Indian Data Relay Satellite System
Indian Data Relay Satellite System or IDRSS is a planned Indian satellite constellation, similar to Russian Luch satellites, American Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System and European Data Relay System. Planned to initially comprise two satellites in GEO, it is to facilitate relay of information between various Indian spacecrafts, in-flight launch vehicle monitoring and assist Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.[2][3][4]
| Manufacturer | ISRO |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | India |
| Operator | ISRO |
| Applications | Data transmission |
| Specifications | |
| Bus | I-2K[1] |
| Launch mass | Less than 3,000 kilograms (6,600 lb) |
| Regime | Geostationary |
| Dimensions | |
| Production | |
| Status | Planned |
| Maiden launch | DRSS-1 2020 end (planned) |
Objectives
A Data Relay Satellite System (DRSS) facilitates continuous real-time communication between Low Earth orbit bound spacecrafts to the ground station as well as inter-satellite communication. Such a satellite in geostationary orbit can track a low altitude spacecraft up to almost half of its orbit.
India operates one of world's largest remote sensing satellites systems. Visibility of these satellites is not more than 10-15 minutes in a day and sometimes even lower. The IDRSS satellites, one opposite to each half of earth in GEO, can see about 80 per cent of the area where Indian remote sensing satellites are orbiting, hence enhancing visibility range and data transfer rates of satellites. IDRSS can also monitor a launch vehicle from the time it lifts off from the launch pad. Satellites will hereby also reduce dependency on ground stations. Implementation of the system will be essential for tracking Gaganyaan, India's future crewed spacecraft.[4]
IDRSS satellites would be based on 2,000 kg class, I-2K bus with wrapped rib type unfurlable antenna of 6 metre diametre[5] and will carry optical communication payload for increased data security and high transfer rates.[4]
Satellites
| Satellite | Int. Sat. ID | NORAD ID | Launch Date | Launch Vehicle | Orbit | Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRSS-1 | TBD | TBD | 2020 end [1][6] | GSLV | GSO | Planned | |
| DRSS-2 | TBD | TBD | 2021 [1] | GSLV | GSO | Planned |
Launch
IDRSS was approved by Government of India and had funds allocated in budget of 2019-20.[7] DRSS-1 would be first spacecraft of IDRSS constellation and its launch is currently scheduled for 2020.[6][2]
References
- "New satellites will help Gaganyaan crew". 6 January 2020. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
- "ISRO to launch two satellites under IDRSS: All about it". India Today. December 17, 2018. Archived from the original on 6 October 2019. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
- "Newsletter of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing - Ahmedabad Chapter Volume :25 No.2" (PDF). 2013. p. 34. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 April 2014.
- "Study of Data Relay Satellite System and its Relevance to Indian context" (PDF). acadpubl.eu/ap/. January 1, 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 August 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
- "Department of Space, Outcome Budget 2016-2017" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 June 2017.
- ORF-KC 2019 | Spotlight Speech | T.K. Anuradha. 19 May 2019.
- "Detailed Demands for Grants of Department of Space for 2019-2020" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 August 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2019.