News Desk
In a push toward self-reliance in space technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have developed an indigenous microprocessor, SHAKTI, designed for critical space applications.
The chip, built on the open-source RISC-V architecture, is intended to replace foreign-made components in Indian space missions. The effort is backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Digital India RISC-V initiative, which seeks to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
SHAKTI is being developed at the Prathap Subrahmanyam Centre for Digital Intelligence and Secure Hardware Architecture (PSCDISHA) under the leadership of IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti. According to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, the processor will serve as a high-performance controller for various space systems, playing a key role in command and control operations.
The chip has been entirely fabricated and tested in India, a milestone for the country’s semiconductor ambitions. A flight test is planned to assess its performance in real-world conditions, a crucial step before it can be integrated into future ISRO missions.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader strategy of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), reducing dependence on foreign technology and enhancing national security in aerospace innovation.
