Learning, Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logics, Natural

Language Processing, Genetic Algorithms, Robotics.

6 Summary of the proposed research and expected deliverables

1. Introduction:
With increase in launch frequency, a large number of spacecraft with varying
configurations, orbital slots, payloads, applications have to be maintained in peak
operating conditions with very low or nil downtime for the duration of their useful
mission lifetimes (ranging from months to decades). This trend demands a high
degree of automation of on-board and ground operations, and this is where use of
techniques from artificial intelligence for spacecraft health monitoring and anomaly
handling is really beneficial. The applications of AI include expert systems, Neural
Networks (NN), Fuzzy Logics (FL), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Genetic
Algorithms, robotics and machine learning. Spacecraft operations broadly classify
into two categories namely Health Monitoring & Anomaly Management and
Planning and Execution of routine planned activities.
2. Mission Operations automation at MDG/URSC
Virtual satellite operation is planned to optimise the utilization of the ground
segment resources, viz. infrastructure and human. Towards this, an expert system
based Health Monitoring and Anomaly Management is being developed. The
automation of Planning and Execution of routine operations is also in progress.

1 Name of ISRO Centre/Unit
2 Title of the research
proposal
3 Name of Co PI from ISRO
Centre/Unit
4 Contact Address of CoPI
and Phone Number
5 Area of Research
URSC - 004
U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru
Design and development of miniaturized atomic
frequency standard
Shri J. John
Head, MEMS Section
LEOS, Blore – 560 058, Karnataka
e-mail: jjohn@leos.gov.in
Phone: 080-22685252
Optics, Atomic Physics, Micro Fabrication,
Electronics.

6 Summary of the proposed research and expected deliverables

1. Introduction:
High accuracy frequency standards are the heart of many advanced space
applications. Some typical examples include satellite navigation systems and

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 precision clocks for high speed communication networks. In addition, many
scientific missions also need high accuracy timing that is not possible to be
achieved using conventional crystal oscillators. Present day atomic frequency
standards for space applications are complex systems that comprise of gas filled
cells and discharge lamps. These systems are bulky and power hungry and also
seen leaking of the gas from the cells. They are based on ‘Optical Pumping’
technique that involve the use of a microwave cavity where the frequency of the
microwave signal is locked to selected ground state hyperfine level via feedback
through a resonant optical absorption. The atomic system is that of an alkali metal
vaporform(Rb87 or CS133). These devices cannot be miniaturized beyond a limit due
to the minimum size constraint of microwave cavity.
In Coherent Population Trapping (CPT) based standards, there is no requirement of
an external microwave field, the interrogation technique is all optical. With the
availability of compact semiconductor laser that can be modulated, miniaturization
of atomic frequency standards has become a practical reality. One of the key
components of the frequency standards or clock is the vapor cell that holds the
alkali vapor in a gaseous state. MEMS based technologies are now being used to
develop miniaturized vapor cells.
2. Vapor Cell Development in LEOS:
LEOS has initiated developmental work towards the realization of alkali vapor cells
fabricated using MEMS technology. The main facilities required for cell fabrication
are lithography, silicon Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) and anodic bonding.
Processes for cell fabrication, insertion of alkali compound pill and into the cell,
sealing and activation are being developed in LEOS.

1 Name of ISRO Centre/Unit
2 Title of the research
proposal
3 Name of Co PI from ISRO
Centre/Unit
4 Contact Address of CoPI
and Phone Number
5 Area of Research
URSC - 005
U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru
Verification and validation of satellite onboard
software (AOCE, TCP, BDH, SSR, SPS) using Model
Checking
Ms.Manoja J,
RQAG,
U R Rao Satellite Centre
Bangalore – 560 017, Karnataka
e-mail: daffini@isac.gov.in
Phone: 080-25083629/3757
Software Engineering, Embedded Systems, Software
Quality Assurance

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