Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 22: IIT Bombay is set to propel India into the deep space race with its ambitious ‘Daksha’ mission, aiming to launch two satellites carrying some of the world’s most powerful space telescopes. These advanced telescopes are designed to observe 1.81 million cubic megaparsecs of space, almost five times the capacity of NASA’s Fermi Gamma Ray Telescope.

The project, led by Professor Varun Bhalerao of IIT Bombay’s Physics Department, is a collaborative effort with premier institutions including Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Raman Research Institute (RRI), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), and the Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). “With approval, the satellites can be ready in just three years,” Bhalerao said, highlighting the mission’s preparedness.

Daksha’s journey began in 2018 when ISRO invited proposals for new missions. A panel chaired by Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, former IUCAA director, identified Daksha as a frontrunner due to its proven technology, cost efficiency, and exceptional scientific potential. Once launched, the telescopes will study gamma ray bursts from black holes and neutron stars, providing critical insights into the origins and evolution of the universe.

Astrophysicist Prof. Dipankar Bhattacharya of Ashoka University emphasized the mission’s significance, stating, “Studying gamma ray bursts could reveal answers to fundamental questions about the early universe and how it expanded.” Gaurav Waratkar, now a postdoctoral researcher at Caltech and part of the original Daksha student team, described the project as “the driving force behind our dreams and scientific ambitions for the past seven years.”

The Space Technology and Research (STAR) Lab at IIT Bombay has been instrumental in the project, encouraging interdisciplinary student involvement and fostering innovation through hands-on access to labs and mentorship. Students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, often working on the project during holidays and beyond regular hours.

ISRO has supported the mission with seed funding since Daksha’s shortlisting, and by December 2022, the project met all technical requirements. However, full financial and policy approval is still awaited.

With global powers refocusing their space priorities, Professor Bhalerao stressed the urgency: “NASA and other Western space agencies have largely shifted their attention. If India does not act now, deep space exploration may be ceded to China. Daksha is our chance to lead in the next frontier of space science.”

This mission marks a critical step in India’s quest to become a world leader in space research, combining cutting-edge technology, scientific ambition, and homegrown talent to chart new territories in the cosmos.