Isro validates Amazon Web Services, ESA comms links for Gaganyaan

BENGALURU: Isro has operationalised and validated parts of the communication and ground support network for the Gaganyaan mission, including systems linked to Amazon Web Services (AWS), marking a step in India’s preparations for its first human spaceflight mission.

Isro has confirmed that the AWS network was operationalised and validated through “support to the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission. The space agency said network operations of communication systems were also validated with the European Space Agency (ESA) ground station through a series of Radio Frequency Compatibility Tests.

Isro said end-to-end data flow checks for audio and video transmission were successfully carried out at the ESA ground station in Germany. The IDRSS-1 (first Indian Data Relay Satellite System) feeder stations have now been established at The Isro Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (Istrac) in Bengaluru and the spaceport in Sriharikota, with network configuration, testing and evaluation completed.

The agency added that data, audio and video transmission and reception were demonstrated using the GSAT satellite. As per Isro: “Terrestrial communication links have also been established between the Indian Naval Station and SHAR (in Sriharikota), and between the Gaganyaan Mission Control Centre in Bengaluru and the Gaganyaan Control Facility at SHAR. Links connecting these facilities with the Crew Module Recovery Centre in Delhi have also been tested.”

In another development, Isro has signed a contract with the Swedish Space Corporation for ground station support for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, while a deed of licence has been executed for setting up a ground station terminal at Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

The developments build on groundwork first reported by TOI in 2022, when Isro had carried out a proof-of-concept exercise to explore the use of AWS ground stations for telemetry, tracking and command (TTC) operations for Gaganyaan.

At the time, Isro had tested one of the AWS ground stations using the SARAL satellite. Then Isro chairman S Somanath had confirmed that the tests were aimed at evaluating whether AWS infrastructure could support Gaganyaan operations, though no final decision had been taken then.

Human spaceflight missions require near-continuous tracking and communication coverage across the spacecraft’s orbit, unlike conventional satellite missions that rely on only a handful of stations. Former Isro chairman K Sivan had earlier told TOI the agency was working with nearly 40 ground stations worldwide to support astronaut tracking, with relay satellites covering remaining blind spots over oceans and remote regions.

Isro had also finalised plans to relocate the IDRSS-2 relay satellite (post launch) to improve mission visibility coverage and pursued international arrangements, including support from the Australian Space Agency for TTC operations from the Cocos Islands during the ascent phase.

The latest validation exercises indicate that several of those plans are now moving from proposal stage to operational readiness as India advances towards the Gaganyaan mission.