In a bold stride toward advancing India’s deep space capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) is spearheading the Daksha mission, an ambitious project to develop and launch two satellites equipped with some of the world’s most advanced space telescopes. Proposed in 2018 in response to an ISRO call for innovative space missions, Daksha was shortlisted by a panel led by Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, former director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), for its cost-effectiveness, proven technology, and potential to generate groundbreaking scientific data. For space enthusiasts, astrophysicists, and innovation watchers searching IIT Bombay Daksha mission, Daksha space telescopes ISRO, or India deep space project 2025, this initiative—led by Prof. Varun Bhalerao from IIT Bombay’s Physics Department—promises to observe 1.81 million cubic megaparsecs of space, nearly five times the capacity of NASA’s Fermi Gamma Ray Telescope, focusing on gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) from neutron stars and black holes to unlock secrets of the universe’s origins and evolution. Collaborating with premier institutions like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Raman Research Institute (RRI), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), and IUCAA, Daksha has received seed funding from ISRO since its shortlisting, meeting all technical requirements by December 2022, though full financial and policy approval remains pending.
Prof. Bhalerao warns that delays could cede leadership in deep space exploration to China, urging immediate action to keep India at the forefront.
Mission Overview: Twin Satellites for All-Sky Gamma-Ray Monitoring
Daksha, meaning “able” or “competent” in Sanskrit, is a proposed five-year mission to detect high-energy counterparts to gravitational wave sources, including thousands of gamma-ray bursts and dozens of binary neutron star merger events. The twin satellites, orbiting on opposite sides of Earth, will provide continuous all-sky coverage, scanning from 1 keV to over 1 MeV with sensitivity surpassing NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. This enables real-time localization of transients to 10° resolution for bright GRBs, improving to finer scales with joint processing.
Technical highlights:
- Medium Energy (ME) Detectors: 17 packages across satellites for ~1,300 cm² effective area, ensuring uniform coverage.
- Polarization Capabilities: Excellent for transients, with varied incidence angles to minimize systematic errors.
- Scientific Yield: Insights into cosmic explosions, gravitational waves, and the universe’s early moments.
The mission’s cost-effectiveness and proven tech make it a frontrunner for ISRO approval.
| Component | Specifications | Scientific Role |
|---|---|---|
| Satellites | 2 (Opposite Orbits) | Continuous All-Sky Coverage |
| Energy Range | 1 keV to >1 MeV | GRB Detection & Localization |
| Sensitivity | > Swift Observatory | High-Energy Counterparts |
| Area | ~1,300 cm² (ME Packages) | Uniform Transient Monitoring |
Development Journey: From 2018 Proposal to Pending Approval
The Daksha concept emerged in 2018 when ISRO solicited ideas for new missions, with IIT Bombay’s team—led by Prof. Bhalerao—proposing the project. Shortlisted by the Kembhavi panel for its feasibility, it received ISRO seed funding, meeting technical milestones by December 2022. The Space Technology and Research (STAR) Lab at IIT Bombay has been central, fostering interdisciplinary student involvement even during holidays.
- Collaborators: TIFR, RRI, PRL, IUCAA, and ISRO centers.
- Student Impact: Alumni like Gaurav Waratkar (now at Caltech) credit Daksha for their passion.
- Urgency: Prof. Bhalerao warns of losing ground to China if delayed.
Conclusion: Daksha’s Launch Toward Cosmic Frontiers
IIT Bombay’s Daksha mission is India’s clarion call for deep space leadership, with twin satellites poised to illuminate the universe’s mysteries. As approval pends, its collaborative spirit inspires. For space aspirants, it’s a stellar opportunity—will Daksha orbit by 2030? The stars align. India today
