India is on the cusp of boosting its space capabilities with its latest endeavor, the Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS). The IDRSS satellite series, a benchmark development in Indian space exploration, is expected to significantly enhance India’s ability to track and maintain continuous touch with its other satellites, primarily those stationed in low-earth orbits (LEO) that have limited earth coverage.
Role and Significance of IDRSS
The IDRSS’s pivotal role lies in aiding the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in accomplishing its challenging LEO missions like space docking, distant expeditions to celestial bodies namely Moon, Mars and more, as well as establishing a space station. Besides offering invaluable assistance in these ambitious undertakings, the IDRSS is anticipated to provide critical support in monitoring satellite launches.
Technicalities and Launch Details
The IDRSS satellites, belonging to the 2,000 kg class, are scheduled for launch on the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) launcher. These satellites will orbit around the earth at an approximate distance of 36,000 km in geostationary orbits. A single satellite positioned in Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) is capable of covering a third of the earth, thereby enabling full coverage with just three satellites.
Crew Benefits
The Gaganyaan mission crew members projected to be launched by 2022 are set to be the first beneficiaries of the IDRSS. With the help of this system, the crew members will be able to maintain seamless and constant communication with mission control throughout their journey.
Current Status
Presently, due to the lack of an operative data relay satellite system, there is an issue of spacecraft not being visible all the time. To address this challenge, scientists have already begun the development of two initial IDRSS satellites. The inaugural one is planned for launch towards the end of 2020 and is set to precede the pre-Gaganyaan experimental unmanned space flight, while the subsequent satellite will follow in 2021.
Global Comparison
| Country | Satellite System | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Tracking & Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) | Third |
| Russia | Satellite Data Relay Network | Unknown |
| Europe | European Data Relay System | Building |
| China | Tianlian II series | Second |
Global Scenario and Background
The concept of relay satellite systems was first introduced by the U.S. and Russia in the late 1970s and 80s. These satellites have been utilized to monitor space stations including Mir and the International Space Station, as well as to observe the Hubble Space Telescope. At present, the U.S. is operationalizing its third-generation advanced fleet of Tracking & Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), while Russia continues to deploy its Satellite Data Relay Network. On another front, Europe is presently building its own European Data Relay System, and China is already on its second generation Tianlian II series.