In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...
IRIS Chip: A Breakthrough in Indigenous Aerospace Semiconductor Technology
The Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications (IRIS) is a revolutionary semiconductor chip jointly developed by IIT Madras and ISRO. This chip is based on the SHAKTI processor family, leveraging open-source RISC-V architecture to meet India's aerospace and defense needs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the development, significance, and impact of the IRIS chip.
What is the IRIS Chip?
- IRIS stands for Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications.
- It is an aerospace-grade microprocessor designed specifically for use in space missions.
- Developed by IIT Madras in collaboration with ISRO to reduce dependency on foreign semiconductor technologies.
- Successfully booted and tested for reliability in extreme conditions required for space applications.
What is SHAKTI Processor?
- SHAKTI is a class of RISC-V (Reduced Instruction Set Computer - Five) based processors designed in India.
- It is an open-source Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) that enables the creation of customized processors.
- The SHAKTI project is backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Digital India RISC-V initiative (DIRV).
- It is aimed at promoting self-reliance in semiconductor technology and reducing dependence on foreign chip manufacturers.
Importance of RISC-V Architecture
- RISC-V is an open-source ISA, unlike proprietary architectures like Intel's x86 or ARM.
- It allows countries and organizations to develop custom processors without licensing fees.
- Provides greater flexibility, security, and control over semiconductor design.
- Enables efficient and low-power computing, which is crucial for space and defense applications.
Key Features of the IRIS Chip
✔ Indigenous Design: Developed entirely in India, reducing reliance on foreign semiconductor imports.
✔ Aerospace-Grade Reliability: Designed to withstand radiation, extreme temperatures, and high-speed computing required for space missions.
✔ Customizable: Built on RISC-V architecture, allowing flexibility for various space and defense applications.
✔ Energy Efficient: Optimized for low power consumption, essential for satellite and space-based systems.
✔ High Security: Enhanced security features for protecting sensitive space mission data.
Impact on Indian Space and Semiconductor Industry
Strategic Independence: Reduces India's dependence on foreign-made semiconductor chips.
Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat: Aligns with India's vision of becoming self-reliant in semiconductor technology.
Applications in Space Missions: Can be used in satellites, onboard spacecraft, navigation systems, and defense applications.
Encouraging R&D in Semiconductors: Opens opportunities for further research in high-performance computing and AI-driven chips.
Future Prospects
Integration into ISRO’s space missions for navigation, communication, and satellite systems.
Development of more advanced RISC-V-based processors for commercial and military applications.
Expansion of India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem under initiatives like DIR-V.
Conclusion
The IRIS chip is a game-changer in India's semiconductor and space technology landscape. With the successful booting of this SHAKTI-based RISC-V processor, India is one step closer to achieving self-sufficiency in aerospace-grade microprocessors. This milestone strengthens India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision and sets the foundation for future indigenous semiconductor advancements in space and defense applications.