PRATUSH Leads the Way: Small Device, Big Cosmic Secrets

PRATUSH Leads the Way: Small Device, Big Cosmic Secrets—Listening to the Universe’s First Stars

Recent advances in space technology have ushered in a revolutionary project—PRATUSH, a pioneering radiometer designed to probe the Cosmic Dawn, the epoch when the very first stars and galaxies illuminated the Universe.

About PRATUSH and Its Mission

Developed by the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, PRATUSH stands for Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen. It is a compact digital receiver system based on a single-board computer (SBC) roughly the size of a credit card, specifically engineered to detect faint radio signals emitted by hydrogen atoms during the earliest phase of cosmic history.

Planned to be deployed in lunar orbit, specifically on the Moon’s far side, PRATUSH benefits from the radio-quiet environment free from Earth’s ionospheric distortions and electromagnetic interference, enabling clear detection of the elusive 21-cm hydrogen line signal.

The Cosmic Dawn: Our Universe’s First Light

The Cosmic Dawn marks the time when the first stars ignited, ending the primordial darkness following the Big Bang. This marked a fundamental transformation called “reionisation,” when hydrogen gas was ionized by intense radiation from these stars, ultimately shaping the formation of galaxies and large-scale cosmic structures we observe today.

Detecting signals from this era is tremendously challenging: the faint 21-cm signals are drowned by stronger man-made radio interference on Earth. PRATUSH’s lunar vantage point provides the perfect observational window to unveil these faint cosmic whispers.

Innovative Design and Technical Mastery

The heart of PRATUSH is its master controller SBC, a sophisticated yet lightweight computer akin to a Raspberry Pi. This SBC orchestrates the entire instrument, managing antenna functions, the analog receiver, and a powerful FPGA chip that processes streams of cosmic radio data. It records, stores, and calibrates high-speed data ensuring optimum performance in the harsh conditions of space.

Some key innovations include:

• Minimalist Hardware: Reduced size, mass, and power consumption critical for space payloads
• Ultra-sensitive Radiometry: Laboratory tests demonstrated noise levels as low as a few millikelvins, attesting to its ability to detect the faint Cosmic Dawn signals
• Advanced Software: Next-generation upgrades enhance precision and data integrity for future mission success

Scientific and Global Significance

PRATUSH represents a new generation of low-mass, high-efficiency space science payloads that enable unprecedented insights into the universe’s infancy. By detecting hydrogen radio signals, PRATUSH may uncover how the first stars formed, how cosmic structures evolved, and even open doors to physics beyond current models.

Moreover, PRATUSH exemplifies how India is contributing decisively to global cosmic exploration through cutting-edge technology and innovative design—showcasing how small, smart tech can solve some of the biggest mysteries of our universe.