IITMSAT Ground Station

Description

IITMSAT is a student satellite project centered around the specialized payload known as SPEED (Space-based Proton Electron Energy Detector). SPEED is designed to measure the energy spectrum, background flux, and fluctuations in the flux of protons and electrons in the upper ionosphere. This payload aims to verify the correlation between the increase in high-energy particle flux and seismic event precursors, potentially leading to the development of an earthquake warning system. Although support for this hypothesis exists, it remains unconfirmed.

This proposal seeks funding for the construction of the IITMSAT Ground Station, located on the terrace of the Electrical Sciences Block (ESB) at the IITM campus. The ground station's primary function is to track the IITMSAT satellite during its orbit and collect crucial data.

The Ground Station's Key Objectives:

   1. Satellite Tracking: The Ground Station will precisely track IITMSAT during its passes over Chennai, enabling effective communication.
   2. Data Collection: It will collect health parameters of the satellite and download scientific data from SPEED, the high-energy particle detector, as the satellite passes overhead.
   3. Urgency: With a potential launch slot for IITMSAT in October 2023, the prompt setup of the Ground Station is crucial.

Project History and Milestones:

IITMSAT's inception dates back to 2010 when students conceived the project. It officially began under the guidance of Prof. Santhakumar and Prof. Umesh Kadane, with collaboration from ISRO's Space Astronomy Group.
In 2012, the project expanded to include spacecraft design, and students Akshay Gulati, Nithin Sivadas, and Suresh Susurla joined as employees.
An MoU with ISRO in 2014 formalized the relationship, ensuring ISRO's support in spacecraft design and launch.
Alumni, including Dr. Krishna Chiuvukula (IndoMIM) significantly funded the project.
The IIT Madras Space Lab was inaugurated in 2015, consolidating project activities.
The Qualification Model (QM) of the satellite underwent successful environmental testing at UR Rao Space Centre in Bengaluru.
The Critical Design Review (CDR) in 2019 marked the green light for the Flight Model (FM) fabrication.
The project faced challenges during the COVID-19 lockdown but continued development and testing efforts.
Pravartak Technologies Foundation provided funding in 2021, bringing the total project funding to Rs 432 Lakhs.
As of March 2023, the team is actively working on the FM assembly, aiming for completion by September 2023. The target launch window, provided by NSIL, is in October 2023.

Changes in ISRO and Impact on IITMSAT:

ISRO has undergone reorganization, resulting in changes in procurement and launch processes for student satellites.
IITMSAT is among the first batch of student satellites under the new process, which involves increased costs and uncertainties.

The IITMSAT Ground Station:

The ground station will track IITMSAT during its orbits, establish a two-way communications link, and facilitate data downloads.
It will be located on the ESB terrace and will feature tracking equipment, RF receivers, software-defined radio (USRP) receivers, and computing resources.
The Ground Station can also assist in tracking other LEO satellites and can be open to high school students for educational purposes.

Impact on Students:

Over 300 students from various disciplines have been involved in the IITMSAT project, gaining hands-on experience in building a high-precision satellite.
The Ground Station will provide students with opportunities for tracking LEO satellites, learning about satellite technology, communication methodologies, and link budget calculations.
It will also offer training sessions, summer internships, and educational outreach activities.

Budget for IITMSAT Ground Station:

The proposed budget for the Ground Station is Rs 30 Lakhs, covering hardware, software, operational costs, and contingency.
IITM will provide the physical infrastructure, ensuring efficient utilization of funds.

Summary:

The IITMSAT project has reached its final stage, focusing on building the Flight Model and establishing the Ground Station.
The project has offered invaluable learning experiences to students, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on engineering challenges.
Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in ISRO's structure, the team remains committed to completing the FM and launching in October 2023.