By 2009, ISRO satellite to beam TV to your mobile

The design of this futuristic concept is nearing completion. “The biggest challenge is the antenna design. Devas needs an antenna with a radius between 5 and 12 m. The design must make it foldable like an umbrella at the time of its launch so that it can be opened once the satellite is in orbit,” said ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair.

It will be a real advantage for mobile users as they won’t have to rely on networks interlinked vide mobile towers—Devas’ antenna will ensure that signals rain across the country. “This elaborate digital envelope will be achieved by placing the satellite in a geo-stationary orbit,” Nair added.

With a view to widen the reach of low-cost telephony in remote areas, ISRO is planning to use a constellation of existing satellites.