The Indian Space Research Organisation is indigenouslydeveloping Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier (TWTA) for spaceborne payloads.
TWTA is commonly used in satellite communicationlinks, earth observation payloads, scientific missions orprobes and inter-spacecraft communications links. It consistsof Electronic Power Conditioner (EPC) and Traveling Wave Tube (TWT).
TWT is a complex multidisciplinary technologyinvolving controlled interaction of microwave with electronbeam under ultra high vacuum.
ISRO said its Space Applications Centre has developed space qualified C-BandTWTA for space borne applications, jointly with the CentralElectronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI), Pilani.
It said qualification involves testing of fragile TWTA for severe vibration withstanding capability, which is critical during rocket launch and also satisfactory stable performance during thermal vacuum condition.
After completion of development of space qualified C-Band TWTA, the initiative to develop the Ku-Band Short Length TWT (Traveling Wave Tube) was undertaken jointly with CEERI.
ISRO said this will pave the way for spacequalification and indigenous realisation of Ku-Band TWTA.
Further, it will be integrated with indigenously developed High Voltage EPC and Solid-state amplifier to complete it as Microwave Power Module (MPM).
Due to the requirement of large number of suchdevices, indigenous development can significantly reduce the dependency on foreign sources, ISRO said.
TWTA is one of the integral parts of all communication payloads.
Hence, their dimensions, mass and efficiency aremajor contributors to the satellite's power budget and require special attention.
(REOPENS MDS 9)
ISRO/Antrix along with CII is organising the 5th edition of its biennial Bagalore Space Expo (BSX 2016) from September 1 to 3 at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre here.
With emphasis on industry participation in the Space sector, exhibits at BSX 2016 will showcase products and services from various industries in Asia, Australia and Europe apart from Indian industry. Technical sessions with talks and panel discussions will be part of the event.
Stating that GSLV Mk-III cryogenic engine testing had already started, Rakesh said "we are planning to complete engine readiness in about two months time."
Questioned about arbitration cases involving Antrix,he said, "the matter is sub-judice, there are cases pending before court, we don't want to go public commenting on it. Wherever they are going we will challenge it".
