Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch a data relay satellite that will help in communicating with the Gaganyaan mission throughout after the launch, reported PTI. The satellite will be launched before the final leg of the Gaganyaan mission, which will send astronauts to Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). The first leg, which is an unmanned mission, will be launched in December. 

“We’re planning to launch our own satellite, which will act as a data relay satellite before going for the first human space flight,” sources told PTI. They added that Rs 800 crore project was approved and the work had begun.

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If satellites in orbit do not have a clear view of the ground station, they can not pass along their information to the ground. That is where the data relay satellite helps, which is to pass along satellite information. 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also has its own data relay satellite, with a robust human space mission programme. The tracking and data relay satellite allows it to have global coverage of all the satellites without having to build extra ground stations on Earth.

The ISRO uses several ground stations spread across the globe, in Mauritius, Brunei, and Biak, Indonesia.

Last month, ISRO Chairperson K Sivan had said the space agency was also in talks with the Australian counterpart to have a ground station at the Coco islands for the Gaganyaan mission.

However, there are blind spots, due to which there is a possibility of not receiving signals, sources added. The data relay satellite will help address the issues.

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Earlier this month, the ISRO signed an agreement with French space agency CNES for cooperation for the Gaganyaan, a move that will enable training of Indian flight physicians in the French space agency’s facilities.

Under this agreement, CNES-developed French equipment, tested and still operating aboard the International Space Station, will be made available to the Indian crew.

The CNES will also be supplying fireproof carry bags made in France to shield equipment from shocks and radiation, it said.

Last month, four prospective astronauts also returned to India after spending nearly a year in Russia.