

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The primary exploration goal is to assess and map lunar mineral resources at high spatial
resolution to support planning for future, targeted missions. These M3 goals translate directly
into the following requirements:
 Accurate measurement of diagnostic absorption features of rocks and minerals;
 High spectral resolution for deconvolution into mineral components;
 High spatial resolution for assessment geologic context and active processes;
Payload Configuration Details:
The M3 scientific instrument is a high throughput pushbroom imaging spectrometer,
operating in 0.7 to 3.0 µm range. It measures solar reflected energy, using a two-dimensional
HgCdTe detector array featuring.
Sampling : 10 nanometers
Spatial resolution: 70 m/pixel [from 100 km orbit]
Field of View : 40 km [from 100 km orbit]
Mass : 8.2 kg
The spectral range 0.7 to 2.6 µm captures the absorption bands for the most important
lunar minerals. In addition, the spectral range 2.5 to 3.0 µm is critical for detection of possible
volatiles near the lunar poles. The presence of small amounts of OH or H2O can be
unambiguously identified from fundamental absorptions that occur near 3000 nm. M3
measurements are obtained for 640 cross track spatial elements and 261 spectral elements.
This translates to 70 m/pixel spatial resolution and 10 nm spectral resolutions (continuous)
from a nominal 100 km polar orbit for Chandrayaan-1. The M3 FOV is 40 km in order to allow
contiguous orbit-to-orbit measurements at the equator that will minimize lighting condition
variations.

7.3 Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)

7.3.1 Introduction
Mars Orbiter Mission is ISRO’s first interplanetary mission to planet Mars with an
orbiter craft designed to orbit Mars in an elliptical orbit. The Mission is primarily a
technological mission considering the critical mission operations and stringent requirements
on propulsion and other bus systems of the spacecraft. It is configured to carry out
observation of physical features of Mars and carry out limited study of Martian atmosphere
with five payloads finalized by Advisor Committee on Space Sciences (ADCOS).

7.3.2 Mission Objectives

One of the main objectives of the first Indian mission to Mars is to develop the
technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary
mission. Following are the major objectives of the mission.

7.3.2.1 Technological objectives:

 Design and realization of a Mars orbiter with a capability to survive and perform earth
bound maneuvers, cruise phase of 300 days of travel, Mars orbit insertion/capture
and on-orbit phase around Mars.

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 Deep space communication, navigation, mission planning and management.

 Incorporate autonomous features to handle contingency situations

7.3.2.2 Scientific objectives:

 Exploration of Mars surface features, morphology, topography, mineralogy and
Martian atmosphere by indigenously developed scientific instruments.
7.3.3 Mission Phases
Mission planning is done in conjunction with the defined mission objectives. The
Mars Mission can be envisaged as a rendezvous problem, wherein the spacecraft/Mars
orbiter is maneuvered to a departure hyperbolic trajectory, escapes the Earth sphere of
influence (SOI) and at some epoch enters the SOI of Mars (taking into account the
asynchronous movement of Earth & Mars in their respective orbits around the Sun). The
SOI of earth extends up to 9, 25,000 km from the surface of the earth beyond which the
perturbing force on the orbiter is due to the sun only. The orbiter cruises in its elliptical
interplanetary cruise trajectory till it encounters SOI of Mars (around 5, 80,000 km from
the surface of Mars).
The optimal launch opportunity is a function of the trans-Mars delta-V, the MOI
delta-V, the declination of the departure V-infinity and launcher constraints. The delta-V
values vary with the departure date and the transfer time since orbits of both Earth and
Mars are eccentric. Interplanetary transfer trajectory geometry requires that the
declination of the departure asymptote (departure V-infinity direction) must be less than
or equal to the initial parking orbit inclination. The optimum launch opportunity is that
which requires the minimum total delta-v for achieving the final Martian orbit satisfying
the parking orbit inclination constraint.
The targeted Martian orbit by PSLV launcher with achievable MOI delta-V & taking into
consideration the payload requirements is a highly elliptic orbit with Periareion altitude
of 366 km and Apoareion altitude of 80000 km.
The Mars Orbiter Mission phases are classified as follows:
o Earth centric phase
o Heliocentric phase
o Mars centric phase

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Figure 7-21 Typical trajectory of Mars Orbiter Mission

7.3.4 Scientific Instruments (Payloads)

Based on the overall science objectives and considering the constraints of the
orbit, 5 experiments have been short-listed. The list of payloads along with objectives are
summarized in the table 7-7.
Table 7-7 MOM Payloads
Science Theme Payload Primary objective
Atmospheric studies LAP Measure D/H
MSM CH4 detection
Plasma and Particle MENCA Map neutral in exosphere
environment studies
Surface Imaging studies MCC Optical imaging
TIS Thermal Imaging

7.3.4.1 Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP)

Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP) is an absorption cell photometer. It measures the relative
abundance of deuterium and hydrogen from Lymanalpha emission in the Martian upper
atmosphere (typically Exosphere and Exobase). Measurement of D/H (Deuterium to
Hydrogen abundance Ratio) allows us to understand the loss process of water from the
planet.
Objectives of Instrument:
 Estimation of D La (@ 121.53 nm)/H La (@ 121.56 nm) ratio.
 Estimation of escape flux of H2 corona.
 Generation of Hydrogen and Deuterium coronal profiles.
Instrument description: The payload achieves its objectives using two narrowly spaced
spectral lines. Since the separation between the two lines is only 0.033nm, an extremely high-
resolution spectroscopic technique is necessary to separate the two lines. A standard
ultraviolet spectrometer with a diffraction grating is not applicable to spacecraft

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measurement because of its large size and heavy weight. An optimal approach is to use the
absorption cell photometer (consisting of separate hydrogen/deuterium absorption cells) by
virtue of their small size, light weight and small power consumption.
LAP instrument consists of a UV detector equipped with gas filled Hydrogen and
Deuterium cells, a filter, and a light baffle. The hydrogen and deuterium cells are resonance
absorption cells filled with pure molecular hydrogen and deuterium respectively and contain
tungsten filaments. These two cells are located between an objective lens and a detector.
When power is applied to the filaments, the hydrogen or deuterium molecules
thermally dissociate into atoms that absorb hydrogen or deuterium Lyman-α incident upon
the cells. The absorption cells can be regarded as a very narrow-band rejection filter for H and
D Lyman-α lines with a FWHM (full width half maximum) of 0.002–0.004nm. By switching the
filament turned on in the hydrogen cell and that in the deuterium cell alternately, one can
measure both intensities of H and D Lyman-α emissions separately.

Figure 7-22 Configuration of LAP Payload

7.3.4.2 Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM)

MSM is designed to measure CH4 in the Martian atmosphere with ppb accuracy and map its
sources. Data is acquired only over illuminated scene as the sensor measures reflected solar
radiation. Since concentration of methane in the Martian atmosphere undergoes spatial and
temporal variations it is necessary that global data is collected during every orbit. To retrieve
methane concentration, the measured data has to be corrected for atmospheric effects. Better
retrieval accuracy is obtained when atmosphere is clear. Since Mars atmosphere is so
dynamic and turbulent with frequent dust storms, it is required that MSM data is acquired as
often as possible since the possibility of acquiring a data set under clear atmospheric
conditions at optimum illumination and viewing geometries become more.
Objective:

• To measure CH4 in the Martial atmosphere with ppb accuracy and for mapping its
sources. It may also give useful information about the origin of CH4 whether it is
biogenic or volcanic.

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Instrument Description: MSM is based on Fabry-Perot (FP) etalon filters that work on the
principle of multiple beam interferometry. FP etalon provides extremely narrow, evenly
spaced transmission peaks within the desired spectral band when the condition of resonance
is satisfied. The frequency of the spectral lines of the FP etalon proposed for MSM is chosen
to coincide with the absorption spectra of the methane (CH4) gas in the specified spectral
range. The input parallel beam is focused by the fore optics at the focal plane where the field
stop is located (Figure 2.2). The collimator gives a collimated output which gets incident on
the band pass filter subsequent to that. The collimated beam within the specified spectral
range then falls on the beam splitter followed by the FP etalon. The transmitted and the
reflected light from the beam splitter in conjunction with the etalon form the transmission
peaks for the main CH4 and reference channel respectively. Output from the etalon is focused
by the focusing optics on to an InGaAs detector.

Figure 7-23 Configuration of Methane sensor for Mars (MSM)

Table 7-8 Specification of MSM
CO2 Channel CH4 Channel
Spectral Region 6408-6424cm -1 6030-6090cm-1
Fore Optics Aperture=5cm, IFOV=5mrad
FPE Filter FSR:1.5821cm-1, Finesse: 14.05 FSR : 9.995cm-1, Finesse: 7.24
FPE Temp ~320K CO2 l, ~325K Ref. ~320K CH4, ~325K Ref
Detector InGaAs diode, 500µm pixel
Estimation Accuracy <0.5 % <1 ppb
Radiometric Quantization 14 bit 14 bit
Payload Weight ~ 3 kg
Power & Data rate ~7.5W and < 1kpbs

7.3.4.3 Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Explorer (MENCA)

The MENCA (Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser) is a quadrupole mass
spectrometer based payload, shortlisted for the first Indian orbiter mission to Mars. The
instrument is capable of analyzing the neutral composition in the range of 1 to 300 amu with
unit mass resolution. MENCA draws its heritage from the CHACE (Chandra’s Altitudinal

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Composition Explorer) payload flown aboard the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) in Chandrayaan-
1 mission.
The low inclination of spacecraft orbit selected for the Mars mission provides an ideal
opportunity to study the neutral density distribution around Phobos (the Martian closest
satellite).
Objective:

• Scientific objective of the proposal is to study the neutral composition of the Martian
upper atmosphere, as a function of time to understand diurnal and seasonal
variations, from an orbiter around Mars.
• The temperature profile can be derived from the structure of the concentration of the
neutral species to be obtained during the approach of the spacecraft from the apoapsis
to the periapsis.
Instrument description: The basic instrument is a Quadrupole mass spectrometer, which
operates based on path stability of ionized species from the ion source (the ambient neutrals
are ionized upon impact by accelerated thermionic electrons) to a detector unit, through an
assembly of a set of four conductive rods, collectively referred to as “quadrupoles”. The rods
are maintained at a dynamically changing relative potential condition. Mass-filtering takes
place in the quadrupole rod region based on the specific charges (q/m) of the ions. At a given
potential condition of the rods, a particular species (characterized by a given specific charge,
m/q), is allowed to reach the detector unit. Ions of the other species, however, have unstable
paths, get collected at the walls of the conductors and are neutralized.
The detector system is a combination of a Faraday cup and a channel electron multiplier.
Incorporation of the electron multiplier enhances the sensitivity of the system in detecting
species of very low partial pressure, since it has an inherent gain ranging between 103 and
105. The detector will respond to the transmitted ion current corresponding to a given species
in terms of an analogue output current, which will be the measure of the relative abundance
of that species. The analogue current will then be converted to voltage, signal-conditioned,
digitized and processed within the electronics, and finally sent to the satellite telemetry unit.
The instrument will consist of two basic parts, viz. The sensor probe and the electronics.
While the sensor probe houses the ion source, ion optics, the quadrupole mass filter and the
detector assembly; the electronics will contain the control for the operation of the mass
spectrometer, data acquisition, and telemetry and telecommand operations.
The instrument can be regarded as three pressure measuring devices all housed in a single
instrument. They can measure total pressures from 760 Torr to 10-9Torr with its built-in
Pirani and Ion gauge with Bayard-Alpert geometry. The mass spectrometer operation,
however, requires the total pressure to be less than 10-4Torr. The sensor probe consists of an
ionizer, quadrupole mass filter and detector assembly. The top of the sensor probe acts not
only as a high efficiency ionizer for the mass filter but also as a high quality pressure gauge
making use of the same emission circuit. Hence the instrument can measure total pressure
starting from 760 Torr to 10-9Torr through the Pirani and ionization gauges and extends the
range to the partial pressure through the mass analyzer (when the total pressure is below 10-

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4Torr). The standard Faraday cup detector allows partial pressure measurements from 10–4
to 10–11Torr, while the channel electron multiplier detector can detect partial pressures down
to 10-14Torr.

Figure 7-24 Configuration of MENCA Payload

Table 7-9 Specifications of MENCA
Parameter Value
Mass range 1-300amu (Programmable)
Detector type Channel Electron multiplier (along with Faraday cup)
Mass filter type Quadrupole
Mass Resolution Unit Mass
Dynamic range 1010 (with electron multiplier)
Minimum detectable partial ~ 10–14torr
pressure
Operating pressure Atmosphere to UHV (ion gauge operation below 10-
3torr and RGA operation below 10-4torr)

Power requirement ~ 35.0W (normal mode) ; 50.0 W (degas mode)

Weight 4 kg (inclusive of the DC/DC converter)
Number of packages 2 (Two)
1. MENCA payload (Includes sensor probe with
electronics) 2. MENCA DC-DC converter
Overall dimensions of the Mechanical hardware for Electronics: 235 mm (with
instrument (without DC/DC connector mounts) X 117mm (including screw head) X
converter) 144.5 mm ; the cylindrical sensor probe is of diameter
36 mm and length 230mm.

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Footprint on the mounting plane 235 mm (without connector mount 231 mm)
horizontally x 144.5 mm vertically (for the hardware of
the electronics)
133.5mm X 95mm (for the probe support)
Thermal Constraints Electronics operating temperature to be maintained
between 10°C and 50°C

7.3.4.4 Mars Colour Camera (MCC)

Tri‐colour MCC images give useful inputs about the surface features and composition of
Martian surface. They are useful to monitor the dynamic events and weather of Mars. MCC is
also useful for imaging the surface of the two satellites of the Mars – Phobos and Deimos.
Moreover MCC provides the context information for other science payloads. So MCC images
are to be acquired whenever MSM and TIS data is acquired.
Objective:
• To image the morphology of Martian surface with high geometrical fidelity.
• To map the morphological units, landforms, geological structures, craters, etc.
• To map Martian polar ice caps and its dynamic behaviour through seasonal variations.
• To observe and study events like dust storms, dust devils etc.
• To image Mars, its moons, asteroids and other celestial bodies from close quarters.
• To provide useful inputs for attitude determination, control and navigation of the
spacecraft.
• To provide context information for other science payloads.
Instrument Description: Mars Frame Camera is a moderate resolution panchromatic
camera. Since entire scene is acquired simultaneously in a Frame camera, the image is least
affected by spacecraft attitude rates. Elliptical orbit of Mars mission allows imaging of
localized scenes at high spatial resolution as well as synoptic view of the full globe.
To take images with a GIFOV of 25m with a frame size of 53.6 km x 53.6 km from perigee and
cover the full mars disc from apogee, MCC employs a multi-element lens assembly and a
2K×2K area array detector with RGB Bayer pattern. The f/4 lens has a focal length of 105mm
with a circularly symmetric field of view of ± 4.4°. The proposed detector has 2048 x 2048
elements on a pixel pitch of 5.5μ. The sensor will be driven by a custom-built electronics
designed around the proposed detector. Camera electronics generates bias for detector, clock
generation, data pre-processing and generation of biases from raw bus. The raw data volume
is 40Mb/Frame from which Colour image will be generated at ground using standard
demosaicing.

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Figure 7-25 Configuration of MCC Payload

Table 7-10 Specifications of MCC
Parameter Value
GIFOV 25m from 500 km; 4 km from 80000 km
Frame Size 53.6km x 53.6km from perigee
Full Disc from Apogee
Spectral Band Option:1 Panchromatic Band
Option:2 True Color Imaging using Bayer Pattern detector
Optics F=110mm, f/4, Field= ±4.2°
Detector 2K×2K Array, 5.5µm pixel, RGB Bayer Pattern
SNR > 250 @ 19 % albedo &θsun=0°
Radiometric Quantization 10 bit
Data Volume/Frame 40Mb
Payload Weight ~ 1.5 kg
Power ~ 4W

7.3.4.5 TIR Imaging spectrometer (TIRIS)

Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (TIS) is one of the proposed instruments on the first Indian
Mission to Mars for surface and atmospheric exploration using thermal remote sensing.
Thermal Imaging Spectrometer would detect thermal emitted radiation from Martian
environment in 7-14 µm thermal infrared regions using micro bolometer device.
Specific absorption features of surface mineral composition manifest in thermal emission
spectra of any planet. Precise detection of specific spectroscopic features allows estimating
the surface composition. Thermal imaging spectroscopy will allow studying the aerosol and
its variability.
Objective:
• To map surface composition and mineralogy of Mars.
• To detect hot spots which indicate underground hydro thermal systems
• To detect and study the variability of aerosol/dust in Martian atmosphere.
Determining the mineralogy of Mars is an essential part of revealing the conditions of the
surface and subsurface. Thermal Imaging Spectrometer will be useful in mapping these

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important mineral composition using spectroscopic techniques. Thermal Imaging

Spectrometer data will be used for assessment aerosol turbidity in Martian atmosphere.
Instrument description: The sensor is a Thermal Infrared (TIR) grating spectrometer which
makes use of an un-cooled micro-bolometer array as the detector. Unlike photon detectors
like MCT which operate at cryogenic temperatures, micro bolometer does not require any
cooling. So, payload size and weight can be considerably less. Also, issues associated with
reliability of cryogenic coolers are absent. These factors make them ideal for low cost micro-
satellite missions. But, signal to noise characteristics of micro-bolometer detectors (in terms
of specific detectivity) is about two orders of magnitude less than that of MCTs. So, it is not
expected to give high measurement accuracy at high spatial and spectral resolutions.
Optical configuration of TIS consists of fore optics, slit, collimating optics, grating and
reimaging optics. A 120x160 element bolometer array is used as the detector. The longer axis
of the detector is aligned in the cross-track direction. So, 160 detector elements in the cross-
track direction defines the swath coverage of the sensor while 120 elements in the along track
direction defines the spectral range. By binning pixels in the along track direction, it is
possible to manipulate spectral sampling interval as well as number of spectral bands.
Similarly by binning pixels in the cross-track direction, different spatial sampling intervals
(GSD) can be selected.

Figure 7-26 Configuration TIS Payload

Table 7-11 Specifications of TIR imaging spectrometer
Parameter Value
GIFOV /GSD 200m-4000m (Programmable)
Type of Sensor Imaging Spectrometer
Swath Coverage 64 km
Spectral Range 7µm – 14µm
Spectral Resolution / Sampling 25nm ×N (Programmable, N=1,2,..240)
No. of bands Programmable, Max: 240
OPTICS Refractive telescope, Slit, Collimator, Grating, Re-
imaging optics

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Aperture 6 cm
F-number 1
DETECTOR 120×160 µ‐bolometer
NedT = 100mK @ 50Hz, Fn=1 @300K
Quantization 14 bits
Weight ~ 4.5 kg
Power ~ 6W

7.3.5 MOM Configuration

The spacecraft configuration is derived from Chandrayaan-1, which is a balanced mix
of design from flight proven IRS/INSAT bus. Compared to Chandrayaan-1, the reliability of
the design is enhanced with redundant features. Modification required for Mars mission are
in the areas of communication and power, propulsion system (mainly related to liquid engine
restart after nearly a year) and mechanisms.

Figure 7-27 Views of Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft

The 390litres capacity propellant tanks used for Chandrayaan-1 accommodate a

maximum of 850 kg of propellant which is adequate for the proposed Mars mission. A Liquid
Engine of 440N thrust is planned to be used for orbit raising and Martian Orbit Insertion
(MOI). Additional flow lines and valves have been incorporated to ensure LE 440N engine
restart after 300 days of Martian Transfer Trajectory (MTT) cruise and to take care of fuel
migration issues. 8 numbers of 22N thrusters are used for wheel desaturation and attitude
control during manuevers. Accelerometer is used for measuring the precise incremental
velocity (∆V) and for precise burn termination. Star sensors and gyros provide the attitude
control signals in all phases of mission.
Chandrayaan-1 required a single solar panel (1800 X 2150mm). However, to
compensate for the lower solar irradiance (50% compared to Earth), the Mars orbiter would
require three solar panels of size 1400 X 1800mm. Single 36AH Li-Ion battery (similar to
Chandrayaan-1) is sufficient to take care of eclipses encountered during Earth bound phase
and in Mars orbit.
The communication dish antenna is fixed to spacecraft body. The antenna diameter is
2.2m which is arrived after the trade-off study between antenna diameter and

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accommodation within the PSLV-XL envelope. Onboard autonomy functions are planned as
the large Earth-Mars distance does not permit real time interventions. This will also takes
care of on-board contingencies.

7.4 AstroSat (Astronomy Satellite)

7.4.1 Introduction
Astrosat is India's first dedicated astronomy mission, a broad spectral band Indian
national space observatory. Astrosat will provide an opportunity for the Indian astronomers
to carry out cutting-edge research in the frontier areas of X-ray and ultraviolet astronomy and
allow them to address some of the outstanding problems in modern astrophysics.

7.4.2 Mission Objectives

 Multi-wavelength observations: for a wide variety of both Galactic and extra-galactic
source types [AGN (Active Galactic Nuclei), binaries, flaring stars, SNRs, clusters]. Use
of five co-aligned telescopes simultaneously cover the hard X-ray to visible bands
 Broadband X-ray spectral measurements: Emission and absorption features with
medium energy resolution capability in the 0.3 – 100 keV spectral band with 3 co-
aligned X-ray instruments.
 High time-resolution studies: Periodic, aperiodic and chaotic X-ray variability in X-
ray binaries. Detect new accreting milli-sec binaries and AXPs. Study evolution of pulse
and orbital periods.
Astrosat is expected to focus on high-resolution UV imaging for morphological studies
of galactic and extragalactic objects, broad-band studies of X-ray sources and other multi
wavelength targets ranging from nearby stars to the very distant active galactic nuclei.
Astrosat is a collaborative project of the following institutions:
 TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research), Mumbai
 ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization), Bangalore
 IIA (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research), Bangalore
 IUCAA (Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics), Pune
 RRI (Raman Research Institute), Bangalore
 Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
 CSA (Canadian Space Agency), Canada
 Leicester University, U.K.
 Participation of many Indian Universities and research centers.
The IUCAA (Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics) is an
autonomous institution set up by the University Grants Commission to promote nucleation
and growth of active groups in astronomy and astrophysics in Indian universities. IUCAA is
located in the University of Pune campus next to the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics,
which operates the Giant Meter-wave Radio Telescope.

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7.4.3 Orbit Details

Launch: A launch of AstroSat is launched on 28th September 2015.
Orbit: Near-equatorial orbit, altitude = 650 km, inclination = ~ 8º, period = 100 minutes.
The LAPAN-A2 microsatellite of LAPAN, Indonesia, is a secondary payload on this flight.

7.4.4 Salient Features of Astrosat:

The spacecraft bus configuration and design have heritage and are similar to the ones
earlier used IRS bus. A BMU (Bus Management Unit), similar to the one used in CartoSat-2, is
selected for the integrated main bus functions including AOCS, command processing,
housekeeping telemetry, sensor processing and antenna position processing.

Figure 7-28 Illustration of the AstroSat spacecraft and its instruments

EPS (Electrical Power Subsystem): Two deployable solar panels with single axis rotation
are used for power generation. During the full orbit, except for the eclipse period, the panels
are always oriented normal to the sun in order to generate maximum power. Whenever the
stellar orientation is changed the panels are reoriented. The EPS provides a power of 1250 W,
the required payload power is 488 W.
AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystem): The spacecraft is 3-axis stabilized. The
attitude is sensed with two star sensors and three gyros to provide 1 arcsec pointing
capability. Actuation is provided by reaction wheels and magnetic torquers for momentum
dumping. The pointing accuracy is < 0.05º.
RF communications: X-band downlink of payload data at a rate of 105 Mbit/s. A solid state
recorder with 120 Gbit storage capacity is used for onboard storage of data.
The AstroSat spacecraft has a launch mass of ~ 1808 kg, including 868 kg of payload mass.
The expected operating life time of the satellite is five years.

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Figure 2: Deployed View of AstroSat spacecraft

7.4.5 Astrosat Payloads

AstroSat carries four co aligned astronomy payloads for simultaneous multi-band
observations and one ultraviolet instrument with two telescopes. In addition, a CPM (Charged
Particle Monitor) is installed for the control and operation of the sensor complement.
Table 7-12 Overview of instrument parameters
Parameter/ UVIT/OPT SXT LAXPC CZTI SSM
Instrument
Detector UV: photon X-ray Proportional CdZnTe Position
counting CCD; CCD (at counter detector sensitive
Opt: CCD the local array proportional
photometer plane) counter
Imaging imaging imaging non-imaging Imaging imaging
property (<100
keV)
Optics Twin Ritchey- Conical Collimator 2D coded 1D coded
Chretien 2 foil mask mask
mirror system (Wolter-I
mirrors)
Bandwidth 130-320 nm 0.3-8 keV 3-100 keV 10-150 2-10 keV
keV
Geometric 1250 cm2 250 cm2 10,800 cm2 1000 cm2 180 cm2
area
Effective 60 (depends 125 @ 6000 @ 5-30 500(<100 ~40 @ 2 keV
area (cm2) on filter) 0.5 keV keV keV) 90 @ 5 keV
200 @ 1- 1000 (Xe gas)
2 keV (>100
25 @ 6 keV)
keV

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FOV 0.50º 0.35º 1º x 1º 6x6

diameter (FWHM) (<100
keV)
17º x 17º
(>100
keV)
Energy < 100 2% @ 6 9% @ 22keV 5% @ 10 19% @ 6 keV
resolution (depends on keV keV
filter)
Angular 1.8 arcsec 3-4 1-5 arcmin in 8 arcmin ~10 arcmin
resolution arcmin scam mode
(HPD) only
Time 10 ms 2.6 s, 0.3 10 µs 1 ms 1 ms
resolution s, 1 ms
Typical obs. 30 min 0.5-1 day 1-2 days 2 days 5 min
time/target
Sensitivity 21st 10 µCrab 0.1 mCrab 0.5mCrab ~30mCrab
(obs. time) magnitude (5σ) (3σ)(1000 s) (3σ) (3σ) (300 s)
(5σ) (1800 s) (10000 s) (1000 s)

7.4.5.1 UVIT (Ultraviolet Imaging Telescopes):

The UVIT instrument is a collaboration between ISRO and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA),
a contract was signed in 2004. The NRC-HIA (National Research Council Canada - Herzberg
Institute of Astrophysics) provides scientific and technical expertise with funding from CSA.
Canada is providing the UV photon counting detector subsystem for UVIT.
The objective of UVIT is to perform imaging simultaneously in three channels: 130-180 nm,
180-300 nm, and 320-530 nm. The FOV (Field of View) is a circle of ~ 28 arcmin diameter,
the angular resolution is 1.8 arcsec for the ultraviolet channels and 2.5 arcsec for the visible
channel. In each of the three channels a spectral band can be selected through a set of filters
mounted on a wheel; in addition, for the two ultraviolet channels, a grating can be selected in
the wheel to do slit-less spectroscopy with a resolution of ~ 100 cm-1.

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The instrument comprises two telescopes: one is for the FUV (130-180 nm) channel, and the
other is for simultaneous imaging in the NUV (180-300 nm) & VIS (320-530 nm) channels.
Each of the two telescopes is a f/12 Ritchey-
Chretien combination with a primary mirror of
~380 mm diameter and a plate scale of ~ 24
µm/arcsec.
The 3 channels use MCP (Microchannel Plate)-based
intensified CMOS imaging detectors for the
recording of imagery in either (high gain) photon
counting mode or in (low gain) integrating mode in
which individual photons cannot be distinguished.
Typically, the photon counting mode is used for the
two ultraviolet channels which have a small flux,
while the integration mode is used for the VIS
channel which has a high flux. Special attention has
been paid to minimize the photo-cathode/MCP gap
Figure 7-29 Configuration of the
to get a spatial resolution of ~ 25 µm FWHM Full
UVIT
Width Half Maximum), i.e. ~ 1 arcsec on the plate
Assembly of two telescopes
scale of the telescopes, in the photon counting mode.
The UV images are typically taken at ~ 30 frames/s; for specific observations, depending on
the size of the selected field, images of a partial field can be taken up to a rate of 200 frames/s.
The time of each frame can be tracked to an absolute accuracy of 5 ms.
The effective area of the telescope depends on the chosen channel and the filter: it is ~ 15 cm2
for the FUV (Far Ultraviolet) channel which only use crystal filters, and it is in range 15-40 sq
cm for the various filters in NUV (Near Ultraviolet) & VIS channels.

Figure 7-30 Photo of the UVIT engineering model

Table 7-13: Key parameters of UVIT
Parameter Value
FOV (Field of View) ~28 arcmin
Selectable filters ~ 100 A and ~ 500 A

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Spectroscopy ~ 100 cm-1 resolution in FUV/NUV

Temporal resolution/accuracy ~ 5 ms
Observing mode Stare
Peak effective area ~ 15 cm2 in the 130-180 nm range
~ 50 cm2 in the NUV and VIS channels
Spatial resolution < 1.8 arcsec in UV

Figure 7-31: Optical layout of the FUV channel, f/12 Cassegrain, ~ 380 mm aperture

Figure 7-32: Optical layout of the NUV & VIS channels, f/12 Cassegrain, ~ 380 mm
aperture

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Figure 7-33: UVIT detector module

The UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT): The UltraViolet Imaging Telescope will
perform imaging simultaneously in three channels: 130-180 nm, 180-300 nm, and 320-530
nm. The field of view is a circle of ~ 28 arcmin diameter and the angular resolution is 1.8" for
the ultraviolet channels and 2.5" for the visible channel. In each of the three channels a
spectral band can be selected through a set of filters mounted on a wheel; in addition, for the
two ultraviolet channels a grating can be selected in the wheel to do slit-less spectroscopy
with a resolution of ~ 100.

7.4.5.2 SXT (Soft X-ray imaging Telescope):

The SXT assembly employs focussing optics and a deep depletion CCD camera at the focal
plane to perform X-ray imaging in 0.3-8.0 keV band. The optics consist of 41 concentric shells
of gold-coated conical foil mirrors in an approximate Wolter-I configuration. The focal plane
CCD camera is very similar to that flown on SWIFT XRT (X-Ray Telescope) of NASA. The CCD
will be operated at a temperature of about -80ºC by thermoelectric cooling.
Telescope optics at the soft X-ray bands employ grazing incidence reflection from metal
surfaces. The refractive index of metals in X-rays is slightly less than one so it is possible to
get a total external reflection at a vacuum-metal interface if the X-rays are incident nearly
parallel to the metal surface. The limiting angle of grazing incidence lies between a few
degrees at ~0.1 keV to a few arcminutes at ~10 keV.
Table 7-14: Summary of the main SXT characteristics
Parameter Value
Telescope length 2465 mm (including baffle, door and camera)
Telescope mirrors Conical shells
Focal length 2000 mm
Telescope PSF (Point Spread Function) 1.5 - 2.5 arcmin (rms)
FOV (Field of View) 41.3 x 41.3 arcmin
Energy range 0.3-8.0 keV
Detector E2V CCD-22 (Frame Store)
Detector format 600 x 600 pixels
Pixel scale 4.13 arcsec/pixel
CCD readout modes Photon Counting, Imaging, Timing
Effective area 200 cm2 @ 1.5 keV
Position accuracy 30 arcsec
Sensitivity expected 10 µCrab or better

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Figure 7-34: Illustration of the SXT structure

Figure 7-35: Effective area of the SXT as a function of photon energy

At its focal plane, the SXT carries a thermoelectrically cooled X-ray CCD camera, based on the
e2V Technologies CCD-22 chip. The CCD has 600 x 600 pixels each of 40 micron square. It is
a frame transfer device - an image transferred from image to store section can be read out
while a new image is being acquired.

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The CCD detector operated in single photon counting mode. Each X-ray photon, depending on
its energy, will liberate about 100 to 1000 electron-hole pairs. Preserving this total charge
information for each photon will lead to the measurement of its energy, thus enabling
spectroscopic studies. The energy resolution is strongly degraded by system noise. To reduce
thermal noise in the CCD it will be thermoelectrically cooled to an operating temperature of -
80oC, which is expected to yield an energy resolution of about 2% at 6keV.

Figure 7-36: Schematic diagram of the CCD-22 detector (image credit: E2V)

Figure 7-37: Photo of the thermo-electric cooler and CCD assembly

The focal plane camera assembly consists of the CCD and its cooling arrangement housed in a
cryostat, which will also contain four Fe55 calibration sources, an optical blocking filter for
the CCD and an aluminum proton shield to protect the CCD from proton damage while passing
through the South Atlantic Anomaly region. The optical blocking filter is made of a single fixed
polyamide film of thickness 184 nm, with a 48.8 nm thick aluminum coating on one side. This
yields an optical transmission of about 0.25%, limiting the background light reaching the
detector. The entire cryostat body is made of aluminum alloy, gold plated for thermal
insulation.

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Figure 7-38 Focal plane camera assembly of SXT (image credit: AstroSat
collaboration)

Figure 7-39 Photo of the SXT flight model optics entrance aperture

7.4.5.3 LAXPC (Large Area Xenon Proportional Counters):

The instrument is used for X-ray timing and low-resolution studies. The assembly consists of
a cluster of three co-aligned identical Large Area X-ray Proportional Counters (LAXPCs), each
with a multi-wire-multi-layer configuration and a FOV of 1º x 1º. These detectors are designed
to achieve:
1) A wide energy band of 3-80 keV
2) High detection efficiency over the entire energy band
3) Narrow field of view to minimize source confusion
4) Moderate energy resolution
5) Small internal background and
6) Long life time in space.

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A Xenon-based gas mixture at a pressure of two atmospheres will be filled in multilayer 15

cm deep detectors to achieve an average detection efficiency of close to 100% below 15 keV
and about 50 % up to 80 keV. A thin (thickness of 25/50 µm) aluminized Mylar window for
X-ray entrance ensures a low energy threshold of about 2-3 keV. The Mylar film is supported
by a honeycomb shaped window support collimator with a 5º x 5º FOV. A FOV of 1º x 1º is
provided by using mechanical collimators made of a sandwich of tin, copper and aluminum
co-aligned with the window support collimator and sitting above it.

Figure 7-40 Photo of the LAXPC wired Anode Assembly

LAXPC X-ray detector anode assembly with veto layer on 3 sides mounted on the back plate.
60 anode cells are arranged in 5 layers to make the X-ray detection volume, 37 µm diameter
Au-plated SS wires under tension used for anodes.
The total effective area of the 3 LAXPCs is ~ 6000 cm2 at 5 keV. Due to its large depth and high
gas pressure the LAXPC will have high detection efficiency right up to about 80 keV,
To achieve good energy resolution of the detectors, it is necessary to have a uniform gain over
the entire area and the gas needs to be free from impurities like oxygen and water vapor. The
former is achieved by precision placement of the anode wires at the center of the cells and by
the use of anode wire of uniform diameter. An onboard purifier is being used to purify the gas
from time to time; it will prevent degradation of energy resolution due to slow outgassing
from detector walls.
The high sensitivity of the LAXPC instrument will allow the detection of a 0.1 mCrab source
at the 5σ level in an exposure of about 104 seconds. This will enable the LAXPC to address a
wide variety of science topics.
Four modes of operation:
• Broad band counting with variable integration time in many energy channels
• Onboard pulse height histograms with variable integration time
• Time tagging of each photon to 10 µs accuracy
• Fast counting mode to handle high counting rates from bursts.

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Figure 7-41 Effective area of the LAXPC instrument as a function of energy (image
credit: AstroSat collaboration)

Figure 7-42 Photo of the LAXPC collimator (image credit: AstroSat collaboration)
The LAXPC instrument has a mass of ~ 390 kg.

7.4.5.4 CZTI (Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride coded-mask Imager):

The CZTI instrument consists of a pixelized CdZnTe (Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride) detector array
of ~1000 cm2 in geometric area. These detectors have very good detection efficiency, close to
100% up to 100 keV, and have a superior energy resolution (~2% at 60 keV) when compared
to scintillation and proportional counters. Their small pixel size also facilitates medium
resolution imaging in hard X-rays. The CZTI will be fitted with a two dimensional coded mask,
for imaging purposes. The sky brightness distribution will be obtained by applying a
deconvolution procedure to the shadow pattern of the coded mask recorded by the detector.

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The coded mask imaging technique is one possible way of performing wide field imaging with
photons of energy greater than a few keV. It comprises of utilizing the shadows of a multiple
pinhole mask plate cast on the detector, with the shift in the shadows encoding the location
of the source in the sky. The CZTI comprises of a two dimensional mask plate mounted on top
of a pixelized CZT detector array.
Table 7-15: Key parameters of the CZTI instrument
Parameter Value
Detector CZT (Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride) detector array
Energy range 10 - 150 keV, up to 1 MeV (photometric)
Energy resolution 5% @ 100 keV
Pixel size, number of pixels 2.4 mm x 2.4 mm (5 mm thick)
Number of pixels 16384
Geometric area 1024 cm2
FOV (Field of View) 6º x 6º (10-100 keV) (defined by collimator)
17º x 17º (> 100 keV) (defined by coded mask housing)
Angular resolution 8 arcmin (< 100 keV)
Veto layer 2 cm thick CsI crystal+PMT (Photo Multiplier Tube)
Read-out ASIC based (128 chips of 128 channels)
Imaging method CAM (Coded Aperture Mask)
Overall size 50 cm x 50 cm x 70 cm (height), without radiator plate
Instrument mass, power 50 kg, 50 W
The CTZI instrument is fabricated in four identical, independent quadrants which are
joined together in the final configuration. Each quadrant has a 64 x 64 element coded mask
and a detector array of the same number of pixels. The mask pattern of adjacent quadrants
are rotated by 90º with respect to each other.

Figure 7-43: Schematic view of the CTZI instrument

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7.4.5.5 SSM (Scanning Sky Monitor):

The SSM instrument consists of three position sensitive proportional counters, each
with a one dimensional coded mask, very similar in design to the ASM (All Sky Monitor) on
NASA's RXTE (Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer) satellite (launch Dec. 30, 1995 ). The gas-filled
proportional counter features resistive wires as anodes. The ratio of the output charge on
either ends of the wire provide the position of the X-ray interaction, providing an imaging
plane at the detector. The coded mask, consisting of a series of slits, casts a shadow on the
detector, from which the sky brightness distribution can be derived.
The objectives of SSM are:
 To detect, locate and monitor x‐ray transients (nearly half of known x‐ray binaries are
transients)
 Monitor known bright sources (several samples/day; monitor for many months)
 Alert other instruments for detailed studies.

Figure 7-44 : Schematic view of the SSM instrument

Table 7-16: Table 5: Key parameters of the SSM instrument
Parameter Value
Detector Proportional counters with resistive anodes;
ratio of signals on either ends of anode gives
position
Energy range 2 - 10 keV
Position resolution 1.5 mm
Position determination ~0.5 mm
FOV 10º x 90º (FWHM)
Sensitivity 30 mCrab (5 minute integration)
Best time resolution 1 ms
Angular resolution ~ 10 arcmin
Instrument mass, power 48 kg, 30 W

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The operation of the SSM is to scan the sky continuously irrespective of the functions of the
other instruments on the spacecraft. A mounting arrangement is therefore necessary to
enable these detectors to scan as much of the sky as possible, independent of the satellite
pointing.
The three counters are mounted on a rotating platform providing a stepped rotation at
discrete steps about one axis. One of the monitors (the boom camera: SSM3) is aligned with
the rotation axis while the other two are mounted with their field of view forming an 'X' in the
sky
Typical scan pointing will be ~10 º apart with ~10 minute integration at each location. This
enables nearly half of the sky coverage, about 4 times per day (including nominal SAA
exclusion orbits).

7.4.5.6 CPM (Charged Particle Monitor):

A CPM, an auxiliary instrument, is included in the sensor complement of AstroSat to control
the operation of the LAXPC, SXT and SSM instruments. Even though the orbital inclination of
the satellite is 8º, in about 2/3rd of the orbits, the satellite will spend a considerable time (15
- 20 minutes) in the SAA (South Atlantic Anomaly) region which has high fluxes of low energy
protons and electrons. The high voltage will be lowered or put off using data from CPM when
the satellite enters the SAA region to prevent damage to the detectors as well as to minimize
the ageing effect in the Proportional Counters.
A Scintillator Photodiode Detector (SPD) with a Charge Sensitive Preamplifier will be used to
detect the charged particles.
In the CPM, a cube of 10 mm side length of CsI (Tl) crystal (wavelength = 550 nm) with Teflon
reflective material is coupled to the same area window of a Si-PIN diode. The incident charged
particle energy is converted into light in CsI, and the light, seen by the photodiode, is
converted into an electrical pulse with the help of a CSPA (Charge Sensitive Pre-Amplifier).
The electrical signal is then passed through a LLD (Lower Level Discriminator) with a
threshold level commandable from ground. The output is made available to all other
instruments on board, and is also recorded as a part of the satellite housekeeping data.
Table 7-17: Key parameters of the CPM instrument
Parameter Value
Scintillator 1cm x 1cm x 1cm CsI (Tl) crystal
Light collector Photodiode with pre-amp (Hamamatsu s3590-
08+eV5152)
Window 1 mil Kapton
Low energy threshold 1.2 MeV
Time resolution 5s
Expected count rate 1 s-1 (in non-SAA region)
Maximum count rate 1000-1
Instrument size, mass, power 18 cm x 15 cm x 5 cm, 2 kg, 2.3 W

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8. Micro and Nano Satellite Series

8.1 IMS-1 (TWSAT)
8.1.1 Introduction
IMS-1 (earlier it was called as TWSAT) is the first micro satellite fabricated for remote
sensing application purpose. This satellite can be launched mounted on the EB of PSLV with
no additional cost for launch.

8.1.2 Mission Objective

• To build, launch and operate a 3 axis stabilized remote sensing micro satellite for
launch, onboard PSLV, as auxiliary satellite, providing easy access of remote sensing
data to the educational institutions, research organizations and government agencies
in the developing countries. The spacecraft bus is developed as a versatile Micro
Satellite bus in order to carry in future, a number of different payloads without
significant changes in the bus.
• To develop low cost user terminals that can be used by users in Universities or
Institutions of developing countries to receive the payload data.
• The Hyper-spectral imager being flown in Chandrayaan-1 is also being flown in IMS-1
to evaluate and validate the payload.

8.1.3 Orbit Details

Parameter Value
Altitude 638 km
Semi Major Axis 7012.279 km
Inclination 97.94 º
Orbit Polar Sun Synchronous
Eccentricity 0.001
Local time 09. 44 AM (descending node)
Orbits/day 14
Repeat cycle 369 orbits in 25 days
Period 97minutes
Path to Path separation 108.6 km

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8.1.4 Salient Features of Spacecraft

Mechanical systems: IMS-1 is designed with Aluminum Honeycomb sandwich panels as a
Cuboid structure with a bottom deck, top deck and four cross ribs in a staggered fashion
connecting the top and bottom deck. This configuration generates a central core to house the
fuel tank, thruster and plumbing while transferring the loads effectively to the interface ring.
Payloads are mounted on the top deck.
The electronic packages are mounted on the four
cross ribs / cover panels for mounting external
appendages like antennas etc, forming the cuboid.
The structure is a cuboid of size 552 x 600 x 600
mm. The overall size of spacecraft with stowed
solar panel is 604 x 980 x 1129 (h) mm. IBL-298
interface ring interfaces with PSLV.
Thermal System: Thermal control is achieved by
passive means using semi-active elements like
paints, MLI, OSR and thermal tapes. However,
provision is made for heaters wherever necessary.
Thermistors, Platinum Resistance Temperature
sensors and Thermocouples are used for Figure 8-1 Stowed view of IMS-1
temperature monitoring at required locations of
IMS-1. The temperature sensor data is processed in BMU for heater control and telemetry to
ground.
Data Handling System: The Payload consists of 4 band multi-spectral CCD camera (MxT) and
64 bands HYSI payload. Either MX data or HYSI data will be recorded and transmitted at a
time. The BDH consists of P/L interface unit, Data Compression, RS coding and formatting
unit. The Compression ratio is 3.401:1 for MXT Payload and no compression for HYSI P/L
data. Compressed, RS encoded and formatted data is stored in SSR @ 10.66Mbps and
simultaneously played back @ 8 Mbps in compression mode for MXT Payload. In compression
bypass mode RS encoded, formatted data is stored in SSR @ 32 Mbps and simultaneously
played back @ 8Mbps for MX. The transmission time required is 1.33 times (10.66Mbps / 8
Mbps) the imaging time in compression mode for MX. The transmission time required is 4 (32
Mbps / 8 Mbps) times the imaging time in compression bypass mode for MX. The playback
data @ 8Mbps is differential encoded in BDH before transmission to RF Transmitter. Data
transmission is S band BPSK.
A Solid State Recorder of 16 GB is configured to meet the mission requirement. The data from
the payloads are formatted and a single stream is input to SSR. The basic operating modes of
the SSR are Normal, Diagnostics, BER or Self-Test.
RF Systems: A standard S-band (RF) TTC system supported by global network of ISTRAC will
be used for Telemetry, Telecommand of IMS-1. To minimize the transmitted power and
bandwidth and thereby cost of user terminals, it is designed that Payload and Telemetry data
transmission as well as Telecommand reception are in S-band. A single Telemetry / Data

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transmitter is used for TM (4Kbps) / Payload data (8 Mbps). The transmitter will have RF
output power of 5W for payload data transmission and 100 mW for telemetry data
transmission. The modulation scheme is PCM / BPSK for both Payload and Telemetry.
Payload data will be transmitted through a separate data transmission antenna with higher
gain (+3dBi) and telemetry data will be transmitted through TTC antenna (0dBi). The
common TM / DATA transmitter output will be switched between the TTC antenna and DATA
antenna using a coaxial switch. A filter is used in the data transmission path to restrict the out
of band emission. IMS-1 also has on-board a miniature SPS (Main and Redundant), which is
used for generating accurate position and velocity parameters used for onboard orbit
determination.

Figure 8-2 Deployed View of IMS-1

Power Systems: Power system is designed to meet the requirements of a micro satellite. IMS-
1 Power system supports a nominal load of 72W, peak load of 132W during MxT Payload and
peak load of 120 W during HySi-T Payload operation. Power system is based on a single bus
of 28 – 33V. The solar array consists of two wings, each having one panel of 0.810m x 0.720m.
In order to meet the higher specific power requirements, Triple Junction Solar cells are used
for power generation. To match the envelope of the rocket, the solar panels are chamfered at
two corners. IMS-1 spacecraft has one lithium ion battery of 10.5 Ah capacity. Power
electronics of IMS-1 is similar to HAMSAT & SRE. To meet the powering requirements of new
packaging concept, involving cards (instead of packages) for different subsystems, common
DC / DC converters are used. Additionally, a new centralized power switching and
distribution scheme is used for switching and distributing the outputs of DC/DCs & Raw Bus,
to different user systems. This reduces the total number of DC/DC converter requirements.
BMU & Attitude and Orbit control system: The Bus Management Unit (BMU) executes the
attitude and orbit control functions like TM, TC, and attitude orientation and orbit
maintenance of the spacecraft to the required accuracies. Apart from this, the BMU does the
3-axis auto acquisition and control from the moment of injection into the orbit and puts the
spacecraft in safe mode sun pointing orientation in the case of contingency.
The AOCS specifications are:

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 Pointing accuracy : 0.1 deg (3σ)

 Drift Rate : 5.0 X 10-04 ° / sec.

Four heads of 4 π Sun sensor, a miniature tri-axial magnetometer, a single head Star Sensor
and Inertial Reference unit (2 DTGs) are used for attitude sensing. In Magnetometer, for one
axis, a MEMS sensor is used in place of conventional sensor. There are four Micro Reaction
Wheels with 0.36Nms angular momentum arranged in tetrahedron configuration for attitude
control and two magnetic torquers of dipole moment of 9 Am2 along Roll and pitch axis used
during detumbling. A monopropellant Reaction control System comprising a fuel tank with
3.5 kg fuel and one 1N thruster is planned for orbit correction.
Table 8-1 Specifications of IMS-1
Parameter IMS-1 (TWSAT)
Mass 87 kg
Structure Aluminum Honeycomb sandwich based Cuboid
structure with a bottom deck, top deck and four
cross ribs in a staggered fashion connecting the top
and bottom deck.
Thermal Components Passive control using tapes , OSR, MLI Blankets and
semi-active/active control using proportionate
temperature controller and heaters
Temp. Range 20+5 deg.C range for imaging sensors electro-
optics
0 to 40 deg.C for electronic packages
Mechanism Solar Panel Paraffin based actuator for solar panel deployment
mechanism.
Power Solar Array The solar array consists of two wings, each having
one panel of 0.810m x 0.720m. Multi-junction cells,
206 watts @ the end of 2 years.
Nominal load :72W, peak load of 132W
Battery Li-ion, 10.5 AH, 8S x 7P, one battery
Electronics Power system is based on a single bus of 28 – 33V.
Telemetry/dat A single Telemetry / Data transmitter is used for
a transmission TM (4Kbps) / Payload data (8 Mbps). The
Communication transmitter will have RF output power of 5W for
payload data transmission and 100 mW for
telemetry data transmission.
The modulation scheme is PCM / BPSK for both
Payload and Telemetry
Telecommand Modulation scheme is FM//FSK/PCM.
BMU(AOCE+ TM/ Attitude/Orbit Star sensor(1), 4 PI sun sensors(4), Dynamically
TC) sensors Tuned Gyros (DTG)(2), Magnetometer, (Y) Mems
(R&P) normal, SPS for orbit determination

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Attitude 0.36 NMS, 0.018 Nm RW (4) mounted in

control tetrahedral configuration, Magnetic torquers(2),

Orbit Control Hydrazine thrusters (1 one Newton) 3.5 kg Fuel

Payloads MX, HYSI

8.1.5 Payloads:
Payload system consists of two Payloads, namely Multi Spectral Camera and Hyper Spectral
Camera

8.1.5.1 Multi Spectral Camera

The Mx-T is a four-band multi spectral camera with modular configuration having individual
optics, detector assembly and Electronics separately for each band. The four bands selected
for the instrument are identical to the previous IRS missions. The camera operates in a push
broom scanning mode to image the earth. The Payload will be used for the purpose of natural
resource management like Agriculture, Forest coverage and deforestation, urban
infrastructure development, land use as well as disaster management. The major challenge in
the design and development of camera has been to minimize size, weight and power and
realization in shortest time.

Figure 8-3 Mx Camera Structure

8.1.5.1.1 Payload Configuration
The TWSAT camera is configured to be a highly compact, low weight camera
commensurate with the overall mission requirements of developing a low cost and
lightweight micro-satellite. The camera, which operates in push broom mode, is multispectral
with four bands in the visible and near infra-red (VNIR) spanning 0.45 microns to 0.86
micron. The spectral bands, viz., Band 1 (0.45 to 0.52 micron), Band 2 (0.52 to 0.59 micron),
Band 3 (0.62 to 0.68 micron) and Band 4 (0.77 to 0.86 micron) are identical to the ones used
in the previous IRS missions. The nominal ground resolution is 36.87 meters from an altitude
of about 638 km.
All the four bands are nadir viewing with the linear detector array being used to image
the scene in across track direction of the satellite motion. The width of the scene in across

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track direction (swath) depends on the array length and the focal length of optics used. Each
time the array advances a distance equal to one resolution element, a new scan line is
generated.
The TWSAT camera has a modular configuration with each of the four spectral bands
having its individual optics, detector and associated electronics.
8.1.5.1.2 Multi Spectral Camera Specifications
Parameter Value
Ground Resolution 36.87m
Altitude 636.18 km
Swath 151 km
Spectral Band B1 (0.45 – 0.52 µm); B2 (0.52 – 0.59 µm);
B3 (0.62 – 0.68 µm); B4 (0.77 – 0.86µm)
Integration time 5.23 ms
Camera SWR (at Nyquist frequency) (%) B1:≥ 20; B2:≥ 20; B3:≥ 20 ; B4:≥ 10
(TWSAT: 70lp/mm)
Saturation Radiance (mW/cm2/str/µm) B1:55; B2:53; B3:47; B4:31.5
SNR (at Saturation radiance) >400
Quantization(bits) 10
Data Rate 32 Mbps
No of ports 4
Detector 4 K Elements Linear CCD
Pixels per port Active 1024
Pixel size 7 x 7 Micron
Size(EOM) mm 300.2 x 151.7 x 227
Camera Weight (kg) 5.905 kg
Power (W) 10.4W (Four Bands); 160 mA @ 5.6V
(Single Band); 90mA @ 18.7V (Single Band)
8.1.5.1.3 Description
The major subsystems of the Mx-T payload are
• Optics (Lens assemblies)
• Detector Head Assemblies
• Camera Electronics
• Mechanical System
Optics: The collecting optics for each of the spectral bands is an eight-element lens assembly
with a thermal filter at the front and a band pass filter (to select the respective spectral range)
at the rear. The optics is f/5 operating at a spatial frequency of 70 lp/mm over a field of view
(fov) of ± 7 degrees. All four-lens assemblies (pertaining to the four bands) have identical
designs for the ease of fabrication and assembly/alignment of lens elements. For details,
please refer section 3 on optical configuration and design.
The optical configuration consists of a multi-element lens assembly with a thermal filter at
the front and a band pass filter at the rear end. All the lens elements have spherical surface

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profiles. The last element is a plane parallel glass window with a band pass filter coating. The
choice of two types of glass for elements ensures that the focus does not change appreciably
within operating temperature of 20±10°C.

Figure 8-4 Optical Schematic of Mx

8.1.5.1.4 Detector Head Assembly:
Each of the four bands has a separate and identical detector head assembly (DHA),
which essentially consists of a 4k linear array CCD (sc 3925a) with a pixel size of 7 micron x
7 micron, a PCB and mechanical housing. The detector is indigenously developed and
qualified. SC 3925A, 4096 elements 7X7 micron linear CCD, manufactured indigenously by
SCL, Chandigarh, is used. This is in line with the philosophy of using indigenous components
for TWSAT wherever possible. Also, the performance of SCL made device is better than 4K
device (manufactured by Thomson) used in IRS-1C/D. It has four buried channel CCD (charge
coupled device) shift registers and four output amplifiers. The charge generated at the
photosites is stored under storage gate (Vp\Vst) and is transferred to the shift registers by
applying a transfer clock (Φx). The signals generated by pixels are shifted to register as
follows. Pixels 1, 3, 5 ….2047 goes to shift register 1 and port. pixels 2, 4, 6…2048 goes to
register 2 and port 2.
Pixels 4095, 4093, 4091 ….2049 goes to register 3 and port 3. Pixels 4096, 4094,
4092……..2050 goes to register 4 and port 4.
At each output channel, signal corresponding to 16 dummy pixels (6 isolation pixels
+ 4 dark pixel + 6 isolation pixels) arrives first, followed by the signal from sensitive 1024
pixels. After the 16 dummy pixel outputs, signal corresponding to end photosensitive pixels
is delivered (pixel # 1 for Vos1, pixel #2 for Vos2, pixel # 4095 for Vos3 and pixel # 4096 for Vos4).
These output signals can be processed to reconstruct the image.
All four bands will have the same detector type. These devices have been source
screened and qualified by the manufacturer, the SCL.

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8.1.5.2 Hyper Spectral Camera

Hyper spectral imager (HySI-T) is the other payload in TWSAT. The Hyper-spectral
imager being flown in Chandrayaan-1 is also being flown in TWSAT to evaluate and validate
the payload. Inclusion of Hyper-spectral imager in TWSAT will enhance the mission
capability. The data from this instrument will be useful for ocean and atmospheric studies.
Hyper-spectral Imager is already being developed for Chandrayaan-1 using Lens,
wedge filter, active pixel detector, miniaturized camera electronics etc. Same configuration is
used for TWSAT hyper-spectral imager. Necessary changes have been carried out in camera
electronics FPGA logic design to match the TWSAT configuration and data rate. HySI-T will be
an independent chain in TWSAT. Considering the transmittable data rate limits and power
availability of spacecraft, it is planned to have either the multi-spectral or hyper-spectral
payload operation at a time.

Figure 8-5 Hyper Spectral Camera

8.1.5.2.1 Specifications
Parameter Value
Spectral range 400-950nm
No of bands 64 fixed
Spectral separation 8 nm
Ground track velocity 6.9302 km/s
Spatial resolution 505.6m
Along track sampling interval 543.6m
Swath 129.5 km
Bandwidth <15nm
MTF >0.2
SNR at saturation >400 – 1500
No. of gains 1
No. of exposure settings 8
Clock input (BRC) 16MHz

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WLS period 78.45ms

Digitization 16 bit
Data rate 4.0Mbps
Data type 16 bit serial
Power 0.8W (176mA @ 3.8V, 25mA @5.6V)
Weight 4 kg
8.1.5.2.2 Description
The major subsystems of the HySI-T payload are
• Optics (Lens assemblies)
• Detector Head Assemblies
• Camera Electronics
• Mechanical System
Optics: The collecting optics for HySI-T is a multi-element lens assembly with a thermal filter
at the front. Effective focal length and F/No. are 62.5mm and 4 respectively.
Detector: A custom built area array with 512 rows and 256 columns based on active pixel
technology with inbuilt 12 bit digitiser is used in HySI-T.
Spectral separation: Spectral separation is done using a wedge filter. The wedge filter is an
interference filter with varying thickness along one dimension so that the spectral content
transmitted through it varies in that direction. Thus when placed in front of the area array, all
pixels in a given row will receive irradiance from same spectral (but different spatial) region.
The pixels along a given column will receive irradiance from different spectral as well as
different spatial regions. This arrangement of spectral dispersion results in spectral sampling
at 1nm intervals and bandwidth of 8 nm for each row at system level.
Camera Electronics: Camera Electronics is designed around area array active pixel detector.
It receives the 12 bit, 512 bands parallel data from detector. These 512 bands of over sampled
data is processed to 64 bands and given to Base band data handling system. As the data is
distributed in multiple integration times, the data from detector is stored. Real time data
storage is incorporated in camera electronics.
Mechanical System: Camera structure is designed to hold various components like lens
assembly, detector head assembly, hood etc. CE and power supply are in separate trays which
are stacked together and mounted behind the camera.
Power System: HySI-T camera requires 3.8V and 5.6V power supplies and is similar to HySI
Chandrayaan-1. Detector is powered though a filter which is part of power distribution
system.

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Figure 8-6 Spectral scanning and swath coverage of HySI

8.2 Youthsat
8.2.1 Introduction
The Youthsat is the second small satellite fabricated by ISAC. Youthsat carried three
payloads namely SOLRAD, LiVHySI and RaBIT. The remote sensing data from this micro
satellite is used for scientific studies like research of solar flare activity, mapping of Total
Electron Content (TEC) of the ionosphere and measuring airglow of the earth’s atmosphere.

8.2.2 Mission Objective

Mission Objectives of Youthsat are

• To build, launch and operate 3 axis stabilized Micro satellite for launch on-board PSLV
as an auxiliary satellite with scientific payloads that are useful for observing solar
flares and also for study of their impact on atmosphere.

• To involve the youth consisting of students, research scholars etc., for the
development and use of payloads mentioned above, in order to inculcate interest and
participation in space related activities and also to participate in the data analysis.

8.2.3 Orbital Parameters

Orbital parameters of Youthsat is as given below.
Paramater Value
Local Time 10.30 AM
Altitude (km) 817

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Semi Major Axis (km) 7195.11

Inclination (Deg) 98.69
Orbits/Cycle 341
Orbit/Day 14.22
Repetivity 24 Days
Period (Min) 101.35
Ground track velocity (km/s) 6.65

8.2.4 Salient features of Youthsat

The salient features of Youthsat are given in following table.
Table 8-2 Specifications of Youthsat
Parameter Youthsat
Mass 87 kg
Structure Aluminum Honeycomb sandwich based Cuboid
structure with a bottom deck, top deck and four
cross ribs in a staggered fashion connecting the top
and bottom deck.
Thermal Components Passive control using tapes , OSR, MLI Blankets and
semi-active/active control using temperature
controller and heaters
Temp. Range 20+5 deg.C range for imaging sensors electro-optics
0 to 40 deg.C for electronic packages
Mechanism Solar Panel Paraffin based solar panel deployment mechanism.

Power Solar Array Nominal load :72W, peak load of 132W

The solar array consists of two wings, each having
one panel of 0.810m x 0.720m. Multi-junction cells,
206 watts @ the end of 2 years
Battery Li-ion, 10.5 AH, 8S x 7P, one battery
Electronics Power system is based on a single bus of 28 – 33V.
Telemetry/data A single Telemetry / Data transmitter is used for TM
transmission (4Kbps) / Payload data (8 Mbps). The
Communication transmitter will have RF output power of 5W for
payload data transmission and 100 mW for
telemetry data transmission.
The modulation scheme is PCM / BPSK for both
Payload and Telemetry
Telecommand Modulation scheme is FM//FSK/PCM.

BMU Attitude/Orbit Star sensor(1), 4 PI sun sensors(4), Dynamically

(AOCE+TM/TC) sensors Tuned Gyros (DTG)(2), mems Magnetometers(2),
SPS for orbit determination

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Attitude 0.36 NMS, 0.018 Nm RW (4) mounted in tetrahedral

control configuration, Magnetic torquers(2),
Orbit Control Hydrazine thrusters(1 one Newton) 3.5 kg Fuel
Payload SOLRAD, LiVHySI, RaBIT

8.2.5 Youthsat Payloads

Youthsat is second in the Indian Mini Satellite-1 Series carrying three payloads namely
SOLRAD, LiVHySI and RaBIT.
 SOLRAD by Moscow University (Solar Radiation Experiment)
 RaBIT by SPL-VSSC (Radio Beacon for Ionosphere Tomography)
 LiVHySI by VSSC & SAC (Limb Viewing Hyper Spectral Imager)

8.2.5.1 SOLRAD Payload

SOLRAD (Solar Radiation Experiment) is a co-operative joint scientific mission between India
and Russia with participation of youth from both the countries. The payload is developed with
an aim to inculcate interest in the youth in space research and space technology.
Scientific goals: SOLRAD instrument is designed in SINP/MSU to study time variations of
solar x-ray and gamma-ray flux and spectra as well as the variations of the flux of charged
particles generated in the Sun or in the Earth vicinity. Astrophysical gamma-ray bursts and
some variable sources can be also studied.
SOLRAD experiment will provide the measurements in the range:
 X-rays and gammas 0.02-10 MeV
 Electrons 0.3-3.0 MeV
 Protons 3-100 MeV, Alphas 5 - 24 MeV/nucl., nuclei of C, N, O group 6 - 15 MeV/nucl.
The goal is research of solar flare activity by measuring temporal and spectral parameters of
solar flare X-rays and gamma rays as well as of charge particle (electron and protons) fluxes
in the Earth Polar cap regions which are sensitive to solar flare activity. The scientific
objectives are met with an X-ray and Gamma ray detector – spectrometer system using a
NaI(TI) / Cs(TI) phoswich unit and a charged particle detector system using a silicon detector
telescope unit. SOLRAD payload consists of two modules namely detector module and
electronics module. The Detector module consists of two independent units: Detector Unit
for Electrons (DUE) and Detector Unit for X-rays and Gamma (DUXG). Based on the scientific
objective, SOLRAD payload has to be pointing towards Sun during Sun Pointing period of the
orbit.

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Figure 8-7 SOLRAD Detector Box Figure 8-8 SOLRAD Information Box

The phenomena to be studied with SOLRAD particle detector are:

• SEP events and solar charged particle penetration boundaries in the Earth’s
magnetosphere during geomagnetic disturbances;
• Dynamics of the relativistic electron fluxes in the Earth’s magnetosphere;
• Energetic particle precipitation under the Earth’s radiation belts (at low and high
latitudes).
The phenomena to be studied with SOLRAD x-ray and gamma detector are:
• Solar flares: fast x-ray and Gamma-ray flux variations
• Solar flares: thermal and non-thermal part of X-ray and gamma-ray spectra
• Solar flares: gamma-ray lines
• Astrophysical gamma-ray bursts (GRB)
• X-ray binaries, pulsars, SGR, etc
SOLRAD payload is always kept ON throughout the time in the orbit irrespective of the
attitude geometry. SOLRAD payload data is stored in its internal memory. SOLRAD payload
has a provision onboard to store the last 20 sessions payload data, which can be played back
on requirement by issuing a SOLRAD multi data command appropriately. The estimated data
volume is 100 Mbytes/day.

8.2.5.2 RaBIT Payload

Scientific Objectives: In the recent years it has become clear that the understanding of the
ionosphere is central to the design of many modern communication, navigation and
positioning systems. In the past, ionospheric studies have been confined to traditional areas
of broadcast and radio communication. With the increasing use of satellites for navigation and
positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.), characterizing and modeling of the ionosphere (its spatial
and temporal variability) has become extremely important. This is because the position
accuracy achievable from navigation satellites is largely affected by the intervening
ionosphere. The range error is directly proportional to the total electron content (TEC) along
the ray path. The equatorial ionosphere with its inter-related unique features like equatorial
ionization anomaly (EIA), equatorial spread F (ESF), poses additional challenges due to their
highly dynamical nature and large spatial and temporal variability which are not yet well

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quantified even for quiet conditions. The geomagnetic storms significantly alter the
background ionospheric and thermospheric structure, energetic and dynamics and as a
consequence modify the major equatorial ionospheric processes.
The morphological features of the equatorial ionosphere are well understood, but its day-to-
day variability still remains enigmatic. These facts highlight the need for a comprehensive
understanding of the complex processes of the ionosphere-thermosphere system including
its response to the various external forcing so as to reach a level of predictive capability. One
of the most important aspects still to be understood is the temporal and spatial variability in
electron density distribution during space weather events. It has been established from the
Indian Coherent Radio Beacon Experiment (CRABEX) program, using dual band coherent
transmissions from Low Earth Orbiting Satellites (LEOS) that the tomographic techniques are
very effective and useful in investigating the large-scale structures over low and equatorial
latitudes, like equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA), equatorial spread F (ESF), their temporal
and spatial variability, their inter relationship and response to space weather effects.
The main objective of RaBIT payload(Radio Beacon for Ionosphere Tomography) is to
measure the Total electron content (TEC) of the Ionosphere. The position accuracy achievable
from navigation satellites is largely affected by the intervening ionosphere. The range error
is directly proportional to the total electron content along the ray path. It is understood that
ionospheric TEC measurement simultaneously along a latitudinal chain of receivers could be
used for tomographic imaging, i.e., for obtaining the latitude –altitude distribution of electron
density of the ionosphere. RaBIT payload being an RF payload, it does not have any interface
with Base Band Data handling system. RaBIT payload has to be on the earth-viewing side.
The scientific objectives of RaBIT payload are:
• To study the structure and dynamics of equatorial ionosphere over the Indian region
using tomographic technique.
• To study the coupling between high and low latitudes during space weather events.
• To study the ionospheric effects of various solar and geophysical factors.
• Transcontinental studies of the ionosphere in Russia and India during different
seasons and local time intervals
Ionospheric tomography: Ionospheric tomography is a powerful tool to address the spatial
variability of the ionosphere. The advantage of tomography technique is that it can give a
snapshot picture of the latitude-altitude variation of the ionosphere, using data from a chain
of simple, inexpensive ground receivers, by recording coherent beacon signals from a low-
earth orbiting satellite. The primary data for the tomographic inversion is the line of sight
TECs estimated along a number of ray paths from a chain of ground receivers aligned along
the same longitude. These TECs are then inverted to obtain the electron density distribution
as a function of latitude and altitude over a given longitude. The schematic geometry of the
CIT is shown in the figure below. In the simple case the ionosphere is replaced by pixels of
appropriate size and electron density within each pixel is assumed to be a constant (piecewise
constant).

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Then mathematically, ionospheric tomography problem reduces to

Y = Ax + E Where Y is the observed TEC data, x is a the unknown electron
densities, and A is the geometry matrix, which describes the relationship between the
received TEC data and the electron densities on each ray path (the length of the ray in the
corresponding pixel). Thus the electron density in each pixel is obtained as x = A-1 Y. In
practice the inverse of the large geometry matrix is estimated by either truncated Singular
Value Decomposition technique or Algebraic Reconstruction Technique.
Working Principle: The basic data for ionospheric tomography is the line of sight TEC
(STEC). The STEC is obtained by Differential Doppler technique. Here the measured data, is
the relative phase between 150 and 400 MHz, is proportional to the relative slant TEC (STEC)
along the propagation path of the signal as

φ = C D x STEC (1)

Where, φ is measured in radians, STEC is in m-2 and CD = 1.6132 x 10-15 for NNSS satellites
(Leitinger, 1994). Since the phase measurements are accurate to < 5°when the receiver is at
locked condition, and the data sampling is at 50 Hz, these observations yield accurate
estimates of the relative TEC, with errors < 0.05%.
Estimation of TEC: The ground receiver measures the phase difference between the
incoming signals, and the TEC is estimated by the method of Differential Doppler method.
Here, based on the phase or frequency shift measurements which results from the changes in
optical path length P = ∫ n ds: where n is the refractive index and is a measure of electron
density, Ne. The relationship between Ne and n is given by Appleton Hartee equation as
n ~ 1 - 40.3 Ne / f2
The reduction in phase path for a signal from satellite to ground receiver is

∆P = ∫ (n – 1) ds ~ - 40.3 NT / f2

Here NT (= ∫NE . ds) is the TEC along the ray path.

Two coherent frequencies, f1 (= p . f ) and f2 (= q . f) are transmitted and the received phases
converted to a common frequency and compared. It can be shown that their phase difference
(∆Φ) is directly proportional to TEC (NT).

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i.e., ∆Φ = [40.3 NT/(f . c)] {q-2 – p-2 }

Generally in the case of the above satellites, the transmitted frequencies are 150 and 400 MHz
(i.e., in the ratio 3: 8)
RaBIT Electronics: The purpose of RaBIT is to measure the Total Electron Content (TEC) of
Ionosphere. RaBIT will generate two phase coherent frequencies, 150MHz and 400MHz. The
relative phase of 150MHz with respect to 400MHz is proportional to the slant relative TEC
along the line of sight. The basic source is a coaxial resonator oscillator (CRO) at 1200MHz.
This is phase locked using an integer PLL. The reference to the PLL is a Temperature
compensated Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator (TC-OCXO). A clock distribution IC with
programmable internal frequency divider generates two coherent frequencies viz, 400MHz,
and 150MHz. An 8-bit microcontroller is used to program the PLL and to issue a
synchronization command for synchronizing 400MHz and 150MHz signals. These outputs are
filtered using in-house made band pass filters, which improve the signal quality. For
improving return loss, attenuator pads are used at both the outputs, before and after
amplification. The amplifiers are realized using Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits
(MMIC). The final stage in each chain consists of a power amplifier, which enhances the power
to 1.58 Watts. The entire circuitry works with a single 3.3V power supply. This power is
derived onboard using a hybrid DC/DC converter with built in EMI filter. The 150MHz and
400MHz signals are combined using a lumped element frequency combiner to get nominal
output power of 1W.
Antenna systems: RaBIT antenna is a deployable antenna. The deployable antenna system
consists of (i) Boom assembly, (ii) Dipole sub assembly, (iii) UHF and VHF reflectors, (iv)
Retention and release mechanism and (v) Deployment and locking mechanism. The major
subassemblies of the system are detailed below:
Boom Assembly: The deployable antenna system consists of a centrally positioned boom to
which all subsystems are assembled. The boom assembly consists of two parts viz a conical
lower part and a cylindrical upper part assembled using a lap joint at the center. The base of
the boom is assembled to satellite deck. The top of the boom provides interface for mounting
TTC antenna. Boom assembly is the central structural element of the antenna system. It
provides the structural interface for various elements of the system. Dipole sub-assemblies
and reflector are attached to the boom assembly through specially designed hinges.
Dipole sub Assembly: The dipole sub assembly consists of tubes (OD 12 mm, WT 1mm)
made of brass. Two dipoles sub-assemblies are symmetrically attached to the top of the boom
at diametrically opposite locations. Each dipole sub assembly is made of two brass tubes that
is assembled using TRAP holder made of GFRP material to enable the system to work for dual
frequency. The dipole sub assembly is electrically insulated from boom. The dipole tubes are
bonded to TRAP holder using Hysol 9394. The trap holder houses the LC circuit which enables
the antenna to work for dual frequencies.
UHF Reflector & VHF Reflector: The UHL reflector is made with rod made of Brass to meet
the inertial constraint to avoid collision during deployment. The VHF reflector is made with
tube made of Al alloy. The UHF reflector is a brass rod with OD 12 mm and the VHF reflector

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is an Al alloy tube with OD 12 mm. The UHF &VHF reflectors are positioned at a distance of
170mm and 425mm from dipole sub assembly respectively.
Retention and release Mechanism: In order to meet the envelope constraints, the dipole
and reflectors are stowed during the ascent phase of the mission and deployed after injection
of satellite into the orbit. The stowed dipole and reflectors are held in position using rope
made of Nylon 6. The Nylon rope, either ends are attached to the strain gauged load links
through bowline. The rope is finally assembled to the boom through a bracket at two
locations. The antenna elements are preloaded against the boom by tightening the rope. The
tension in the rope is controlled using preload bolts and monitored using the strain gauged
load links. The rope is also touching the heating wire (SS 304 wire of dia 0.25 mm) routed
through a block made of Machinable glass ceramic. The release of the antenna elements are
achieved by fusing the rope using the heating wire. Two sets of heating wire are provided on
the block to improve system reliability.
Deployment mechanism: The deployment mechanism moves the dipole and reflectors on
release from the stowed configuration to the final position. Torsion springs are mounted at
the hinge joint of dipole and reflectors to give necessary energy for deployment and also the
necessary preload at the deployed condition.

Indian Block of Stations:

Station Lat. (°N) Long. (°E)

Trivandrum 8.5 77.0

Bangalore 13 77.6

Hyderabad 17.8 78.0

Bhopal 23.2 77.2
Delhi 28.6 77.2

Russian Block of Stations:

Station Lat. (°N) Long. (°E)
Norilsk 69.2 88.6
Turukhansk 65.46 87.56
Tomsk 56.3 84.55

8.2.5.3 LiVHySI Payload

In recent years the need for a comprehensive understanding of the complex processes of the
ionosphere-thermosphere system, including its response to the various external forgings so
as to reach a level of predictive capability, has been felt. As is known, the information

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regarding the thermosphere can be obtained through atmospheric emissions known as

‘Airglow’ while ionosphere variability’s can be studied through radio wave propagation
characteristics. As a consequence, simultaneous measurements of (i) airglow emission
intensity from the menopause (height region around 90 km), ionosphere-thermosphere and,
(ii) electron density distribution would provide important insight into the generation
mechanisms and evolution of these processes. In this context, the combination of LiVHySI and
RaBIT would provide excellent simultaneous measurements of neutral and plasma
parameters respectively, complementing each other and also the solar radiation
measurements through SOLRAD. Both these Indian experiments are the first of its kind
indigenously built experiments onboard an Indian satellite.

Figure 8-9: Exploded view of LiVHySI

The terrestrial upper atmosphere i.e. about 80 km to 1000 km is a closely coupled two
component system where the neutrals (thermosphere) and plasma (ionosphere) coexist with
linkages to magnetosphere higher above and the lower atmosphere below. This region
consists of ionized matter (ionosphere) and neutral matter (thermosphere in the form of
atoms and molecules). This part of the earth’s atmosphere responds sensitively the solar
radiation and wind reaching the earth through the interplanetary space. This region is
controlled primarily by the solar EUV radiation through atmospheric heating, photo
dissociation and photo ionization of the atmospheric species. The electrons and ions
constitute the electrically conducting ionosphere with the neutral atmosphere
(thermosphere) dominating the background.

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The state of thermosphere-ionosphere region at any given time and location is determined
not only by chemistry but also by the transport through neutral winds, electric fields and field-
aligned plasma diffusion. For instance, solar wind–magnetosphere interactions cause
significant changes in the energies of this region over high latitudes. Over low and equatorial
latitudes, the scenario is even more complicated as the energetic and dynamics is affected not
only by the direct solar forcing but also by the non-local forcing from the high latitudes and
the atmosphere lower below it.

The individual constituents of the atmosphere whether they are atomic and molecular in
nature play important role in the process of upper atmospheric energy balance. The lifetime
of most of these species, to a large extent, are controlled by the photochemical processes
involving them. A number of the atmospheric species get excited and undergo specific
spectral transitions as a result of these processes. Consequently, atomic and molecular
emissions occur depending on the lifetime of the meta stable state and the timescale of the
ongoing quenching reactions. These atmospheric emissions are known as the `Airglow’. The
broad classification of the airglow phenomenon is day glow, nightglow or twilight glow
depending on the time of the day it is being observed. Twilight glow can also be termed as the
day glow as seen from the night sky. The phenomenon of excitation and de-excitation over
the polar-regions is known as Aurora (Aurora borealis for northern and Aurora austral is for
southern polar region). Though, the variations in the airglow intensity would primarily be

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caused by the changing relative contribution of the various chemical channels causing the
particular excitation, transport effects would also modulate the observed airglow intensity at
any given time. As a consequence, these airglow emissions thus serve as a perfect tracer for
the processes occurring in the altitude regions from which they emanate. LiVHySI is a wedge
filter based instrument that is capable of making simultaneous measurements of the intensity
of many airglow emissions at different wavelengths, emanating within 80-600 km altitude
region within the limb of earth. The airglow emissions that are of interest to us are listed here
giving details of the emitting species and corresponding wavelengths.
Wavelength(λ in nm) Emission Altitude Type of emission
Range(km)
First negative band of N2427.8 120-250 Band

NI 520.0 100-220 Atomic

OI 557.7 90-120 & 150-200 Atomic

NaI 589.0 90-100 Atomic

OI 630.0 160-500 Atomic
OI 636.4 160-500 Atomic
OH 731.6 80-98 Band
OII 732.0 100-200 Atomic
OH 740.2 80-98 Band
O2 762.0 80-100 Band
OI 777.4 250-350 Atomic
OI 844.6 250-350 Atomic
O2 864.5 100-200 Band

8.2.5.3.1 Payload Operating Principle:

The ‘Limb Viewing Hyper Spectral Imager’ referenced to as LiVHySI would be continuously
imaging the earth’s limb along the meridian between ~ 80-600 km as it moves in the polar
orbit. As mentioned earlier, the atmosphere in this altitude region is emanating a range of
prominent airglow emissions at different wavelengths maximizing at different heights. The
details of these emissions have been given in Table above. Further, the signals coming from
the limb of earth would be spectrally dispersed only along the altitude while spatial variability
that could exist horizontally would be time averaged depending upon the temporal resolution
of the proposed measurements, since the satellite is moving with a velocity of ~8-10 km/s. In
this context, the 256 pixels side of the detector would be aligned vertically (Yaw axis) along
the altitude axis, while the 512 pixel side i.e. wavelength side of the detector would be
employed horizontally (Band 1 is along +Roll side, Band 512 is along –Roll side). In this
configuration, the imaged airglow emissions would not only provide the altitudinal
distribution of the emitting species but also give us an insight into the physical, chemical and
transport processes operating at different altitude regimes of upper atmosphere.

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The main objective of the instrument is to perform airglow measurements in the Earth’s
upper atmosphere (80 to 600 km) in a spectral range of 450 nm to 950 nm. The observations
would be carried out in the earth’s limb viewing mode with a range of about 3172 km from a
LEO sun-synchronous polar orbital platform (altitude of 817 km). Sensor Development Area
(SEDA) at Space Applications Centre has developed this Hyper-spectral Imager as a part of
scientific payload onboard Youthsat. This instrument has taken the advantage of the design
and development of similar instrument hardware that was developed at SAC and used in
Chandrayan-1 and IMS-1 missions.

FOV of LiVHySI Limb of earth

V_satellite
Altitude
(Emissions
LiVHySI airglow to be
spectrally
dispersed)

Spatially
averaged

Global coverage of air glow measurements is required to generate the required database to
study and understand various aspects of the space weather. This is possible by satellite based
observations. The Earth’s Limb viewing geometry is chosen because it provides a number of
advantages as compared to the nadir viewing geometry. The horizontal line of sight through
the Earth’s limb contains up to sixty times more emitting material than a corresponding nadir
view, providing greater sensitivity for measurement of tenuous species. The combination of
the spherical geometry of the Earth’s atmosphere and the exponential decrease of gas density
with altitude provides data heavily weighted around the tangent point altitude of viewing and
also provides high vertical resolution. Further, the background viewed by the instrument is
cold blackness of the space, which reduces the dark signal and noise and hence simplifies data
interpretation.
This imaging spectrometer is based on a wedge filter as a dispersive element placed very close
to an Active Pixel sensor (APS) area array which in turn is placed at the focal plane of F#2, f =
80 mm telecentric lens system. The principal advantages of wedge spectrometer approach
are its relative simplicity, lack of complex aft optics, a compact and easily ruggedized
instrument design, uncomplicated layout that results in minimal sensor integration and test
time, reduced cost and delay time.

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The estimated radiometric performance of the proposed instrument is < 50 Rayleighs at noise
floor through the signal integration for 10 seconds. The pixel projection turns out to be 2
km/pixel at a range of about 3172 km with altitude coverage of 80 km to about 600 km and
horizontal swath of 1024 km from a spacecraft altitude of 817 km. The spectral sampling
distance is 1.1 nm. The observations could be carried out only during the eclipse due to the
constraints imposed by the observational modes of other on-board SOLRAD payload.
The subsystems of the LiVHySI P/L are:
 Optics (f/2, f=80mm, telecentric lens)
 Wedge filter
 APS (Active Pixel Sensor) & its Temp. Controller
 Camera electronics
 Power supply
 EOM structure
Payload subsystems are detailed below:
Optics: The imaging system for LiVHySI consists of a collecting optics, a wedge filter, an APS
area array and the associated electronics. The optical design consists of a single lens assembly.
This optical design utilizes eight lenses, consisting of four types of Schott glasses. A telecentric
design, in which the principal ray at all the field angles, is parallel to the optical axis, ensures
that the angle of incidence on the band pass filter is nearly the same for all the wavelengths.
Keeping the angle of incidence close to normal to the filter reduces the complexity of filter
coating.
Detector head Assembly: LiVHySI DHA (Limb Viewing Detector Head Assembly) of Youthsat
consists of512*256 elements Silicon based Area array Active Pixel Sensor (improved version
of the sensor used in Chandrayaan-1 and IMS-1). Desired system sensitivity is achieved by
fast optics and integrating the sensor for long duration. The sensor temperature is maintained
with tight tolerance (21 ± 0.1°C) using heater and thermistor in close loop to minimize dark
signal variation. The DHA responds to optical radiation covering spectral region from 450nm
to 950 nm. Wedge filter is placed very close to the sensor array for obtaining spectral
separation (512 spectral bands) along the row direction.

Thermal: The sensor temperature is maintained with tight tolerance (21 ± 0.1°C) using
heater and thermistor in close loop. The temperature control system consists of two number
of thermo foil heaters (type: MINCO HK5537R26.1L12E, 26.1ohm, 20W/inch, 12.7mm dia.
Circular patch) and two numbers of thermistors (type: YSI44906/44907,one for the control
loop and one for temperature monitoring). These components are mounted directly on back
surface of the APS.
Camera Electronics - Limb viewing hyper-spectral imager (LiVHySI) consists of two trays
stacked together.
1. Camera Electronics Main tray (PLE21)
2. Temperature Controller tray (PLE22)

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CE configuration is similar to IMS-1-HySI with changes carried out in FPGA logic design to
meet LiVHySI configuration requirements. In addition, a temperature controller is added as a
part of CE to minimize dark signal accumulated due to large integration time.
Following are the main changes in Youthsat-LiVHySI CE w.r.to IMS-1 Camera Electronics.
• All 512 bands data is transmitted as compared to 64 bands in IMS-1
• WLS from BDH is with minimum 8 skips as compared to IMS-1
• No TC/TM interface
• All dark pixels included in the data format from CE to BDH without change in data rate
• 12 LSB’s out of 16 bit output data represent valid data with 4 MSB’s stuffed to logic
“1”
• Inclusion of temperature controller to control detector temperature at 21°C with
setting accuracy of ± 0.5 °C and control accuracy of ± 0.1 °C

8.3 Microsat
8.3.1 Introduction
Microsatellites (Microsats) are small satellites with small volume, low power requirements
and weighing 100 kg. MICROSAT is an advanced optical remote sensing satellite for providing
spot imageries with a high spatial resolution in the panchromatic band and night imaging
using IR payloads. Payload requirements are met by choosing Sun-Synchronous near Earth
orbit of 300 Km x350 Km with 10:30 AM descending node local time. The satellite is designed
with heritage from IMS-1 and Youthsat.
The payload data will be transmitted in X-band after QPSK modulation and through SSPA. The
total power generated is about 287W in sun-pointing mode during summer solstice. The
payload will consist of one high-resolution PAN band and two IR bands for day and night
imaging. Considering piggy-back launch, the satellite may be injected into 500km orbit. Over
a period, with natural decay, the orbit will reach to 300Kmx350km. The mission life will be
about 6 months to one year.

Figure 8-10 Microsat Deployed Configuration

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Figure 8-11 MICROSAT Exploded View

8.3.2 Mission objectives

The main objective of small micro satellite series:
• To design and develop a high agility advanced satellite with a high spatial resolution
of around 0.8 m in the panchromatic band and provide better than 1 meter ground
sample distance in panchromatic.
• To design and develop night imaging using IR payload.
• To meet the ever-increasing user demands for cartographic applications at cadastral
level, urban and rural management, coastal land use and regulation, utilities mapping
and development and various other LIS and GIS applications.
The major payload goals are defined as:
• Imaging capabilities of 0.78 m PAN band and 6 m MWIR and LWIR bands from an
altitude of 300 Km
• Swath coverage of 3Km for PAN band and 2Km for IR bands
• Step and stare imaging for meeting high resolution and SNR improvement.
• Size, weight and power requirements based on modified IMS-1 satellite configuration

8.3.3 Orbit Details

Table 8-3 Orbit details of MICROSAT
Parameter Value
Spacecraft Mass 120 Kg
Payload Mass ~40 Kg
Spacecraft Size 55.2 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm
Average Power Generated 287 W
Average Payload Power 6 W (PAN) 26 W (MIR) 91 W (LWIR)

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Altitude 300 - 500 km

Orbit LEO
No. of orbits/day 15 22/27
Inclination 96.756° (Nominal)
Local time 9 hrs 30 min (descending)
Orbital Period 91 min
Swath 3Km (PAN) 2 Km (IR)

8.3.4 Salient features of MICROSAT

Table 8-4 Features of MICROSAT System
Subsystem Specification
Mass 120 Kgs
Payloads PAN, MIR & LWIR Cameras
Structure Aluminum Honeycomb sandwich panels as a Cuboid
structure
Thermal Control Flexible Optical Solar Reflectors (OSR), Multi-layer
Insulation blankets (MLI) with Beta cloth
Mechanisms Solar Panel – HDRM and Hinge Assembly

AOCS
Pointing Accuracy 0.1°
Drift Rate (Mean DC) for 0.1 Pixel (PAN) over 700 μs is
0.0213° /s
Drift Rate (Mean DC) for 0.1 Pixel (MIR) over 2 ms is
0.0573° /s
Drift Rate (Mean DC) for 0.1 Pixel (LWIR) over 0.4 ms is
0.2865° /s
Sensors Micro Star Sensors
4-PI Sun Sensors
Magnetometer
IRU Gyros (2 Nos) with two channels in each Gyro
Actuators 1N Thruster (One No, Central Mounted)
Reaction Wheels of 1.0NMS @ 6000 RPM and 0.02 Nm
Magnetic Torquers ( 2Nos of 12.0 A-m2)
Power System
Solar Panels 2*1 | Azur cells | 286W (BOL)
Battery 15.6 Ah Li-ion | 10Sx6P
Electronics Bus Voltage – 30-42 V
Expected Load Current - 7A@35V
TT&C
Telemetry S-Band | 16 kbps | BPSK

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Telecommand S-Band | 4 kbps | FM/PCM/PSK

RF System
Payload Data System X-Band | 2*16 Mbps | QPSK
SPS 12 Channel | L1 (1575.42 MHz) | C/A Code
SSR
32 Gb

8.3.5 Payload
The payloads consist of a PAN camera operated in spectral band of 0.5 μm to 0.85 μm with a
resolution of about 0.78m with a step-n-stare (SNS). It will have swath of 3.2km. This camera
can be used during sun-lit portion of the orbit. It has two IR bands: MIR: 3.7μm to 4.8μm and
LWIR: 7.7μm to 11μm. The resolution is about 6m. Satellite can provide a step-n-stare factor
up to 1:6.19. This camera can be used during eclipse portion of the orbit and during day and
night to cover the required area. Table 8-5 below gives the mission requirements.

Table 8-5 Mission Requirements/Goals

Parameters PAN IR
GSD (m) 0.78 @ 300 km 6 2@ 300 km
Swath (km) 3.2 ~2
Spectral Range (µm) 0.5 - 0.85 MIR – 3.7 – 4.8; LWIR – 7.7 - 11
SnS Factor Upto 1:6.19
Data Rate (Mbps) < 32 Mbps, X Band
Power (W) 7 MIR: 23 (42 during Cooling)
(Unregulated) LWIR: 78 (113 during Cooling)
Weight (Kg) ~ 40
14
Table 8-6 Major Payload Parameters
Parameter PAN MIR LWIR
Wavelength Range (μm) 0.5 – 0.85 3.7-4.8 7.7-11
Spatial Resolution(m) @ 300 km 0.78 6 6
Swath (km) @ 300 km 3.2 ~2 ~2
Pixel Size (μm) 7x7 30 x 30 30 x 30
Pixel elements 4096 320 x 32 320 x 32
Focal length (mm) 2692 1500
Optics Aperture Diameter (mm) 300
FOV 0.6° 0.37°
Saturation radiance / temp (K) 100% albedo 375 375
Quantization (bits) 10 12 14
SNR/NEdT > 100 250mK@300K 250mK@300K
scene scene
MTF at Nyquist (%) >5 >10 >1
Step and Stare ratio 6.19 (ground track velocity of 7.38km/s)

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Integration time (μs) 654 <2000 <400

Number of Ports 4 1 1
Data rate (Mbps) with SNS 64 0.85 1

Microsat payload consists of telescope, focal plane, camera electronics and mechanical
systems.
All the three payloads share a common telescope, which is based on RC system with two-
mirror configuration. Each band has its own aft optics for focal length adjustment (PAN and
IR bands requires different focal length) and field correction. Primary optics has clear
aperture of 300mm. Effective focal length of 2692 mm is realized for PAN band and 1500 mm
for MIR and LWIR bands based on the selected detectors. Focal plane uses flip mirror
configuration or germanium beam splitter configuration for splitting PAN and IR chain and
dichroic beam splitter for further splitting IR chain into MIR and LWIR bands. PAN focal plane
is configured with a linear CCD while MIR & LWIR focal plane is configured with MCT area
array detectors. PAN detector is available as 3D integrated package in which major electronic
functionalities are implemented. Camera electronics for IR bands consists of front-end
electronics, data handling electronics and cooler drive electronics (CDE). A honey-comb
optical platform will act as the main structure. Figure 8-12 shows system level block diagram.

Figure 8-12 System Level Block Diagram of Payload

8.3.5.1 Optical System (Telescope)

Microsat payload consists of three different channels – one each in visible, MIR and TIR
spectral range. The specifications of Microsat in three channels are:
Table 8-7 Microsat Detector Specification
Parameter Visible MIR TIR
GIFOV (m) 0.78 6 6
Swath (km) 3.2 1.9 1.9

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Spectral Range 0.5 to 0.85 3.7 to 4.8 7.7 to 11

(μm)
Detector 4 k linear array 320 X 256 (32)* 320 X 256 (32)*
Pixel Size 7 μm 30 μm 30 μm
Spacecraft 300 km
Altitude
Aperture 300 mm
Diameter
* 32 rows out of 256 will be used in the along track direction

Table 8-8 Microsat Optical Specification

Parameter Visible MIR TIR
EFL (mm) 2692 1500 1500
Fields of view ± 0.30 ± 0.1850 ± 0.1850
F/No. F/8.97 F/5 F/5
Spatial Frequency 72 lp/mm 17 lp/mm 17 lp/mm
Spectral range 0.5 to 0.85 3.7 to 4.8 7.7 to 11
(μm)

Two mirror systems with FCO is used for the design of PAN camera of Microsat due to its
small size, relatively less complex fabrication and alignment and preference of fabricating
these components. Beam splitter has been used to accommodate the IR channel together with
PAN.
In IR optical design, IR beams will be refracting using germanium beam splitter in place of
reflecting by flip mirror. There are six powered aft-optics elements in each IR channel. The
first three optical components are common to MIR and TIR channels and are used to collimate
the beam after the primary focus of the telescope. A fold mirror has been used to compress
the physical envelope of EO module. A second beam splitter is kept in the collimated path to
separate out the MIR and TIR channels. A set of 3 elements for each channel is used to focus
with required magnification.

8.3.5.2 The Detector

Microsat payload consists of one panchromatic (PAN) camera operating in visible band and
one infrared (IR) camera operating in two spectral bands: one in Mid Infrared (MIR) range
and other in Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) range. The main factors that define the type and
format of detector required for these bands are spectral region of interest, required
radiometric performance (SNR/NEDT), required ground sampling distance and swath from
given platform height, optics focal length, frame rate, operating temperature etc.

Table 8-9 Major Payload Parameters for Detector Selection

Parameter Value
PAN MIR LWIR
Spectral band (μm) 0.50 – 0.85 3.7 – 4.8 7.7 – 11.0

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GSD (m) (from 300km altitude) 0.78 6 6

Swath (km) 3 ~2 ~2
(from 300km altitude)
Focal Length (mm) 2692 1500 1500
SNR/NEdT >100 @ <250mK <250mK @300K
100% @300K target target temp.
albedo temp.

8.3.5.3 PAN Camera

PAN camera operates in spectral region of 0.5μm - 0.85μm with a GSD of about 0.78m from
platform height of 300km. For achieving 3km swath with the given 0.78m GSD, the required
minimum number of detector pixels along swath direction is about 3847. Only one row of
pixels is sufficient to generate an image in pushbroom mode. To meet the SNR requirements
at 100% albedo imaging will be carried out in step-and-stare (SNS) mode. Required SNS for
PAN camera is 1:6.19.
4K linear CCD (SC3925A) detector is a 4096 pixels visible linear imager with high speed
operation and high dynamic range. Complete camera module for this detector has been
developed using 3D packaging technology. The key advantage of 3D packaging of camera
module is 80% reduction in volume and 65% reduction in weight compared to conventional
discrete hardware used in IMS-1.

Figure 8-13 4K Linear CCD 3D plus Camera Module

Table 8-10 Major Specifications of 3D plus Camera Module
Parameter Value
Detector SCL 4K Linear CCD (SC3925A)
Pixel Material Silicon
No. Of pixels 4096
Pixel Size 7 µm x 7 µm
Pixel Pitch 7 µm
Data Format 10bit serial
Data Rate 64 Mbps
Dark Noise ≤1 LSB

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SNR ≥ 100
Weight ≤ 150 gm
Regulated Power (Typ) 3W
Volume 52 x 49 x 28 mm3

Figure 8-14 3D Camera Module Block Diagram

The camera module consists of:
(i) SCL make 4K linear CCD (SC3925A): It is an indigenously made high performance 4096
element linear array CCD which converts incident radiation into electrical charge. It has four
buried channel CCD shift registers and four output amplifiers. The charge generated at the
photodiodes is stored under storage gate and is transferred to the shift registers by applying
a transfer clock. This CCD requires six different regulated biases ranging from 3V to 15V and
four different clocks for its operation.
Typical electro-optical characteristics of the CCD are given in Table-8-11.

Table 8-11 Typical Electro-optical Characteristics of CCD (SC3925A)

Parameter Symbol Unit Value
Saturation Output Vsat mV 800
Voltage
Photo response PRNU % ≤±7
non-uniformity
CTF @ 70 lp/mm CTF % 64

Responsivity R V/µJ/cm2 3.5 – 5

Conversion Gain CG µV/electron 2.2
Non-Linearity NL mV (rms) ≤ 0.7

(ii) CCD Bias generator: CCD requires six different biases ranging from 3V to 15V for
photodiode, shift registers and output amplifiers operation. LM2914 bias generator inside the

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camera module generates all the regulated and low noise bias voltages required for CCD
operation.
(iii) SCL make CCD clock driver (SC9945): It shifts the level of CCD clocks generated by
FPGA to 13V (typical) MOS level required for CCD operation.
(iv) Analog front end (AFE) (AD9814): It digitizes the CCD analog video output. Two AFEs
are used in camera module to process the CCD 4 port analog output.
(v) FPGA based logic and data processing: It generates clocks for CCD and AFE operation,
serializes AFE output data and inserts camera status as telemetry in output data stream.

8.3.5.4 IR Camera
The infrared (IR) camera operates in two channels MIR: 3.7μm – 4.8μm and LWIR: 7.7μm –
11.0μm. Cooled IR detectors offer high sensitivity and high speed operation over their
uncooled counterparts. Integrated Detector Dewar Cooler Assembly (IDDCA) is generally
used for operation and characterization of such detectors. The focal plane array (FPA) is
contained in a vacuum-sealed case or Dewar which is then cryogenically cooled using an
active micro-cooler.
For both IR bands, the required GSD from 300km altitude is 6m. With effective focal length of
1500mm the pixel size shall be 30μm for imaging from 300km. Swath of 2km with 6m GSD
requires an array of 334 pixels.
The IR Detector Head Assembly in general comprises of an IDDCA, proximity electronics,
interface to camera electronics, cooler drive electronics, vibration damping assembly and
heat sink.

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Figure 8-15 IR DHA Block Schematic

8.3.6 Payload electronics (PE)

Microsat Camera Electronics (CE) configurations are worked out based on system inputs
and detector requirements. CE is planned to be realized considering following system and
detector inputs. Table 8-12 provides system specifications and goals.

Table 8-12 System specification and goal for Camera Electronics

Parameter PAN MIR LWIR
Detector SCL 3925A IR with IDDCA IR with IDDCA
Number of Ports 4 1 or 4 1 or 4
Pixel Size (um) 7 30 30
Pixel elements 4096 320x256 320 x256
Pixel Readout 4096 320x32 320x32
Pixel Readout (MHz) 1.6 1 1
Integration time (ms) 0.654 2 0.4
Frame time (ms) - 145 145
Step and Stare ratio 6.19
Quantization (bits) 10 12 14
Electronics SNR (goal) > 1000 > 4000 > 8000
Data Format Serial
Total Data rate (Mbps) 64 0.85 (16 in burst) 1 (16 in burst)
SNR /NEDT > 100 250mK @ 300K Target Temperature
Unregulated Payload 7 23 (42 during 78 (113 during
Power (W) cooling) cooling)

Camera Electronics primarily consists of the following.

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A. Detector Interface board (DIB): This card will be used for interfacing detector. A flexi
cable will carry all signals from and towards FECE card.
B. Front End Camera Electronics (FECE): It consists of bias circuits for op-amplifiers,
buffers, detector bias generator, digitizer and FPGA based logic and control electronics. FECE
receives master clocks BRC and WLS from BDH and generates various clocks for detector and
digitizer operations. It processes digitized data and transmits serial data to BDH.
C. Cooler Drive Electronics (CDE): It consists of control and drive electronics for cooler and
controls the cooler temperature of IR detector to maintain to a desired temperature levels
with feedbacks coming from IDDCA temperature sensors and position sensors.
D. Power Supply Electronics (PSE): PSE receives the raw bus supply and distributes the
regulated power supply to different sections of CE.

Figure 8-16 Microsat Camera Electronics

PAN electronics is realized using miniaturized 3D Plus module and PSE. IR camera electronics
are realized using DIB, FECE, CDE and PSE.

8.3.6.1 PAN CE
PAN camera is developed using available 3D plus module. 3D plus module is miniaturized
fully integrated detector and camera electronics (excluding power supply). It consists of
indigenously developed SCL make CCD linear detector, SCL make clock driver, analog front-
end, and FPGA based Timing Logic and data processing with standard BDH and BMU interface.
Key advantage of using 3Dplus module is 80 % reduction in volume and 65 % reduction in
weight as compared to conventional hardware. Figure 8-17 shows 3D plus module and Figure
8-18 shows functional blocks implemented in the integrated camera module.

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Figure 8-17 D Plus module for PAN camera electronics

Figure 8-18 Block diagram of 3D plus Module

Table 8-13 Salient feature of 3D module
Parameter Value
Programmable gain 6-bit
Quantization 10 bits
Data rate (Mbps) 1 to 64
Data Format 10 bit Serial
Dark noise < 1 LSB (@10 bit)
Near Saturation SNR > 500
Weight (gm) <150
Power (typ, W) 3
Volume (mm3) 52 x 49 x 28

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The integrated module consists of SCL make CCD detector, CCD bias generator, SCL make
clock driver, AFE for digitization and FPGA based control and logic electronics. Programmable
gain and offset features exists in camera electronics. If the default gain value is acceptable
then no tele-command may be required. However provision exists in changing the gain with
tele-command. The integration time is fixed at 20920 TPs (1BRC clock =1TP).
Unregulated power supply lines from spacecraft and PSE can be realized as a common PSE.

8.3.6.2 IR CE
Camera Electronics for IR bands is custom designed meeting the functional and performance
requirements of the system for the identified detectors. MCT detectors are identified for MIR
and LWIR band. MCT detectors are cooled detectors and require integrated cryogenic cooling
mechanism for their operation. It has Integrated Detector Dewar Cooler Assembly (IDDCA).
Although detector array has 320x 256, only 320x32 pixels of detector will be read out
considering swath and resolution requirements. CE functional blocks are realized in DIB,
FECE, PSE and CDE. Considering same ROIC for two IR bands, DIB and FECE are modular.
However in MIR, rotary BLDC (Brushless DC) motor based Stirling cooler is planned. In LWIR,
following two coolers are under considerations.
 BLDC rotary motor based Stirling cooler, same as MIR (option-1)
 Linear motor based split-stirling cooler (option-2)
At present, CDE-LWIR design configurations are worked out for both options. Design for CDE-
MIR and CDE-LWIR (option-1) will be same except thermal load.

Figure 8-19 IR Camera Electronics Block Diagram

8.3.6.2.1 Detector Interface Board (DIB)
The basic function of DIB block is to interface detector pins. Detector along with IDDCA shall
be available in its integrated form and only detector pins will be available. A PCB with cut-out
is required to make connection with detector. Flexi-rigid based PCB is planned and shown in
the figure 5-7. There will be minimum handling of DIB card after detector is mounted. Flexi-
length will be kept as short as possible.

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Mechanical: Estimated DIB card size is 60 x 60 mm2 (detector housing rigid part) and
estimated weight of card is 50 gm (excluding detector). Separate mounting mechanism for
rigid PCB having micro-D connector, is envisaged.
8.3.6.2.2 Front End Camera Electronics (FECE)
The basic function of FECE block is detector control signal generation, detector bias
generation, video processing electronics like amplification and digitization of detector output,
timing-control signal generation, IDDCA temperature sensor biasing and its digitization. The
proposed FECE configuration is worked out with following considerations
 Minimum power dissipation
 Use of available components
 No redundancy
 Miniaturize and low weight card
 Shortest possible turn-around time
The configuration and circuit design are carried out with the goal of realizing the detector
noise limited system performance.

8.3.6.3 Cooler Drive Electronics (CDE)

IR detector is required to be cooled to low temperature (~90K for MIR, ~70K for LWIR) for
its operation. The detector is encapsulated into a vacuum sealed Dewar and the focal plane
assembly is cooled using active cooler, based on Stirling cooler. The whole assembly is called
IDDCA (Integrated Detector Dewar Cooler Assembly). IDDCA temperature control can be
divided into two stages i.e. initial cool-down phase and regulation phase. Imaging will be done
during regulation phase. Hence, during cool-down phase detector and FECE will be OFF.
Temperature sensors are incorporated at FPA and their output is used in feedback for closed
loop system for maintaining the FPA temperature. Biasing and digitization of temperature
sensors is implemented in previous FECE block, for which supply lines and digital control
interface will be provided by CDE. CDE also provides TC/TM interface with BMU.
In MIR, rotary BLDC (Brushless DC) motor based Stirling cooler is planned. In LWIR, following
two coolers are under considerations.
 BLDC rotary motor based Stirling cooler, same as MIR (option-1)
 Linear motor based split-stirling cooler (option-2)
At present, CDE-LWIR design configurations are worked out for both options. Design for CDE-
MIR and CDE-LWIR (option-1) will be same except thermal load.

8.3.6.4 Power supply Electronics (PSE)

Power supply Electronics (PSE) design caters to regulated power requirements of PAN, MIR,
and LWIR camera electronics (CE), MIR and LWIR cooler drive electronics (CDE). The
spacecraft raw bus is in the range of 30-42 V. The PSE design shall cater for the requirement
of operating the following sub blocks independently with different tele commands.
 PAN
 MIR FECE
 MIR CDE

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 LWIR FECE
 LWIR CDE

8.4 INS-1A/1B
8.4.1 Introduction
Nano Satellites offer a compelling alternative to large space projects, with a capability
to support commercial, governmental, academic applications in a responsive and cost
effective manner. Also, Nano Satellites have lot of potential in future and will give rise to lot
of new developments in various technologies and are needed from strategic point of view in
near future. In view of this, ISRO has developed and is launching the first two ISRO Nano
Satellites (INS) namelyINS-1A and INS-1B. These two nano satellites will set a benchmark for
development of nano satellites in future on a large scale.

8.4.2 Advantages of Nano Satellites

• Low cost
• Relatively short development period
• Launch on Demand
• Ideal for small scientific payloads
• Multiple satellites can be launched in one launch
• Short time to scientific results
• Devices have a comparable capability
• COTS products and consumer products
• Plug-and-play technology
• Versatile
• Revitalized scientific community
• International cooperation
• Low cost constellation missions possible

8.4.3 Mission objectives

The primary objectives of this mission are:
• Design and develop a low cost, modular Nano satellite Bus in the weight range of 5
kg capable of carrying payloads up to a weight of 5 kg and provide payloads volume
of 185mm x 185mm x 160 mm.
• Provide up to 10 Watts of power for payload operation and up to 1 Mbps downlink
for data collection
• Provide a 3 axis stabilized system for a control accuracy of ±0.5 degrees via
orthogonal RW system
• Provide on-board data handling and storage of 8 Gb
• Provide an opportunity for ISRO technology demonstration payloads
• Provide a standard bus for launch on demand services
• Provide an opportunity to carry innovative payloads for Universities/R&D labs.

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8.4.4 Orbit Details

The orbit details for INS-1A and 1B are given in the table 8-14 below:
Table 8-14 Orbit details of INS-1A/1B
Parameter INS-1B
INS-1A
Spacecraft Mass 8.5 kg 9.7 kg
Payload Mass 3.5 kg 4.7 kg
Spacecraft Size 304 x 246 x 364.3 mm3 (stowed) 304 x 246 x 510 mm3 (stowed)
304 x 670 x 364.3 mm3 304 x 670 x 510 mm3 (deployed)
(deployed)
Average Power 24W at EOL 24W at EOL
Generated
Altitude 505 km 505 km
Orbit Polar sun synchronous Orbit Polar sun synchronous Orbit
Inclination 97.4° 97.4°
Local time 9.30 am 9.30 am
Stabilization 3 Axes Stabilization 3 Axes Stabilization
Launch Date 26 September 2016 26 September 2016
Launch Site SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota
Orbital Period 94.58 min 94.58 min

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8.4.5 Configuration Block Diagram

W1
W2
5
W3
12
8 &yKbps
Thermistors
IMU
3.3V
V
Micro
OBC
SS
SPS
GPIO
BLDC
I2C
RS422
SPI
SOLAR
1.2 16.8
1No.
BatteryDSS
3.3 Vnos
1No.
Controller
Magnetorquers
Magnetometer
Payload
Digital
H-Bridge
MEMS 2RF
&Gyro 1No.
PANELS
VUL,
Controller
bits
A
& Distribution
Handling
(1
4SMbps)
1.2 2P &
XKbps DL
Storage
R
R
A
Y

Figure 8-20 INS-1A & 1B Configuration

8.4.6 Salient features of INS Bus

Table 8-15 Features of INS Bus Systems
Subsystem Specification
Bus Mass 5 kg
Payload SBR & SEUM from SAC for EELA from LEOS
INS 1A MMX-TD from SAC for
INS 1B
Structure Milled aluminium cuboid (185 x 185 x 185 mm3)
Thermal Control Passive (OSR, MLI, Paints, etc,.)
Mechanisms Solar panels & Antenna deployment
AOCS
Specifications Pointing : ± 0.5° (3σ) about each axis
Sensors Star Sensor - 1 no.
MEMS IMU – 1 no.
Micro Digital Sun sensor – 1 no.
Actuators Reaction wheels – 3Nos.
Magnetic Torquers – 3 Nos.
Power system

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Solar Panels ZTJ cells with Array power of ~24W at EOL

Deployable panel - 250 x 235 x 8 mm3
Body mounted panel - 163 x 160 mm2
Battery 5.2 AH Lithium Ion battery
Electronics Single Raw bus 12 to 16.8 V
TT&C
Telemetry Data rate :1.2 kbps
Frequency Band : UHF
Telecommand Data rate :1.2 kbps
Frequency Band : VHF
RF System
Payload Data System Data Rate: 64 Mbps (After channel coding),
QPSK, 4 W SSPA, Frequency: 8300 MHz
SPS 12 Channels, L1 & C/A
SSR 8Gb

8.4.7 Payloads
INS-1A carried a twin payload package from SAC. Science objectives of INS-1A:
1. SBR: BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) of the Earth surface. To
take readings of the reflectance of different surface features due to sun albedo
2. SEUM to monitor single event upsets (SEU) occurring due to high energy radiation in
the space environment in COTS components.
INS-1B carried EELA payload from LEOS and Miniature Multispectral Payload Technology
Demonstration (MMX-TD) payload from SAC.
1. EELA: Registration of terrestrial exospheric line-of-sight neutral atomic hydrogen
Lyman-alpha flux. Estimation of interplanetary hydrogen Lyman-alpha background
flux by means of deep space observations.
2. MMX-TD: Remote Sensing Colour camera with a novel lens assembly for optical
realization in a small package. Scope for future scalability and utilization on regular
satellites.

8.4.7.1 Surface BRDF Radiometer (SBR) for INS-1A

SBR payload is a frame camera operating in visible panchromatic band. It will generate BRDF
(Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) of the Earth surface. This type of
measurement and study will be unique. It will provide valuable inputs for future payload
development in visible range for various land, ocean and atmospheric applications. The
measurements could also further help in optimizing the viewing geometry of future imaging
sensors. This was a unique experiment from this perspective. In addition, the data could also
be used in characterization of cloud-type / height and surface DEM using images with
different views.
SBR payload had to observe the Earth from 505 km altitude with about 550 m spatial
resolution (along) and 275 km swath. Imaging would be done during sunlit period only.

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Along track 5 BRDF angles in steps of about 13 degrees to be measured. It was planned to
acquire 18 frames in acquisition period of 6 minutes.
Table 8-16 Major Parameters for SBR
Parameter Value
Spectral range PAN (400-700 nm)
IFOV (urad) 550 (GSD = 346 m nadir from 630 km)
FOV (degree) ± 29 (along) x ± 14.5 (across)
(Frame Size = 550 km (along) x 275 km
(across)nadir from 505 km)
Pixel format 2K (along) x 1K (across)
Frame rate 1 frame every 20 seconds
Quantization (bits) 8
Data Interface SPI

Figure 8-21 SBR – Optics, Electronics and Detector

8.4.7.2 SEU Monitor (SEUM) for INS-1A

SEUM had to monitor single event upsets (SEU) occurring due to high energy
radiation in the space environment. This payload was supposed to be on for entire mission
life recording single event upsets on the sensor.
Table 8-17 Major Parameters for SEUM
Parameters Value
Radiation effect SEU
Operation Full orbit
Frame rate 1 sample every 2 secs

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Quantization (bits) 24
Data interface SPI

This payload consists of an electronics system with a component which is susceptible

to SEU, while all other components are SEU immune. In this way, single event upsets due to
heavy ions will be detected and number of such events in a given time interval will be
recorded.

Figure 8-22 Block Schematic of SEUM Payload

Figure 8-23 ISOMETRIC VIEW OF SBR AND SEUM PAYLOADS

8.4.7.2.1 Overall payload parameters:
Table 8-18 Overall Payload Parameters
Parameter Value
Size (mm3) (R x P x Y) 180 x 180 x 150
Weight (kg) 3
Power (W) SEUM: 3.8, SEUM+SBR : 6.7
Data volume per day (Mb) SBR: 300; SEUM: 1

8.4.7.3 Earth Exosphere Lyman Alpha Analyzer (EELAA) from INS-1B

The most abundant neutral constituent in Earth’s upper exosphere, atomic hydrogen (H),
resonantly scatters solar Lyman-α (121.567 nm) radiation creating a phenomenon known as
the geo-corona. Several space experiments have observed the geocorona under various
conditions. The Lyman-alpha (Lα) radiation is of great importance of any planetary
atmosphere, because the knowledge of the Lα radiation and its variation is important for
many investigations of the middle and upper atmosphere. The short-listed payload i.e., ‘Earth

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Exosphere Lyman Alpha Analyze (EELAA)’ is an FUV photometer that provides an

opportunity to conduct experiments in various observational times (dawn to dusk) at
different altitudes and understand nature of Lyman-alpha distribution around the earth. It
further aids to understand the on-board calibration aspects of FUV instruments by looking at
bright UV-stars. This instrument has the space heritage (LAP aboard MOM spacecraft) and
similar kind of instruments had flown in a couple of interplanetary missions (HDAC for
Cassini, LAD for Twinsat and UVS-P for Nozomi, ASLAF aboard Hotpay 1 payload) destined
for Saturn, Earth Mars and Sun. Following are the primary science objectives of the
instrument.
Science Objectives:

• Registration of terrestrial exospheric line-of-sight neutral atomic hydrogen

Lyman-alpha flux.
• Estimation of interplanetary hydrogen Lyman-alpha background flux by means of
deep space observations.
• Onboard calibration experiments by looking at UV-bright stars.

Figure 8-24 Schematic view of EELAA instrument aboard INS-1B

8.4.7.3.1 System engineering aspects:
EELAA instrument consists of an FUV detector equipped with a collecting lens,
Lyman-alpha filter, light baffle and processing/read-out electronics unit.

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Figure 8-25 EELAA payload schematic view

8.4.7.3.2 Instrument configuration
It consists of:
• Primary baffle and Secondary baffle
• A collection lens (160 mm FL MgF2 Plano-convex Lens)
• Bandpass filter (+/- 60 A0)
• Detector (Solar-blind UV-PMT, 115 nm to 125 nm)
ELAA works on principle of resonant scattering of solar-Lyman alpha photons by earth’s
atmosphere molecules. The incoming hydrogen Lyman-alpha photons in the field-of-view of
instrument will be collected by lens and is focused on to the solar-blind UV detector after
passing through a band pass Lyman-alpha filter. Line-of-sight hydrogen Lyman-alpha
intensity within the band pass of the filter will be registered as counts. The recorded average
counts were supposed to be employed to estimate the flux using on ground-based/on-board
executed calibration factors.
8.4.7.3.3 Salient features of EELAA payload:
Table 4.6 EELAA payload parameters
Parameter Value

Range of Operation 600 km circular orbit

Mode of Operation Photometer Mode
Principle of Operation Resonant scattering
Pointing Nadir, Limb, deep space and star view
Observation Time (hr) 1 hour – 1 ½-hour continuous operation
Integration Time(s) 1 -60 (selectable by ground command)
Data Rate (bps) 64
Size(mm3) 276x 138 x100.5
Mass(kg) 1.2
Power(W) Steady-state: 4.6
Operating Temperature 0°C to +35°C

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8.4.7.4 Miniature Multispectral Payload Technology Demonstration (MMX-

TD)
MMX TD payload is a for technology demonstration of highly miniaturized multi-fold optics.
Focal plane consists of RGB camera head. Provides RGB snaps of 40 km x 30 km area with 50
m GSD from 505 km orbit. Possible data utilization of this payload are topographical mapping,
vegetation monitoring, aerosol scattering studies, cloud studies etc.
Parameter Value
Altitude (km) 505
Spectral bands RGB
IGFOV (m) 50
Pixel format 800 X 600
Swath (km) 40 x 30
Digitization (bit) 8
Size (mm )3

EO Module 100 x 85 x 105

Electronics 100 x 125 x 65
Weight (kg) 1.1
Power (W) 5
Frame rate 1 frame every 10s

Figure 8-26 MMX-TD camera head & Electronics box

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Figure 8-27 Placement of MMX-TD

8.4.7.4.1 Optics - Ultra-thin multi-fold lens

Parameter Value
Optical Configuration Multi-fold Optics
Focal Length (mm) 44
Effective F/number 2.41
Effective Aperture (mm) 18.23
FOV (Circular) ± 2.2°
Distortion < ± 0.1%
Spatial Frequency of Operation 227 lp/mm
MTF @ Nyquist > 5%

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Origami Lens Camera Head

8.4.7.4.2 Electronics:

Payload electronics consists of two parts

1. Camera Head: Consisting of detector and buffer
2. Camera Electronics: Consisting of interface electronics and power supply
The I2C protocol for camera configuration, SPI protocol for data transmission to OBC
and On-board cache memory for data storage.
8.4.7.4.3 Mechanical Sub-System
Camera housing forms main supporting structure for mounting lens, filters, DHA.
Aluminium material is chosen for the structure to minimize the mass. A hood fixed onto the
structure in front of lens minimizes the stray light. Camera electronics is planned to be
mounted separately on structure. Envelope dimension for camera head assembly is 100 x 85
x 105 mm3.

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Figure 8-28 Mechanical Details of Payload

8.4.7.5 Development Philosophy

The payloads are developed with a short turnaround time without redundancy and with the
use of COTS components wherever required and feasible. In-house qualification is carried out
at component/sub-assembly level wherever required. Heritage designs are utilized to the
extent possible. The development of the payloads is carried out within the existing resources.

8.5 INS-1C
8.5.1 Introduction
Nano Satellites offer a compelling alternative to large space projects, with a capability
to support commercial, governmental, academic applications in a responsive and cost
effective manner. Also, Nano Satellites have lot of potential in future and will give rise to lot of
new developments in various technologies and are needed from strategic point of view in near
future. In view of this, ISRO has developed and is launching the ISRO Nano Satellite INS-1C.
This nano satellite will set a benchmark for development of nano satellites in future on a large
scale. INS-1C will be carrying Miniature Multispectral Technology Demonstration (MMX-TD)
Payload from SAC.

8.5.2 Mission Objectives

The primary objectives of this mission are:
• Design and develop a low cost, modular Nano satellite Bus in the weight range of
6-7 kg capable of carrying payloads up to a weight of 5 kg and provide payloads
volume of 205x186x150 mm3
• Provide up to 12 Watts of power for payload operation and up to 1 Mbps downlink for
data collection
• Provide a 3-axes stabilized system for a control accuracy of ±0.5° via reaction wheels
• Provide on-board data handling and storage of 8 GB

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• Provide an opportunity for ISRO technology demonstration payloads

• Provide a standard bus for launch on demand services
• Provide an opportunity to carry innovative payloads for Universities/R&D labs

8.5.3 Orbit Details

INS-1C satellite will be carrying payload MMX-TD from SAC. The satellite will be launched
along with NOVASAR and the orbit parameters are as follows:
Table 8-19 Orbit details of INS-1C
Parameter INS-1C
Altitude 583 km
Orbit Polar sun synchronous Orbit
Inclination 97.7°
Local time at descending node 10:45PM
Stabilization 3 Axes Stabilization
Launch Site SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota

8.5.4 Salient features of INS-1C

Table 8-20 Features of INS Bus Systems

Parameter Specifications
Bus Mass 9.2 kg
Overall Size 245 x 227 x 217 mm3
Structure Milled aluminium decks
Thermal control Passive (OSR, MLI, Paints etcs.)
Mechanisms Solar panels & Antenna deployment
Solar Array ZTJ cells with Array power of ~27W at EOL
Deployable panel - 250 x 235 x 8 mm3
Body mounted panel - 163 x 160 mm2
Battery 11.2 Ah Lithium Ion battery
Power distribution Single Raw bus 12 to 16.8 V
Attitude and Orbit Control System Attitude sensors :
(AOCS) Star Sensor - 1 no.; MEMS IMU – 1 no.
Micro Coarse Analog Sun sensor – 1 no.
Sun Detection Sensor – 6 nos.
Digital Magnetometer – 1no.
Actuators:
Reaction wheels – 4 nos. (15 mNm-s, 3 mNm)
Magnetic Torquers – 3 nos. (1 A-m2)
Control accuracy <0.5° (3 σ) about each axis
TM and TC links Telecommand- 1.2 kbps(VHF), 145.805 MHz
Telemetry - 1.2 kbps(UHF), 435.080 MHz /
19.2 kbps (S - Band)
Payload data Handling 1 Mbps in S-band BPSK

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8 GB on-board Micro SD
Mission life 6 months to 1 year
Payload MMX-TD

8.5.5 Payload
8.5.5.1 Introduction
Miniature Multispectral Technology Demonstration (MMX-TD) payload demonstrates
the capability of highly compact multi-fold optics with optical performance at par with
conventional optical assembly. The focal plane consists of RGB camera head. The payload
provides RGB snaps of 32 km x 32 km area with 23 m GSD from 580 km orbit. Possible data
utilization of this payload are topographical mapping, vegetation monitoring, aerosol
scattering studies, cloud studies etc.

Figure 8-29 INS-1C Deployed configuration with MMX-TD Camera

8.5.5.2 Parameters of MMX-TD payload

Following table shows payload design parameters
Parameter Value
Altitude (km) 583
Spectral bands RGB
GSD (m) 23
Pixel format 1400 X 1400
Swath (km) 32 x 32
Digitization (bit) 8
EOM Size (mm3) 150 X 120 X 190
Weight (kg) 2.0
Power (W) 4.5
Frame rate 1 frame every 32 s

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Figure 8-30 MMX-TD camera head & Electronics

8.5.5.3 Ultra-thin multi-fold Origami Optics

The optical system is based on two elements with four folds of optical rays so as to
make the system compact along the optical axis. This optics provides similar imaging
performance as compared to multi-element lens assembly with 1/5th the track length and
1/3rd the weight.

Figure 8-31 Multi-fold optics

Table 8-21 Optical parameters
Parameter Value
Optical Configuration Multi-fold Optics
Focal Length (mm) 138.9
Effective F/number 3.8
Effective Aperture (mm) 36.2
FOV (Diagonal) ±3.6
Spatial Frequency of Operation 91 lp/mm
MTF @ Nyquist/2 > 5%

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Figure 8-32 Origami mirrors and Camera head

8.5.5.4 Electronics
Payload electronics consists of two parts
1 Camera Head: Consisting of detector, bias generator and digital electronics
2 Camera Electronics: Consisting of interface electronics and power supply
Following figure shows the block diagram of electronics subsystems.

Figure 8-33 MMX-TD Electronics scheme

The SPI protocol is used for data transmission to OBC. SPI clock and chip select are
sent by OBC and data from Camera Electronics is sent to OBC over the SPI clock. One analog
and two thermister telemetry lines are also sent to OBC from power supply, EOM and
Electronics packages respectively.

8.5.5.5 Mechanical Sub-System

Camera housing forms main supporting structure for mounting optics, filters and
DHA. Aluminium material is chosen for the structure to minimize the mass. A hood fixed onto
the structure in front of mirror minimizes the stray light. Camera electronics is mounted

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separately on the structure. Envelope dimension for camera head assembly is 150 X 120 X 190
mm3.

Figure 8-34 MMX-TD mechanical configuration

8.5.6 Major On-Orbit Observations in INS-1A and INS-1B

• Higher initial rates of more than 20 °/s observed after injection.
• Non-acquisition of telemetry during first Bangalore pass due to higher than
anticipated UHF band noise floor.
• Inability to achieve 3-axes stabilization due to higher than designed rates on the
satellite. Spacecraft was unable to acquire sun pointing and hence power
generation was not adequate to power minimum required sub systems and
control the spacecraft.

8.5.7 Major changes in INS-1C

Improvements in the power system

• Battery capacity increased by two times

• Body mounted solar cells are configured & solar cells mounted on both sides of
deployable panels to support power requirement during de-tumbling phase
• Separate DC-DC converter for different sub-systems
Improvement in AOCS

• Separate Magnetometer
• Increased Torquer Capacity by three times to 1 A-m2 for faster detumbling
• 4RW Configuration as compared to 3RW configuration in INS-1A/1B
• Sun Detection sensors on all sides
Changes in Structure

• Individual panels are configured instead of milled cuboid integral structure and
the size has been increased to accommodate additional packages.
Improvements in OBC

• Separate card to take care of cold sparing issues

• Implementation of Watch Dog Timer (WDT) for VHF Rx to facilitate Receiver
reset. Facility to provide OBC reset through Receiver by direct command.

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• Tele-command Watch-dog timer should automatically RESET the TC Receiver

after a fixed period of time if no Tele-command is received and the logic should
never get disable
Changes in RF
• In addition to UHF Tx for telemetry, S-Band Tx for telemetry has also been
included based on the ground station support point of view. Both TM and Payload
Data has been configured in single S-Band Card.
Improvements in Thermal Systems
Two heaters included for battery temperature control.
8.5.8 New Technologies in INS
• Lightweight Nano Reaction wheels for attitude control
• Micro magnetic torquers for attitude control
• Nano star sensor for attitude determination
• Micro Coarse Analog Sun Sensor offereing highest accuracy in its class
• Nano Satellite Positioning System for location determination
• 10 Degree of Freedom Inertial measurement unit consists of triaxial gyro,
magnetometer, accelerometer & barometer
• Subsystem on a card philosophy for spacecraft electronics
• COTS electronics utilization to reduce costs and encourage hot swap ability
• Single card on-board computer including payload data handling & storage
• Single card S-band transmitter for payload data
• Single card TMTC transceiver for HK data
• Single card power control and distribution electronics
• Single card Nano SPS
• Single card multi-line DC-DC system
• SMA based micro mechanisms for Solar panel deployment

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9. University Satellites
9.1 ANUSAT
ANUSAT (Anna University Satellite) is the first satellite built by an Indian University under
the overall guidance of ISRO and will demonstrate the technologies related to message store
and forward operations.
Parameter Value
Altitude 550 km
Inclination 41 deg
Orbit Period 90 minutes
Mass 40 kg
Launch Vehicle PSLV-C12

9.2 STUDSAT
Student Satellite (STUDSAT) is the first pico-satellite developed in the country by a
consortium of seven engineering colleges from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. STUDSAT
weighing less than 1 kg, has the primary objective of promoting space technology in
educational institutions and encourage research and development in miniaturized satellites,
establishing a communication link between the satellite and ground station, capturing the
image of earth with a resolution of 90 meters and transmitting the payload and telemetry data
to the earth station.
Parameter Value
Mission Experimental / Small Satellite
Weight Less than 1 kg
Altitude 630 km
Orbit Polar Sun Synchronous
Launch Vehicle PSLV-C15

9.3 JUGNU
The nanosatellite JUGNU weighing 3 kg is designed and developed by Indian Institute of
Technology, Kanpur under the guidance of ISRO.
The satellite is intended:
1. To prove the indigenously developed camera system for imaging the Earth in the
near infrared region and test image processing algorithms.
2. Evaluate GPS receiver for its use in satellite navigation.
3. Test indigenously developed MEMS based Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in space.
Parameter Value
Mission Experimental / Small Satellite
Weight 3 kg
Altitude 630 km
Orbit 20deg Inclined orbit
Launch Vehicle PSLV-C18

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9.4 SRMSAT
The nanosatellite SRMSAT weighing 10.9 kg is developed by the students and faculty of SRM
University attempts to address the problem of Global warming and pollution levels in the
atmosphere by monitoring Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour (H2O). The satellite uses
a grating Spectrometer, which will observe absorption spectrum over a range of 900nm -
1700nm infrared range.
Parameter Value
Mission Experimental / Small Satellite
Weight 10.9 kg
Altitude 630 km
Orbit 20deg Inclined orbit
Launch Vehicle PSLV-C18

9.5 SWAYAM
Mission objectives: To provide point to point messaging services to the HAM Community.
Satellite from College of Engineering, Pune.
Parameter Value
Mission Experimental / Small Satellite
Weight 1 kg
Altitude 505 km
Orbit Polar Orbit
Launch Vehicle PSLV-C34

9.6 SATHYABAMASAT
Mission objectives: To collect data on greenhouse gases (Water vapor, Carbon monoxide,
Carbon dioxide, Methane and Hydrogen fluoride). Satellite from Sathyabama University,
Chennai.
Parameter Value
Mission Experimental / Small Satellite
Weight 1.5 kg
Altitude 505 km
Orbit Polar Orbit
Launch Vehicle PSLV-C34

9.7 PISAT
Mission Objectives: Design and develop a Nano satellite for remote sensing applications.
Satellite from PES University, Bengaluru and its consortium.
Parameter Value
Mission Experimental / Small Satellite
Weight 5.25 kg
Altitude 670 km
Orbit SSPO

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Launch Vehicle PSLV-C35

9.8 PRATHAM
Mission Objectives: To estimate the Total Electron Count (TEC) over India and Paris
(France) with a resolution of 1 km x 1 km location grid. Satellite from IIT, Bombay
Parameter Value
Mission Experimental / Small Satellite
Weight 10 kg
Altitude 670 km
Orbit SSPO
Launch Vehicle PSLV-C35

9.9 NIUSAT
NIUSAT is an Indian University/Academic Institute satellite from Noorul Isalm University in
Tamil Nadu State, launched by PSLV-C38. This 15 kg three axis stabilised satellite is built to
provide multispectral imagery for agricultural crop monitoring and disaster management
support applications.
A dedicated Mission Control Centre with UHF/VHF antenna for Telemetry/Tele-command
operations and S-band antenna for Payload data reception has been established at the
university.
Parameter Value
Mission Experimental / Small Satellite
Weight 15 kg
Altitude 505 km
Orbit SSPO
Launch Vehicle PSLV-C38

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