Overcrowded Orbits A Major Problem: Abdul Kalam

The major problem confronting developing countries like India which are seeking their own communication systems is the overcrowding of the geosynchronous orbit where the satellites are stationed, APJ Abdul Kalam, scientific adviser to the defence minister, said yesterday.

Since most of these geosynchronous orbits were the property of the developed nations, institutions like the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) are finding it increasingly difficult to pick out necessary slots for new satellites.

Till now, Isro has stationed three satellites in the orbit.

In this context, Abdul Kalam asked the international scientific community to explore new designs that could overcome the problems by eliminating the electromagnetic interference (EMI). He was speaking at the opening the three-day international conference on electromagnetic interference and compatibility (INCEMIC-97).

Abdul Kalam said some solutions to the problem of overcrowding of orbits have been under discussion for sometime but a solution continues to evade scientists.

He hoped the exchange of notes between national and international scientists at the three-day conference would throw some light on this difficult area.

The scientific adviser to the defence ministry said the advent of cellular telephone systems and increasing use of digital format in modern day communications had also increased the density of communication channels operation and were prone to electromagnetic interference situations as data are sent in burst mode of operation.

This can be effectively tackled if adequate design care is bestowed taking the electromagnetic interference aspect into consideration in the initial stages of the programme.

Abdul Kalam said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had done considerable work in this area, especially in the context of designing and developing light combat aircraft free of electromagnetic interference system.

The Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat, the Bangalore-based Centre for Air Borne Systems had set up centres where the problems of EMI and EMS are being tackled. The Electronics and Radar Development Establishment, Bangalore, had also emerged as a major centre of electromagnetic pulse simulation facility.

In a key note address read out in absentia, Bharat Electronics Ltd. chairman and managing director VK Koshy expressed concern at the growing problems of EMI and EMS and underlined the need for evolving standards, not only for domestic market but one that will be globally acceptable. PNAP Rao, chairman, Society of EMC Engineers India, explained the purpose of the conference.

Over 200 delegates from India and abroad are attending the conference.