Overview
The Space Payloads Group at IIA is pioneering the use of low-cost small payloads to carry out astronomical observations. Our focus is on science cases that are not feasible with large telescopes, but will complement them. Each payload is designed to address a specific science goal. We keep the design simple, and use commercially available space worthy components in our instruments.
The core activities of the group are based on instruments (detectors, optics and electronics) that are designed, integrated, calibrated and verified in-house. We work alongside various engineering teams in IIA and utilize facilities available on campus.
Development time scale for our payloads are typically around 3-4 years, making them ideal PhD thesis topics for the integrated MTech-PhD students of the Institute. Most of our projects are led by students.