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ISRO-IIT Bombay MoU for PRATHAM Satellite

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Khushboo Kumari
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10 views4 pages

ISRO-IIT Bombay MoU for PRATHAM Satellite

Uploaded by

Khushboo Kumari
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Memorandum of Understanding

Between

ISRO

and

IIT Bombay

To support the design, development and launch of ESAT-01

Preamble:

Indian Space Research Organization (hereinafter referred to as ISRO), the pioneering


space research organization of the country, has developed the technologies relating to
spacecraft and launch vehicles, successfully launched a number of satellites through its own
launch vehicles for various applications in the areas of communication, space based remote
sensing and space sciences and effectively operationalized a number of application
programmes for national needs.

ISRO has been desirous of involving the educational institutions to take part in space
activities, as part of its capacity building to sustain the future space programmes with
appropriate human resources. ISRO has been supporting the student community through
various outreach programmes, training & consultancy programmes. ISRO has also
established a specialized academic institution on aerospace technology and space sciences
to develop the human resources in this area.

Whereas, IIT Bombay is an academic institution offering courses in engineering (brief


about the university or college), with keen interest in developing and launching a nano
satellite by their student community and requested for necessary technical guidance and
support from ISRO. Subsequently, IIT Bombay has (interacted with ISRO's technical team
and) submitted a project proposal for realizing a nano satellite project called PRATHAM.

Considering the interest shown by IIT Bombay, and based on the technical merits of the
proposal on PRATHAM, ISRO has agreed in principle to provide necessary technical
guidance and support to develop PRATHAM by the student team of IIT Bombay and launch
it by ISRO's launch vehicle as a piggy back satellite.
Therefore, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants hereafter contained, the
parties namely IIT Bombay hereto agree as mentioned in the following sections:

1. Scope of the MOU :


The MoU details the terms and conditions, financial arrangements, modalities of
collaboration, responsibilities and obligations of ISRO and IIT Bombay pertaining to the
realization of PRATHAM project.

2. Objective of the PRATHAM Project:


The basic objective of the project is to design, fabricate, test and launch an PRATHAM
satellite in low earth orbit as a technology demonstration project by the student
community of IIT Bombay, under the guidance and technical support of ISRO.

3. Description of the PRATHAM Project:


1
a. The PRATHAM nano satellite shall be built around a standard cuboid
configuration as designed.
b. The spacecraft mass shall not exceed 15 kgs for nano satellite(<1kg for pico);
c. The power requirements for the spacecraft bus and payloads shall not exceed 15
watts for nano (less than 5watts for pico).
d. The satellite shall be developed using suitably screened components in order to
achieve a low cost mission.
e. The satellite shall carry payloads for earth observation or establishing
communication links or studying atmospheric phenomena or some interesting
scientific instruments or for any novel applications.
f. The satellite orbits, which are basically determined by the payloads, could be
around 400km to 1000 km. The actual orbit is decided by the main spacecraft, in
the available launch which should be acceptable for the Esat in waiting.
g. The satellite shall be tested for environmental conditions such as hot & cold tests
and vibration tests at the institute. The need for thermo vacuum tests shall be
determined based on the need by ISRO.
h. The mission life shall be for a minimum period of 6 months to maximum of 2
years.
i. The spacecraft ejection system shall use the standard configuration being
realized by ISRO or from a vendor (suggested by ISRO) to be procured by the
institution.

4. Responsibilities of IIT Bombay


a. IIT Bombay shall aim for achieving an innovative mission in terms of in-house
design and development of sub-systems and payloads.
b. IIT Bombay shall also establish necessary infra-structure such as ESD controlled
clean room for assembly of satellite, test support equipments and systems.
c. IIT Bombay shall use their facilities for assembly and testing except for certain
special requirements which would be supported by ISRO.
d. IIT Bombay shall procure all the components and materials required for
fabricating the PRATHAM satellite, from standard sources or from the vendors
identified by ISRO, except the items to be supplied by ISRO , as specified under 5.
b.
e. IIT Bombay shall maintain suitable documentation with respect to design,
fabrication and testing as advised by ISRO and submit the same for review to
ISRO.
f. IIT Bombay shall establish the ground systems for spacecraft control, reception
of payload and house-keeping data and also for processing the received data.
g. IIT Bombay shall put necessary efforts to utilize the data received from the
PRATHAM, effectively.
h. IIT Bombay shall comply with all requirements with respect to over all quality
control and quality assurance as dictated by ISRO.
i. IIT Bombay shall obligate its team to strictly adhere to safety standards during
fabrication, testing or any other phase of handling the spacecraft, as dictated by
ISRO.
j. IIT Bombay shall obligate its team to strictly follow the prevailing security
norms in the ISRO Centres and Units.
k. IIT Bombay shall workout a realistic schedule in consultation with ISRO and
strictly adhere to it.

2
l. IIT Bombay shall arrange for technical / status reviews of the PRATHAM project
as required by ISRO.
m. IIT Bombay shall arrange / mobilize necessary financial support for the project
on its own.
n. IIT Bombay shall maintain an inventory of the materials and components
received from ISRO for ESAT- fabrication and shall take utmost care while
handling during fabrication activities. Any unconsumed components / materials
received from ISRO shall be duly returned by IIT Bombay, after completion or
premature termination of the project.
o. IIT Bombay shall utilize the funds, if any, sanctioned by ISRO for PRATHAM
project, solely for the intended purpose only and shall submit annual financial
performance statement to ISRO on such funds. Any savings / unutilized funds
received from ISRO, shall be duly refunded by IIT Bombay, after completion or
premature termination of the project.

5. Responsibilities of ISRO:
a. ISRO shall provide overall guidance and necessary technical support for the
successful realization of PRATHAM project to a limited extent.
b. ISRO shall provide the following sub-systems to PRATHAM project:
i. basic structure and panel substrates
ii. fabricated solar panels
iii. Lithium ion cells
iv. Thermal control materials and certain electronic components, which are
not economical to procure by the PRATHAM team
v. Thermo vacuum test support, if need be.
vi. Supply of ejection system (or to be procured by the IIT Bombay from the
fabricator identified by ISRO)
vii. Launch service through a suitable mission of ISRO. However, a re-launch
support may not be allowed in case of any eventualities.
viii. ISRO shall review the progress of the project as necessary.
ix. ISRO shall consider providing any financial support to realize the project.
In case, any funding support is sanctioned by ISRO, it shall be effected
only after a reasonable progress of the PRATHAM project made through
the share of IIT Bombay.

6. Management:
a. ISRO and IIT Bombay shall constitute a Project Review Committee headed by
Programme Director, SSS ISAC, constituting members from ISRO and a suitable
representative from IIT Bombay.
b. One person identified by the institution will be responsible for the realisation of
the PRATHAM.
c. The Project Director, Small Satellite Projects shall have the overall responsibility
and authority for the support required from ISRO side.
d. IIT Bombay and ISRO shall identify suitable executives from respective sides to
interact regularly under the guidance of Project Director, SSP.

7. General Terms:
a. Secrecy: IIT Bombay shall not divulge any information that are not in public
domain and provided by ISRO in the course of execution of PRATHAM project, to
any third party.
3
b. Publicity: IIT Bombay shall obtain prior permission from ISRO to make any
news or publicity regarding the PRATHAM project. IIT Bombay shall not commit
to its financial sponsors, if any, for any publicity or commercial promotions by
using the insignia of PRATHAM or ISRO and shall undertake to prevent any such
attempts.
c. Risk and Insurance: IIT Bombay, while adhering to the safety and security
norms as dictated by ISRO, may also ensure adequate insurance coverage for its
team members and property and shall undertakes to exempt ISRO from any
liability in this regard. The satellite launch by ISRO is not allowed for any
insurance coverage, as a matter of policy.
d. Intellectual Property Rights: ISRO and IIT Bombay may consider obtaining
jointly the intellectual property rights on any worthwhile inventions that might
arise during the joint activities of PRATHAM project.
e. Dispute settlement: Any dispute or difference of opinion between the parties
that might arise in the course of execution of the PRATHAM project shall be
amicably settled by the signatories to this MOU. Further, any unresolved issues
shall be decided by the Director of ISRO Satellite Centre, whose decision shall be
final and binding on both the parties.
f. Effective date and duration of the MOU: This MOU shall take effect from the
date of its signing by both the parties and shall be valid for a period of two years
from its effective date. This MOU may be extended by mutual consent.
g. Termination: This agreement may be terminated either mutually by the parties
or by either party with a three months' notice to the other party. However,
termination of this Agreement shall not affect the validity of obligations of IIT
Bombay on components/ materials and funds received from ISRO, and other
provisions such as Secrecy, IP rights etc., which are by nature meant to survive to
termination.

In witness whereof the parties hereto have executed this MOU through their authorized
representatives.

For and on behalf of ISRO For and on behalf of IIT Bombay

Scientific Secretary Principal or Vice Chancellor

Witnesses

Common questions

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IIT Bombay's responsibilities include: achieving an innovative mission through in-house design and development, establishing necessary infrastructure such as clean rooms, procuring components, maintaining documentation and schedules, establishing ground systems, and ensuring quality control. They must also follow safety and security norms as dictated by ISRO, conduct technical reviews, mobilize financial support, and maintain an inventory of materials received from ISRO .

The PRATHAM project exemplifies a low-cost mission by utilizing suitably screened components, leveraging in-house development for subsystems and payloads, and relying on ISRO for critical support like launch services. By committing to a cuboid configuration and keeping mass and power requirements low, the design is optimized for cost-effectiveness. IIT Bombay's procurement from standard sources or ISRO-identified vendors further reduces costs .

The PRATHAM project engages students in real-world space research activities by giving them an opportunity to design, fabricate, and launch a nano-satellite. It encourages innovation through in-house development of subsystems and payloads. The project requires students to establish ground systems for satellite operations, abide by ISRO's stringent quality and safety standards, and manage project logistics and schedules. Such responsibilities develop technical, management, and operational skills in aerospace engineering .

The PRATHAM satellite is subjected to environmental tests such as hot and cold temperature tests and vibration tests at IIT Bombay. The need for thermo-vacuum tests is assessed by ISRO. These tests verify the satellite's ability to withstand the harsh conditions of space and ensure its reliability and success in fulfilling its mission objectives .

The project management structure includes a Project Review Committee led by the Programme Director from ISRO's SSS ISAC, with members from both ISRO and IIT Bombay. One person from the institution is designated for project realization, while the Project Director, Small Satellite Projects, oversees ISRO support. Regular interactions are facilitated by appointed executives from both sides .

The MOU states that ISRO and IIT Bombay may consider jointly obtaining intellectual property rights on any significant inventions arising from the PRATHAM project. This suggests a collaborative approach to managing intellectual property, encouraging innovation while protecting the interests of both parties .

ISRO ensures security and confidentiality by requiring IIT Bombay to not divulge any non-public information provided by ISRO to third parties. Any publicity regarding the project requires prior permission from ISRO, and IIT Bombay is prohibited from using the insignia of PRATHAM or ISRO for commercial promotional activities .

ISRO provides technical support including guidance for the successful realization of the project, supplying specific subsystems like the basic structure, panel substrates, and solar panels. It also provides thermo-vacuum test support if necessary and offers the ejection system through its vendor(s). Furthermore, ISRO commits to a launch service on a suitable mission without financial liability in case of eventuality .

ISRO's policy against providing insurance for satellite launches implies that all financial risk associated with the launch falls on the satellite operator, which in this case is IIT Bombay. This increases the risk exposure for the project, necessitating careful risk management and potentially deterring partnerships due to higher financial risk. IIT Bombay is also expected to ensure adequate insurance coverage for its team members and property, further highlighting the risk assumption .

The MOU stipulates that disputes should be amicably settled by the signatories of the agreement. If unresolved, the matter is to be decided by the Director of the ISRO Satellite Centre. The Director's decision is to be final and binding on both parties .

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