Why in the News?

Raman Research Institute (RRI) has devised the Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen (PRATUSH) Telescope to study the “Cosmic Dawn” by detecting radio signals from neutral hydrogen gas.

About the PRATUSH Mission:

• Developer: Designed by the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• Main Goal: To study the Cosmic Dawn – the period when the first stars and galaxies formed – by detecting the faint 21-cm radio signal from neutral hydrogen.
• Why from the Moon? On Earth, these signals get lost due to radio noise (like FM signals) and atmospheric distortions. The lunar far side is the quietest place in the inner Solar System for radio astronomy, making it the best site.
• Scientific Importance: Will help scientists understand how the first stars heated and ionized hydrogen gas, how the early Universe changed, and may even give clues about dark matter and fundamental physics.

Key Features:

• Compact Design: Small, lightweight, low-power, and cost-effective – in line with the global trend of miniaturized space instruments.
• Digital Receiver System:
  • Uses a single-board computer (like Raspberry Pi prototype).
  • Equipped with FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) for high-speed radio data processing.
• How it Works:
  • Antenna collects faint hydrogen signals.
  • Analog receiver amplifies them.
  • Digital receiver + FPGA convert them into detailed spectral fingerprints of sky brightness.
• Test Results: Lab trials (352 hours) showed extremely low noise (few millikelvins), proving it can detect faint cosmic signals.
• SWaP Advantage: Optimized for Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), making it highly suitable for space deployment.

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