PRATUSH Telescope

Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), have proposed a groundbreaking mission called PRATUSH aimed at uncovering the Cosmic Dawn—a pivotal moment in the universe's history when the first stars and galaxies formed.

About PRATUSH Telescope

PRATUSH stands for Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen and is a radio telescope designed to be located on the far side of the Moon. This unique position will allow it to observe the universe in a way that is not possible from Earth or low Earth orbit, due to the absence of interference from radio signals on the Moon’s far side.

Key Features of PRATUSH:

• Location: On the Moon’s far side—an ideal location free from Earth's radio interference, offering clearer, more accurate data.

• Collaboration: Built by Raman Research Institute (RRI) with active involvement from ISRO.

• Frequency Range: Operates over a wideband frequency of 30-250 MHz, which is ideal for studying the early universe, particularly during the period of reionization.

• Antenna: Equipped with a wideband frequency-independent antenna for continuous sky observations.

• Receiver: A self-calibrating analog receiver that improves signal accuracy and reliability.

• Digital Correlator: It comes with a high spectral resolution of 100 kHz, allowing detailed mapping of the sky’s radio emissions.

• Nominal Lifetime: The mission will operate for a two-year period, gathering data to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio and covering a substantial portion of the sky.

Scientific Mission:

The primary aim of PRATUSH is to study Cosmic Dawn, which refers to the time when the universe transitioned from being opaque to transparent, largely due to the formation of the first stars. The radio emissions from hydrogen during this period are critical for understanding the early universe's composition and evolution. By observing large sky regions, PRATUSH will capture the radio sky spectrum, offering new insights into the universe’s infancy.

Technological Innovation of PRATUSH

One of the innovative aspects of PRATUSH is its modest yet effective design. At the heart of its technology lies a compact single-board computer (SBC), which initially utilizes a Raspberry Pi. The SBC coordinates the entire operation of the telescope, performing multiple critical functions:

• Managing the antenna that collects cosmic signals.

• Controlling the analog receiver that amplifies the signals for clarity.

• Handling the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which converts the signals into digital fingerprints.

• Recording and storing data, while also performing preliminary data processing and calibration on-site.

Why the Moon’s Far Side?

The choice of the Moon’s far side for PRATUSH's placement is a game-changer in radio astronomy. Earth's atmosphere and the constant presence of radio signals from human activities interfere with radio observations. By placing PRATUSH on the far side of the Moon, scientists can observe the universe without these interferences, offering a pristine environment for collecting data on the early universe’s radio emissions.

Significance of the Mission

PRATUSH is set to provide vital insights into cosmology, especially in the field of reionization and the early universe. It will complement other astronomical missions, offering a unique radio perspective on the Cosmic Dawn and enhancing our understanding of:

• The formation of the first stars and galaxies.

• The early stages of reionization, which are crucial for understanding how the universe evolved from a hot, opaque phase to a transparent one.

• The distribution and behavior of hydrogen in the early universe.

This mission will also highlight India’s growing capabilities in space exploration and astronomical research, showcasing its leadership in cutting-edge space technology.

Conclusion

The PRATUSH telescope is an exciting leap forward in the field of space research, poised to unravel some of the deepest mysteries of the universe. With its innovative design and strategic location on the Moon’s far side, it will offer unprecedented data on the Cosmic Dawn, allowing scientists to explore the origins of the universe in greater detail