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India has been voluntarily following the guidelines on space debris mitigation recommended by UN-COPUOS (United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) and IADC (Inter-Agency Space Debris coordination Committee) to the maximum possible extent towards safe and sustainable operations in outer space. As a part of the ongoing efforts for better compliance with these guidelines, post-mission disposal of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) objects has been carried out in the recent past. Cartosat-2, which was operational at 630 km altitude, is the first satellite to be de-orbited at its end-of-life through a series of perigee reduction orbit maneuvers to minimize its presence in the LEO region. Consequently, the post-mission orbital lifetime was reduced from more than 30 years to less than 5 years in compliance with the 25-year rule recommended in IADC space debris mitigation guidelines. The de-orbiting exercise utilizing left-over propellant also achieved the objective of minimising any accidental break-up risk. This paper outlines the relevant analyses and planning aspects of post-mission de-orbiting for Cartosat-2. The lessons learnt and recommendations on post-mission disposal for future LEO missions are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Indian space programme, whose objectives involve acceleration of economic and social development through applications of space technology, has been engaged in the development of state-of-the-art satellite systems, launch vehicles and equipment necessary for applications. Even during the early phase of evolution of this Programme, deliberate policies have been adopted by the national space agency, namely, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to promote spin-off benefit from the technologies developed for the use of space projects. Consistently adhering to this policy, ISRO has transferred over 280 technologies till date, spanning a wide spectrum of disciplines. This has resulted in a fruitful two-way cooperation between a number of SMEs and the ISRO. In order to make the technology transfer process effective, ISRO has adopted a variety of functional and organizational policies that included awareness building measures, licensee selection methods, innovative contract systems, diverse transfer processes, post licencing services and feedback mechanisms. Besides analyzing these policies and their evolution, the paper discusses various models adopted for technology transfer and their impact on assessment. It also touches upon relevant issues relating to creating interface between public funded R&D and the private commercial enterprises. It suggests few models in which international cooperation could be pursued in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: India has established a ‘critical mass’ in terms of EO infrastructure for disaster management. Starting from IRS 1A in 1980s to the most recent CARTOSAT-2, India''s EO series of satellites are moving away from the generic to thematic constellations. The series of RESOURCESAT, CARTOSAT, OCEANSAT and forthcoming Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) satellites exemplifies the thematic characters of the EO missions. These thematic constellations, characterized with multi-platform, multi-resolution and multi-parameter EO missions, are important assets for disaster reduction. In the more specific term, these constellations in conjunction with contemporary EO missions address the critical observational gaps in terms of capturing the catastrophic events, phenomena or their attributes on real/near real time basis with appropriate spatial and temporal attributes. Using conjunctively the data primarily emanating these thematic constellations and all weather radar data from aerial platform and also from RADARSAT as gap-fillers has been a part of India''s EO strategy for disaster management. The infrastructure has been addressing the observational needs in disaster management. The high resolution imaging better than one-meter spatial resolution and also Digital Elevation Models (DEM) emanating from Cartosat series are providing valuable inputs to characterize geo-physical terrain vulnerability. Radar Imaging Satellite, with all weather capability missions, is being configured for disaster management. At present, the current Indian EO satellites cover the whole world every 40h (with different resolutions and swaths), and the efforts are towards making it better than 24h. The efforts are on to configure RESOURCESAT 3 with wider swath of 740km with 23m spatial resolution and also to have AWiFS type of capability at geo-platform to improve the observational frequencies for disaster monitoring. India''s EO infrastructure has responded comprehensively to all the natural disasters the country has faced in the recent times. As a member of International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, India has also been instrumental in promoting the related UN initiatives viz., RESAP of UN ESCAP, SPIDER of UN OOSA, Sentinel Asia of JAXA initiative and also of GEOSS initiative. The paper intends to illustrate India''s EO strategy for disaster reduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Indian Space capsule (SRE-1) launched aboard PSLV-C7 rocket, was recovered successfully in the Bay of Bengal on January 22, 2007 after its orbital sojourn of 12 days. Apart from serving as a platform for micro-gravity experiments, SRE-1 demonstrated ISRO''s capability in the field of orbital reentry and recovery technologies. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR), the Spaceport of India was given the prime responsibility of assessment of mission risk, formulation and execution of safety plans and procedures, design and conduct of trials for validating the mission-critical sub-systems as well as the physical recovery of the capsule. To achieve these objectives, a number of drop tests were designed and conducted by SDSC SHAR involving real time computer network, ground-based tracking and telemetry stations, communication systems, safety and material handling systems, target identification and recovery systems. Dissemination of relevant information and coordination with multiple external organizations such as Indian Coast Guard, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy is an important aspect of these experiments. This paper delineates the methodologies designed and implemented at SDSC SHAR for validating those critical systems whose functionality finally culminated in the success of the mission, enabling India to join the elite group of nations with reentry module recovery capability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The operational Indian space transportation system provides launch support for the entire range of remote sensing and communication satellites up to 2.5t, giving precise orbital injection. In order to meet the national requirements of launching heavier payloads as well as to reduce the launch cost, long-term technology developments have been initiated. This paper delineates briefly the plans for future developments in respect of advanced launch transport systems and facilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]