(a) whether the Astrosat mission launched in 2015 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is on track to complete its intended objectives by the end of its five year lifespan;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether there are any plans to launch a similar satellite after 2020 and if so, the details thereof and the likely cost of the project?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
(a) Yes, Madam. The AstroSat (launched on 28th September 2015) is a unique multi-wavelength observatory in space, carrying instruments realised through Indian academic institutes, to enhance understanding of universe and astronomical phenomena.
(b) The satellite has completed 22 months in orbit. All the payloads are operational and are observing the celestial sources in Ultra-Violet, Optical and X-ray wavelength bands. As intended, AstroSat is operating as an observatory, in which the observing time is utilised by Indian astronomy community. Till now, AstroSat has observed 360 celestial sources. 48 research papers have been published in journals and a special section on AstroSat is published in the June issue of Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy (JAA). Through an Announcement of Opportunity (AO), 35% time of the observatory is provided to Indian researchers from October 2016 and 10% time is to be provided to international researchers from October 2017.
(c) At present, the plans for a similar astronomy satellite is in the study phase.
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