Hanle village and Indian Astronomical Observatory

Internet at 4,500 Meters: Revolutionizing life in a village and Indian space sciences
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The Challenge

Enabling last-mile internet connectivity for India’s highest space observatory, in Ladakh.

Project

Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle

Duration

2024 – Present

Members

Volunteers from Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Hanle Village, Hybrid Internet and Muft Internet Community

Life without Internet

Hanle observatory scientists and village residents struggled with limited communication and access to essential digital resources. Scientists faced challenges in data transfer and remote collaborations. Local families had no exposure to online education or modern communication tools, leaving the community disconnected from opportunities for development.

Our Association

The Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle partnered with us to overcome its connectivity challenges. We implemented a tailored solution to enable seamless Internet access for them 4500m above mean sea level. This initiative also brought significant benefits to the Hanle community, providing access to education, communication, and new opportunities, bridging isolation through innovation.

Connectivity Roadblocks

Electricity

Lack of stable grid resulting in, extra steps for a solar + battery deployed networks.

Poor road access

Limited road infrastructure adds significant delays and logistical hurdles

Extreme Weather

Mountainous terrains with extreme weather conditions affects hardware.

Personnel

Difficult to find skilled personnel to troubleshoot and manage the network.

Affordability

Low budgets for the project development and sustained network maintenance.

Hardware Availability

It takes weeks to source equipment from the cities when things break down.

Overcoming challenges

Our approach to enabling and sustaining Internet access at the Hanle

Need Analysis

Our team engaged with scientists and the local community to understand their needs: seamless data transfer for observatory operations, access to online learning for families, and improved communication infrastructure for defense personnel.

Site survey

We assessed the valley’s technical constraints, including terrain, weather conditions, and power limitations, identifying optimal locations for network setup.

Network Planning

We devised a tailored solution with wireless links to the nearest base station, resilient hardware for extreme weather, and energy-efficient systems powered by solar with diesel generator backups.

Implementation

With equipment transported through challenging routes, the team installed antennas, routers, and power systems. Local volunteers and defense personnel were trained in setup and basic maintenance, fostering community involvement and ownership.

Training and Handover

Comprehensive training enabled the observatory staff and community members to manage and troubleshoot the network effectively, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Monitor and Support

Comprehensive training enabled the observatory staff and community members to manage and troubleshoot the network effectively, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Sustaining Connectivity

Comprehensive training enabled the observatory staff and community members to manage and troubleshoot the network effectively, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Outcomes

After bringing Internet access to Hanle Space Observatory

Enhanced Learning

Schools in Hanle now have access to online educational resources, creating opportunities for growth and development.

Improved Research

The observatory can now collaborate with global scientists in real-time and share data seamlessly, accelerating discovery.

Improved Access

The local community can access tele-health, communication and  explore opportunities previously out of reach.

Future Plans

After bringing Internet access to Hanle Space Observatory

Expansion

Expand network coverage to neighboring villages in the Ladakh region.

Advanced Training

Provide training for advanced training skills to troubleshoot major issues.

Empowerment

Collaborate with local schools around Hanle to bring access.