Points to churn 

A worldwide effort is ongoing to improve the performance of reusable rockets.

Quantum radars and low-temperature lithium-ion batteries were among the disruptive technologies developed by ISRO. 

In the coming decades, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is working on approximately 50 futuristic, new technologies to meet the country's technical demands. Quantum communications, space debris mitigation technologies, robotic arms, interplanetary rovers, and other technologies are among them.

At the inaugural session of the ISRO's Directorate of Technology Development and Innovation (DTDI)Conclave, top officials from the space agency enlisted these innovations.

DTDI was established as a dedicated Directorate at ISRO headquarters to sow the seeds of futuristic and disruptive technologies for the space sector, according to Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, ISRO, who spoke at the ceremony. He went on to say that the technologies were being created based on global trends and a SWOT analysis of their potential uses. 

ISRO, Indian business, and academia will collaborate and devote resources to bring these ideas to fruition, according to Dr. Sivan, who is also the Secretary of the Department of Space.

'In the previous three years, ISRO has launched 46 technical projects, including quantum communication, space debris mitigation technologies such as self-eating rockets, self-vanishing satellites, and robotic arms to gather space debris,' added Dr. Sivan. He went on to say that quantum cryptography, as well as satellite-based quantum communication, might enable unconditional data protection in secure communications.

Read more about space debris 

There is an increasing need for minimizing this difficulty, which includes space debris from destroyed satellites, overpopulation of space by defunct and operating spacecraft, and spent rocket stages. 

A global effort is undertaken to improve re-usable rocket operations, enabling in-space refuelling, satellite servicing, minimizing, collecting, and removing space trash, producing materials that do not pose a long-term threat to other space assets, and so on. ISRO's concept for self-eating rockets and self-vanishing satellites, as well as robotic arms, must be viewed in this light. 

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Quantum mechanics is a physics theory that describes the physical aspects of nature at the atomic and subatomic levels. Classical physics, on the other hand, describes many features of nature on a small (macroscopic) scale.

Sensitive data is traditionally transferred via cable or other ways, along with the digital keys required to decrypt it. This is sent through a series of electrical or optical pulses that represent 0s and 1s (bits). However, without the sender's or receiver's awareness, this is vulnerable to hacking.

Particles (light photons) are sent in quantum communication in qubits (quantum bits), which have both a 0 and a 1 value at the same time. In order to eavesdrop on it, a hacker must measure these qubits, which leaves a trace that may be detected and alarms the transmitter and receiver. This is based on the notion that it is impossible to measure a quantum state without altering it. If qubits are disrupted, both parties are notified and the exchange can be terminated.

R. Umamaheswaran, ISRO's Scientific Secretary, listed quantum interceptors, limited batteries cells that can power sub-systems in sub-zero temperatures, and space-based solar power, among other disruptive technologies.

He went on to say that ISRO had developed a 'Vision 2030' based on suggestions from its scientists and engineers. 'General purpose' was one of them. The intelligent space vehicle, humanoid robotics, in-situ propellant manufacturing for interplanetary exploration, planetary rock sample

On the status of these technologies, he noted that some were still in the feasibility research stage, while others had already begun development in the lab.

In order to better comprehend the earth's resources, ISRO will use Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data Analysis to make better use of data from satellites. 

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'We're focusing on ensuring preparedness for celestial and anthropogenic challenges, as well as developing AI-based models for on-board anomaly detection in spacecraft, Spatio-temporal weather prediction, Groundwater level prediction, generation of land cover maps, AI-driven quality inspection, AI-driven agriculture, and so on.' Dr. Umamaheshwaran went on to say.

ISRO intends to bring together technology developers from throughout the country with potential users through initiatives like DTDI Connect and DTDI expand in order to provide customized, ready-to-induct products. The country and its rapidly-growing advanced requirements are likely to benefit greatly from the spin-offs from such technical products and services. 

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