Subhradip Ghosh, a Kolkata-based scientist with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has played a crucial, yet quiet, role in the upcoming NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission. This advanced Earth-observing satellite is set to launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, aboard India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II).
Overseeing the Liquid Propulsion System
With six years of expertise at ISRO, Ghosh was instrumental in overseeing and managing the liquid propulsion system of the 52-meter-tall, three-stage rocket. His responsibilities included the precise handling of its hydrazine-based propellant and nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer. The liquid stage, which utilizes solid, liquid, and cryogenic fuels, demanded extreme precision; even the smallest deviation could compromise the mission. Ensuring accurate propellant insertion and continuous 24/7 monitoring post-insertion were paramount, with no room for error.
A Track Record of Excellence
A former student of Patha Bhavan School in Kolkata, Ghosh has contributed to over 25 ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and SPADEX. His meticulous approach and extensive experience were acknowledged by senior ISRO officials during the NISAR preparations. While his contributions were largely behind the scenes, sources within the ISRO launch crew deemed them “indispensable.” As India prepares to launch this state-of-the-art Earth-monitoring satellite—which former ISRO Chairperson Dr. K Sivan notes can detect minute Earth movements to predict hazards like volcanic eruptions and landslides—much credit is given to dedicated “silent workers” like Ghosh, who ensure every component is perfect.
India’s Ambitious NISAR Mission Nears Launch
India is gearing up for the launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, an advanced Earth-observing satellite. It will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on board India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II). This 52-meter-tall, three-stage rocket will carry dual payloads developed by both ISRO and NASA.
Subhradip Ghosh’s Pivotal Role in Propulsion
A key, though understated, contributor to this mission is Subhradip Ghosh, a Kolkata-based scientist with ISRO. With six years of experience, Ghosh was responsible for overseeing and managing the vehicle’s liquid propulsion system, an essential component for a stable and successful lift-off. His role specifically involved supervising the integration of the system, particularly the handling of hydrazine-based propellant with nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer.
Precision and Rigor in Rocket Preparation
The liquid propulsion system’s design, development, and integration at Satish Dhawan Space Centre are carried out with extreme precision. The rocket’s mechanical system undergoes thorough verification for nearly six to eight months before launch clearance. For NISAR, solid, liquid, and cryogenic fuels are used. The liquid stage, where Ghosh played a critical role, demanded extreme precision, as even the smallest deviation could compromise the mission. Accurate propellant insertion to the last decimal and continuous 24/7 monitoring post-insertion are vital, leaving no room for error.
A Legacy of Contributions to ISRO
Ghosh, an alumnus of Patha Bhavan School in Kolkata, has an impressive track record, associated with over 25 ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and SPADEX. His meticulous approach and extensive experience were highly valued during the NISAR mission preparations, with senior ISRO officials and launch crew sources describing his contributions as “indispensable.” As former ISRO Chairperson Dr. K Sivan explained, NISAR’s ability to “capture even the slightest of movements on the Earth’s surface” will be crucial for forecasting natural hazards, underscoring the importance of silent workers like Ghosh in ensuring mission success.