: Mumbai, 13^th May, 2026

In a landmark event today, ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), a centre under Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Department of Space (DoS) and Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER), an autonomous R&D laboratory under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to design and develop state-of-the-art high power Systems, employing homegrown semiconductor technologies,  for Deep space exploratory observations. In each ground station, high power systems are required to amplify the tele-command signal before transmitting to the satellite.

 

The MoU was signed by Dr. A.K. Anil Kumar, Director, ISTRAC/ISRO and Dr P. Hanumantha Rao, Director General SAMEER.  The MoU signing ceremony took place at SAMEER HQ, IIT Bombay, Mumbai.

Dr. A. K. Anil Kumar, Director ISTRAC, ISRO applauded this initiative reflecting the importance of this collaboration for the nation's self-reliance and technological landscape. He further added, the proposed developments in High-power amplifier (HPA) solutions for telecommand operations at Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) station, will support ISRO’s missions operating in X-Band frequency band.

Dr.P. Hanumantha Rao, Director General, SAMEER, MeitY, said, that this initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening the SAMEER and ISRO’s technological capabilities which are aligned towards declared vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat. The proposed SAMEER-ISTRAC, collaboration in high power systems with indigenously built multiple high power Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor modules, may place India on par with global space organisation. This development will reduce the dependency on foreign OEMs by utilising indigenously built GaN power modules from GATEC/DRDO.  Dr Rao mentioned that, the idea to build indigenous highpower systems for deep space mission stared with initial discussions with Dr. V.K. Lakshmeesha (Rtd. Scientist ISRO) in the last quarter of 2025.

ISTRAC is responsible for telemetry reception, tracking and commanding for all ISRO's low earth orbit Satellites, launch vehicle missions and Deep Space missions operating in S/X Band.

SAMEER is specialised in building end to end solutions in Radio Frequency (RF), Microwaves and millimetre technologies for both strategic and civilian applications. SAMEER’s technologies are built on in-house designs and developments. SAMEER has successfully deployed both on-board and ground based solutions for multiple missions.

The partnership between SAMEER and ISTRAC is beyond an agreement and represents a shared commitment in exploring new technological frontiers. This collaboration is expected to reinvigorate with plans to establish a continued research and development activities in the next generation technologies towards ISRO’s futuristic Deep space programs.

The key objectives of this partnership include joint Research and Development through collaborative projects targeting deployable solutions by leveraging combined expertise in building high power amplifier technologies for Deep Space Communications. The partnership also focuses on indigenous semiconductor technologies by utilising homegrown highly integrated compact Gallium Nitride (GaN) chip technologies from GAETEC, Defence Research and Development Organisation, India. In addition, the proposed collaboration will strengthen the industry ecosystem by supporting the development of innovative solutions from conceptualization to large-scale production, involving MSMEs and Indian industries.

The event was witnessed by Mr. M.R. Raghavendra, Associate Director ISTRAC, Ms. Ceena Sunil, Deputy Director, ISTRAC and Dr.Sandeep Kakatkar, Mr. Raymond Pinto, Dr. Arijit Majumder and Mr. Arun Kumar,  Program Directors, SAMEER and other senior officials from ISTRAC, SAMEER and MeitY.

The collaboration between SAMEER and ISTRAC aims to enhance technological infrastructure, with potential benefits that will not only be limited to space research but will go much beyond.  Both organisations expressed confidence that this partnership will pave the way for ground breaking achievements and set a new standard for collaboration between government R&D institutions and play an instrumental role in the national initiative of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

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Edgar Coelho/Parshuram Kor

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