Demystifying Telemetry: How It Powers Moon Missions like Chandrayaan-3
Published: 2023-08-30 14:29:16

_Telemetry is the process of collecting, transmitting, and receiving data from remote or distant objects, often for monitoring and analysis purposes_. In the context of a Moon mission like **[Chandrayaan-3](https://www.isro.gov.in/Chandrayaan3_Details.html)**, telemetry plays a crucial role in gathering information about the spacecraft's status, its environment, and the data it collects during its mission. [Azure Data Explorer](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/intro-to-azure-data-explorer/) can be used to manage and analyze this telemetry data efficiently. Let's break this down with an example:

**Chandrayaan-3 Telemetry Example**:

Chandrayaan-3 is a lunar mission designed to study the Moon's surface and environment. It's equipped with various sensors and instruments to collect data. Here's how telemetry and Azure Data Explorer can be applied:

**1. Data Collection**: Chandrayaan-3 is equipped with sensors to collect data about the Moon's surface, including images, temperature readings, and geological data. These sensors continuously gather information as the spacecraft orbits the Moon or lands on its surface.

**2. Telemetry Data**: While collecting this data, the spacecraft generates a continuous stream of telemetry data. Telemetry data includes information about the spacecraft's health and status, such as its position, altitude, power levels, and the condition of its instruments.

**3. Data Transmission**: Chandrayaan-3's onboard computers process both scientific data (from the Moon's surface) and telemetry data (about the spacecraft itself). Telemetry data is sent back to Earth in real-time or near-real-time to ensure mission control can monitor the spacecraft's health and performance.

**4. Azure Data Explorer Integration**: Telemetry data is transmitted to ground stations on Earth. These ground stations receive the data and store it in Azure Data Explorer, which is a powerful data exploration and analytics service offered by Microsoft Azure.

**5. Data Analysis**: Azure Data Explorer allows mission control scientists and engineers to query, visualize, and analyze the telemetry data in real-time. They can create custom queries to monitor the spacecraft's systems, assess its health, and respond to any anomalies or issues that may arise during the mission.

For example, if Chandrayaan-3 were to experience a sudden increase in temperature or a deviation from its planned trajectory, Azure Data Explorer could quickly process and display this telemetry data. Engineers could then investigate the issue, make real-time decisions, and potentially adjust the spacecraft's operations to ensure the mission's success.

**6. Alerts and Automation**: Azure Data Explorer can also be configured to trigger alerts based on predefined thresholds or conditions in the telemetry data. For instance, if the spacecraft's power levels drop below a safe limit, an automated alert can be sent to mission control for immediate action.

**7. Historical Data Analysis**: Azure Data Explorer also allows for historical analysis. Data collected during previous orbits or lunar landings can be stored and analyzed to identify trends, make mission improvements, and gain insights into the Moon's environment over time.

If you want to explore the ADX more, try this: 

- ADX in a Day : https://github.com/Azure/ADX-in-a-Day/

- Introduction to KQL: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-explorer/kusto/query/

- Kusto Explorer: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-explorer/kusto/tools/kusto-explorer

In summary, telemetry data from a Moon mission like Chandrayaan-3 is crucial for monitoring the spacecraft's health and performance. Azure Data Explorer provides the tools to efficiently collect, store, analyze, and visualize this data in real-time, enabling mission control to make informed decisions and ensure the success of the lunar mission.
Want to explore Chandrayan - 3, [click here](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=CHANDRYN3)