Shillong, Oct 22: Dr Murchana Khusroo, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), has been awarded a prestigious research project by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under its Regional Academic Centre for Space (RAC-S) programme.
A native of Danish Nagar, Jorhat in Assam, Dr Khusroo’s granted project titled “Multi-Spacecraft Investigation of Solar Wind Dynamics Through Solitary Wave Analysis: Insights from Aditya-L1 Mission” is the first from the North East to utilise scientific data from ASPEX (Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment) and MAG (Magnetometer) payloads of India’s maiden solar mission, Aditya-L1, said a press statement released by USTM.
Dr Khusroo will serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) in collaboration with Physical Research Laboratory and ISRO in this project. The research aims to investigate solar wind dynamics in the inner heliosphere, focusing on nonlinear plasma structures such as solitary waves, and to enhance understanding of solar wind turbulence and space weather phenomena. This aligns closely with the core scientific objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission.
Expressing her gratitude, Dr Khusroo said, “It is an incredible opportunity to contribute to India’s solar mission and to represent the scientific potential of the North East on a national platform.”
Congratulating her on this achievement, USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque stated, “Dr Murchana’s success is a matter of great pride for USTM and the entire region. It reflects our commitment to fostering research and innovation that contributes to India’s scientific and technological advancement.”
This landmark recognition not only underscores USTM’s growing role in space research but also marks a significant milestone for the Northeast scientific community, showcasing the region’s rising participation in India’s expanding space science ecosystem, said the statement.
