In a pioneering move, a Mumbai-based institution has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organisation's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) to conduct deep space exploratory observations. The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) and ISTRAC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday.
Collaboration Details
SAMEER, located on the IIT Bombay campus in Powai, is an autonomous R&D laboratory under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The partnership aims to foster continuous research and development in next-generation technologies for ISRO's future deep space programs.
According to the joint announcement, key objectives include collaborative research and development projects targeting deployable solutions by leveraging combined expertise in building high-power amplifier technologies for deep space communications.
Role of SAMEER
SAMEER will design and develop state-of-the-art high-power systems using indigenous semiconductor technologies for deep space exploratory observations. In ground stations, high-power systems are essential to amplify tele-command signals before transmission to satellites.
The MoU was signed by Dr. A.K. Anil Kumar, Director of ISTRAC/ISRO, and Dr. P. Hanumantha Rao, Director General of SAMEER, at IIT Bombay.
Significance
The collaboration will utilize indigenously built multiple high-power Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor modules. This could place India on par with global space organizations and reduce dependency on foreign sources for critical space technologies.
This initiative marks a significant step towards self-reliance in deep space communication infrastructure, aligning with India's broader space ambitions.
