PRATUSH (Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen)

The first of its kind proposed space payload, PRATUSH (Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen) has been designed by a team from Raman Research Institute (RRI) to unlock this mystery.

Developed by: Team from Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru.

Nature: A tiny digital receiver system based on a compact single-board computer (SBC) (credit-card sized).

Purpose:

• To study the Cosmic Dawn – the epoch when the first stars & galaxies formed.
• To probe reionization of the Universe using the 21-cm hydrogen line signal.

Deployment: Future radiometer in lunar orbit (advantage – free from Earth’s radio-frequency interference).

Significance:

• Demonstrates low-mass, high-capability space payload design.
• Could unravel mysteries about formation of first stars & evolution of the Universe.

(Source: PIB)