Manjunath

Space Applications Centre, ISRO

Space Applications Centre (SAC) is one of the major centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). SAC focuses on the design of space-borne instruments for ISRO missions and development and operationalisation of applications of space technology for societal benefits. The applications cover communication, broadcasting, navigation, disaster monitoring, meteorology, oceanography, environment monitoring and natural resources survey. SAC designs and develops all the transponders for the INSAT and GSAT series of communication satellites and the optical and microwave sensors for IRS series of remote sensing satellites. Further, SAC develops the ground transmit/receive systems (earth stations/ground terminals) and data/image processing systems. In order to carry out the above tasks, SAC has highly sophisticated payload integration laboratories, electronic and mechanical fabrication facilities, environmental test facilities, systems reliability/assurance group, image processing and analysis facilities, project management support group and a well-stocked library. SAC works with industry for sourcing and indigenization involves Indian universities in space research and propagates space technology and applications amongst students and public through in-house and mobile exhibitions. The Centre also conducts nine-month post graduate diploma courses for students from the Asia Pacific region under the aegis of the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education (CSSTEAP) in satellite meteorology and communication. The Centre has its origin in the establishment of the Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES), in 1966 by late Dr Vikram Sarabhai in Ahmedabad.