NEWS – Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, in collaboration with ISRO, have designed a new mission called PRATUSH Radiometer. This mission will study the early universe from the far side of the Moon.

HIGHLIGHTS

What is PRATUSH?

• Full form: Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen (PRATUSH)
• Type: Radio telescope mission
• Location: To be placed on the far side of the Moon (away from Earth’s interference).
• Purpose: To study the Cosmic Dawn – the time when the first stars and galaxies lit up the universe.

How Will It Work?

• Antenna: Captures signals in the frequency range of 30–250 MHz.
• Receiver: Amplifies weak signals from space.
• Digital Correlator: Converts signals into digital form for analysis.
• Computer Control:
  • Surprisingly, PRATUSH is controlled by a small single-board computer (SBC), originally built around a Raspberry Pi.
  • This computer manages the antenna, receiver, and data processing.
• Orbit: It will use a circumlunar orbit, ensuring observations from the Moon’s dark, radio-quiet side.
• Lifetime: Mission planned for two years.

Why is PRATUSH Important?

• The early universe is like a missing chapter in our cosmic history.
• PRATUSH will detect faint radio signals from hydrogen atoms, helping scientists learn:
  • How the first stars and galaxies formed
  • When the universe’s “dark ages” ended
  • How cosmic structures evolved