Hi everyone,

I recently completed my B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering (2026 graduate) and have received an offer for the Graduate Apprenticeship Training (1 year) at ISRO ISTRAC, Peenya, Bengaluru with a monthly stipend of ₹12,300.

Before committing and relocating, I would really appreciate honest advice from anyone who has done an apprenticeship at ISTRAC/ISRO centers or works in core electronics:

1. Work Quality & Learning: For an ECE graduate at ISTRAC, what does the day-to-day work look like? Do you get hands-on experience in telemetry, RF, PCB testing, or ground systems, or is it mostly passive documentation and administrative tasks?
2. Career Impact: Does holding an ISRO apprenticeship certificate carry strong weight when applying to private core electronics, aerospace, or defense firms afterward? Or does the industry count it merely as an extended internship rather than full-time relevant experience?
3. Work-Life Balance & Exam Prep: Are the working hours fixed (strict 9 to 5, weekends off)?Any genuine feedback on whether it’s better to take this or go straight into an entry-level private industry role would help me make the right decision. Thanks!

Branch: Computer Science & IT

Interview Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Interview Panel: Around 9–10 members

Interview Experience

Initially, I was a little nervous seeing a panel of around 9–10 members, but after a while, I became more comfortable. The interview lasted approximately 30 minutes.

The panel asked questions from various core CS subjects, Machine Learning, Embedded Systems, Cyber Security, C Programming, and my work experience at IMD.

Questions Asked

1. Computer Networks

- What is a Network Operating System?

- Router and Virtual Router

- Routing Protocols

- RIP and OSPF

- Ethernet and Ethernet Header Length

- VLAN

1. Machine Learning

- Logistic Regression

- Sigmoid and Softmax Functions

- MSE in Logistic Regression

- SVM and Kernel Trick

- Naive Bayes and why it is called Naive Bayes

- Entropy and Information Gain

1. Computer Architecture

- Instruction Pipeline and Pipelining

- Superscalar Processor

- RISC vs CISC

- Data Hazards

- RAW, WAR, and WAW Dependencies

- Solutions to Data Hazards

- True and False Dependencies

- Branch Prediction

1. Embedded Systems

- Embedded System

- Microcontroller

- SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)

- GPRS in a Data Logger

1. Cyber Security

- ISO Standards for Cyber Security

- CIA Triad

- Non-Repudiation

- EFD in Cyber Security

1. C Programming

- Basic definition of C programming and whether the definition was valid

- Structure in C

- One short-form question that I could not recall afterward

1. Questions Related to My IMD Work Experience

- Functionality of AWS and ARG

- IMD Forecast Resolution

These are the questions I could recall from my interview.

Final Verdict : Selected.

Posting Location: IPRC Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. 🚀

Optical imaging earth observation satellites are generally launched from SHAR between 9am-12noon to sun-synchronous polar orbits. This I understand is to align equator crossings at same local solar time everyday and ensure consistent lighting.

SAR imaging EO satellites are generally launched around 6am in the morning to dawn-to-dusk SSPO orbits. This is to ensure constant illumination of satellite's solar panel and hence maximise power generation.

But satellites launched to GTO/Sub-GTO do not have such constraints. For instance, IRNSS/NAVIC family satellite liftoff times are all over -- 1am, 9am, 5pm, 10pm etc. So what factors determine their liftoff times? Is it MCF visibility during LAM firing? range clearance?

Can anyone enlighten me about how work culture is at sdsc shar as recruitment notice has come up. I know less vacancies and that is why I'm getting second thoughts cause 6y ago someone actually spoke negatively idk what to trust and what not. Even nobody has ever interviewed for sdsc shar. Is is really that bad centre?

Please enlighten me about the work culture, about the living, outside centre or inside campus how it works and goes 🙏🏻

Recently I got selected for isro, so iwant to know whether surrogate modelling like work would be available there

Manufacturing, Supply and Erection of SC120 Retraction System Mast Structure

Main Document [PDF] [Archived]

https://i.imgur.com/N7lePTo.png

Technical Specification : [PDF] [Archived]

Fabrication Drawings : [PDF] [Archived]

The scope of work covers procurement of raw materials including bought out items, fabrication, bending of plates, stress relieving/heat treatment, machining, drilling and tapping operations, protecting the holes/machined surfaces with lubricating grease& anti rust compound like Japan black/bituminous black compound etc., shop floor inspection, transportation to SDSC SHAR site, erection and commissioning of SC120 Retraction system mast structures on MLP according to drawings, specifications, terms and conditions at Second Launch Pad, SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.

Source: https://www.notams.faa.gov/

Mapped up!

A3241/26

GSLV-F18 ROCKET LAUNCH FM SHAR RANGE, SRIHARIKOTA WILL TAKE 
PLACE AS PER FLW DETAILS.THE LAUNCH WILL BE ON ANY ONE 
OF THE DAY DRG THIS PERIOD.ACTUAL DATE OF LAUNCH WILL BE 
INTIMATED ATLEAST 24 HR IN ADVANCE THROUGH A SEPARATE NOTAM. 

LAUNCH PAD COORD: 134312N0801348E 
NO FLT IS PERMITTED OVER THE DNG ZONES. 

1. DNG ZONE-1: IS A CIRCLE OF 10NM AROUND THE LAUNCHER. 

2. DNG ZONE-2: IS AN AREA BOUNDED BY FLW COORD: 
1200N 08445E - 1245N 08500E - 1220N 08620E - 
1135N 08605E - 1200N 08445E 

3. DNG ZONE-3: IS AN AREA BOUNDED BY FLW COORD: 
1055N 08750E - 1155N 08800E - 1105N 09030E - 
1005N 09020E - 1055N 08750E 

RTE AFFECTED IN CHENNAI FIR: 
W20, Q11, Q23, Q24, V4, V9, P761, P762, N877, N571 

CLOSURES/ALTN RTE FOR OVERFLYING: 

1. W20 NOT AVBL BTN MMV-KAMGU 
 ALTN: MMV-DCT-PAPKI-DCT-ANGAK-DCT-KAMGU 

2. Q24 NOT AVBL BTN MMV-KAMGU 
 ALTN: MMV-DCT-PAPKI-DCT-ANGAK-DCT-KAMGU 

3. Q23 NOT AVBL BTN RINTO-MMV 
 ALTN: RINTO-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

4. V4 NOT AVBL BTN BOPRI-MMV 
 ALTN: BOPRI-DCT-RINTO-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

5. V9 NOT AVBL BTN GUNRI-MMV 
 ALTN: GUNRI-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

6. Q11 NOT AVBL BTN GURAS-MMV 
 ALTN: GURAS-DCT-MMV 

7. P761 NOT AVBL BTN IDASO-DUMAR 
 ALTN: IDASO-DCT-EGOLU-L518-DUMAR 

8. P762 NOT AVBL BTN BIKEN-NIMOV. NO ALTN RTE 

9. N877 N OT AVBL BTN DUMAR-AGEGA 
 ALTN: DUMAR-P761-LEGIN-L510 

10.N571 NOT AVBL BTN IDASO-BIKEN 
 ALTN: VATMO-DCT-GIRNA-BIKEN 

DEP FM CHENNAI MAY FPL AS FLW: 

1. W20/Q24 NOT AVBL BTN MMV-KAMGU 
 ALTN: MMV-DCT-PAPKI-DCT-ANGAK-DCT-KAMGU 

ARR TO CHENNAI MAY FPL AS FLW: 

1. Q23 NOT AVBL BTN RINTO-MMV 

 ALTN: RINTO-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

2. V4 NOT AVBL BTN BOPRI-MMV 
 ALTN: BOPRI-DCT-RINTO-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

3. V9 NOT AVBL BTN GUNRI-MMV 
 ALTN: GUNRI-V11-TTP-DCT- GUANI-DCT-MMV 

4. Q11 NOT AVBL BTN GURAS-MMV 
 ALTN: GURAS-DCT-MMV
GSLV-F18 ROCKET LAUNCH FM SHAR RANGE, SRIHARIKOTA WILL TAKE 
PLACE AS PER FLW DETAILS.THE LAUNCH WILL BE ON ANY ONE 
OF THE DAY DRG THIS PERIOD.ACTUAL DATE OF LAUNCH WILL BE 
INTIMATED ATLEAST 24 HR IN ADVANCE THROUGH A SEPARATE NOTAM. 

LAUNCH PAD COORD: 134312N0801348E 
NO FLT IS PERMITTED OVER THE DNG ZONES. 

1. DNG ZONE-1: IS A CIRCLE OF 10NM AROUND THE LAUNCHER. 

2. DNG ZONE-2: IS AN AREA BOUNDED BY FLW COORD: 
1200N 08445E - 1245N 08500E - 1220N 08620E - 
1135N 08605E - 1200N 08445E 

3. DNG ZONE-3: IS AN AREA BOUNDED BY FLW COORD: 
1055N 08750E - 1155N 08800E - 1105N 09030E - 
1005N 09020E - 1055N 08750E 

RTE AFFECTED IN CHENNAI FIR: 
W20, Q11, Q23, Q24, V4, V9, P761, P762, N877, N571 

CLOSURES/ALTN RTE FOR OVERFLYING: 

1. W20 NOT AVBL BTN MMV-KAMGU 
 ALTN: MMV-DCT-PAPKI-DCT-ANGAK-DCT-KAMGU 

2. Q24 NOT AVBL BTN MMV-KAMGU 
 ALTN: MMV-DCT-PAPKI-DCT-ANGAK-DCT-KAMGU 

3. Q23 NOT AVBL BTN RINTO-MMV 
 ALTN: RINTO-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

4. V4 NOT AVBL BTN BOPRI-MMV 
 ALTN: BOPRI-DCT-RINTO-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

5. V9 NOT AVBL BTN GUNRI-MMV 
 ALTN: GUNRI-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

6. Q11 NOT AVBL BTN GURAS-MMV 
 ALTN: GURAS-DCT-MMV 

7. P761 NOT AVBL BTN IDASO-DUMAR 
 ALTN: IDASO-DCT-EGOLU-L518-DUMAR 

8. P762 NOT AVBL BTN BIKEN-NIMOV. NO ALTN RTE 

9. N877 N OT AVBL BTN DUMAR-AGEGA 
 ALTN: DUMAR-P761-LEGIN-L510 

10.N571 NOT AVBL BTN IDASO-BIKEN 
 ALTN: VATMO-DCT-GIRNA-BIKEN 

DEP FM CHENNAI MAY FPL AS FLW: 

1. W20/Q24 NOT AVBL BTN MMV-KAMGU 
 ALTN: MMV-DCT-PAPKI-DCT-ANGAK-DCT-KAMGU 

ARR TO CHENNAI MAY FPL AS FLW: 

1. Q23 NOT AVBL BTN RINTO-MMV 

 ALTN: RINTO-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

2. V4 NOT AVBL BTN BOPRI-MMV 
 ALTN: BOPRI-DCT-RINTO-V11-TTP-DCT-GUANI-DCT-MMV 

3. V9 NOT AVBL BTN GUNRI-MMV 
 ALTN: GUNRI-V11-TTP-DCT- GUANI-DCT-MMV 

4. Q11 NOT AVBL BTN GURAS-MMV 
 ALTN: GURAS-DCT-MMV. GND - UNL, 1700-2100, 30 OCT 17:00 2026 UNTIL 11 NOV
21:00 2026. CREATED: 23 OCT 05:41 2026

Edit (26 Oct 2026): Adding remaining hazard zones (WMFC)

A4225/26

TEMPO DNG ZONE 4 ESTABLISHED WI THE FLW COORD DUE TO THE LAUNCHING
   OF GSLV-18 ROCKET FM INDIA:

   075000N0951000E - 093500N0951000E - 093500N0960500E -
   075000N0960500E - 075000N0951000E

   NO FLT PERMITTED OVER AND NEAR THE DNG ZONE.

   ATS ROUTE AFFECTED IN KUALA LUMPUR FIR AS FLW:
   1. P628 BTN IGREX AND MAPSO
   2. L510 BTN EMRAN AND LEKIR
   3. L645 BTN SAMAK AND SAPAM

   RMK: THE LAUNCH WILL BE ON ANY ONE OF THE DAY DRG THIS PERIOD.
   ACTUAL DATE OF LAUNCH WILL BE INTIMATED 24 HRS IN ADVANCE
   THROUGH A SEPARATE NOTAM PUBLICATION BY VOMF. SFC - UNL, 1700-2100, 30
OCT 17:00 2026 UNTIL 11 NOV 21:00 2026. CREATED: 26 OCT 07:32 2026

Hi guys, my Friend got selected as scientist yesterday (mechanical)

What are the procedures and communication he is expected to do? When is joining likely to be Etc

Kindly guide him

35th Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Lecture 2026

A talk on 'New Trends and Innovations in Microwave Remote Sensing and Other Space Technology Frontiers' by Nilesh M. Desai, Vikram Sarabhai Professor/Scientist and Former Director Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHzrYDXc8qY&t=6998s

Few slides from this talk.

• At 2:19:30, He talks about how they had planned 'tandem experiments' using EOS-09 (aka RISAT-1B) along EOS-04 (aka RISAT-1A) but unfortunately the EOS-09 launch failed. (With 'Tandem experiment' they might mean using one satellite as transmitter and other as receiver.)

• At 2:32:50, Seven more SAR satellites for strategic use are planned under SBS-3 project, currently three such satellites are operational i.e RISAT-2B, RISAT-2BR1, EOS-01 (aka RISAT-2BR2).

• At 2:33:46, Working on compact MicroSat SAR

  • 3m deployable reflector
  • Resolution : 1m to 3m (at 10 km swath), 1m (5km spot)
  • Video SAR Imaging Mode: Utilizing platform agility, extended duration Spotlight can be performed. By generating multiple frames of the SPOT image, unique Video of SAR images can be developed which will allow Moving target identification with both Speed and Direction information.
    • Note: Cartosat-2S series sats carry Event Monitoring Cameras

• At 2:34:20, Working on Very High Resolution SAR (VHR-SAR)

  • Resolution : 15 cm (at 5 km swath)

• At 2:34:40, Working on Multi-static SAR, Tomo SAR, Mirror SAR, GEO SAR concepts

• At 2:39:15, Navigation Doppler Radar (NDR) for Lunar Polar Exploration (LuPEx) mission for 3-axis velocity determination for 10 meter accuracy in landing.

• At 2:40:20, microwave payloads for Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)

  • S band SAR (30m resolution with 30 km swath)
  • Orbital GPR (Depth of penetration: ~1 km, Vertical resolution: 5-15 m)

• Impulse GPR :Precursor to LuPEx GPR

• At 2:43:45, Tera Hz Telescope.

• At 2:45:05, GNSS reflectometry : Demonstrated on EOS-08 (aka Microsat-2C) perhaps SpaDEx-3 will also carry a payload

• At 2:48:00, QuTDS on TDS-01 (planned for Nov/Dec launch) will be tested at GEO altitude.

• At 2:49:50, two LEO based SAQTI satellites SAQTI-1A/SAQTI-1B along GEO based TDS-01 will be used for Opto-Quantum communication demonstration.

• At 2:51:10, ISRO's proposal for 140 sat constellation for LEO (1200 km) based broadband communication.

• At 2:52:56, Proposal of 119 EO satellites between 2025-2040 has been laid out.

I needed couple of high resolution satellite images for couple of sq kilometres in Himachal Pradesh. While researching I found about Bhoonidhi. But when I go to their site, it seems to be down. Does anyone know how one can we buy images from Bhoonidhi? Is it even possible?

I thought during separation it would disconnect from CM like a flap while remaining attached to SM. But here we see it detaches from SM and remains attached to CM and would have to be jettisoned separately before reentry..

I'm joining in December and if anyone is joining around that time. We can connect.

As i am also learning, like i forget things , dont know where to apply that knowledge