A pocket-sized computer could soon help answer one of astronomy’s biggest mysteries: when did the first stars flicker to life? Researchers in Bengaluru think they’re close.
A Tiny Device for a Giant Question
At the Raman Research Institute (RRI), scientists have developed PRATUSH, a space payload powered by a single-board computer no larger than a credit card.
The aim? To capture the faintest of radio signals—whispers from hydrogen atoms—that hold evidence of the “Cosmic Dawn,” the period when the very first stars and galaxies emerged.
It’s an audacious effort. And remarkably, the heart of it all is something not much bigger than a wallet card.
Why the Far Side of the Moon Matters
The problem with detecting signals from the early universe is Earth itself. Our planet is buzzing with radio chatter—from FM broadcasts to mobile towers—that drowns out these faint cosmic traces.
That’s why PRATUSH is being built with an eye on the far side of the Moon. It’s the quietest place in the inner Solar System, a natural radio shelter.
One scientist likened it to “trying to hear a whisper in a crowded marketplace. Move away from the noise, and suddenly the whisper becomes clear.”
How PRATUSH Works
The setup is deceptively simple. The single-board computer acts as the brains of the system, coordinating between an antenna, a sensitive receiver, and a chip called a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
Each piece plays its part. The antenna catches the signals. The receiver strengthens them. The FPGA processes huge streams of cosmic data in real-time.
The single-board computer then manages, calibrates, and stores the information. In essence, it keeps the orchestra in tune, all while consuming very little power and space.
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Compact design makes it lighter for launch.
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Low energy needs make it more reliable in space.
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Modular parts mean future upgrades are easier.
In tests at RRI, the system collected 352 hours of data. Engineers say the noise dropped to impressively low levels, hinting that it might really be sensitive enough to hear those ancient hydrogen signals.
Why Hydrogen Is the Key
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and during the Cosmic Dawn, it played a starring role. When the first stars formed, their light began ionizing the surrounding hydrogen gas.
By detecting faint radio emissions from hydrogen, astronomers can time-stamp when this transformation began. That’s crucial for piecing together how the early universe grew from darkness into light.
Think of hydrogen’s signal as the universe’s very first diary entry—faint, smudged, but still readable if you know how to look.
India’s Role in Cosmic Discovery
For India, PRATUSH is more than a science project. It’s a statement that homegrown innovation can tackle the universe’s toughest questions.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is backing the project, and if the Moon mission goes forward, it would place Indian scientists at the front line of Cosmic Dawn research.
This is not the country’s first foray into space science breakthroughs. From Chandrayaan’s Moon mapping to the Aditya-L1 solar observatory, India has steadily grown its scientific footprint. PRATUSH continues that thread, but with a twist: it shows how small, affordable tools can punch well above their weight.
What’s Next for PRATUSH
For now, researchers are working with commercial off-the-shelf components like Raspberry Pi boards. But future versions will need to be space-hardened to survive radiation, extreme temperatures, and long missions.
There’s cautious optimism. A space-qualified version could eventually hitch a ride on an international lunar mission, setting up shop on the far side and listening patiently to the echoes of the first stars.
A small table puts PRATUSH in context with other cosmic explorers:
| Project | Core Technology | Goal | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRATUSH (India) | SBC + FPGA | Detect Cosmic Dawn hydrogen signals | Far side of Moon |
| EDGES (Australia) | Ground radio antenna | Early universe hydrogen | Western Australia desert |
| LOFAR (Europe) | Radio telescope array | Cosmic Dawn studies | Netherlands & Europe |
The differences show why the Moon offers a unique edge. Earth-based instruments face interference, but on the lunar far side, PRATUSH could enjoy a silence unmatched anywhere nearby.
A Whisper That Could Rewrite Physics
What excites scientists isn’t just the possibility of detecting the first stars. It’s also the chance that hydrogen signals could hint at unknown physics—something beyond our current models.
A tiny credit-card computer may sound modest, but if it works, it could push open a door to the earliest chapter of cosmic history.
And sometimes, as RRI’s team suggests, it’s the smallest instruments that end up asking the biggest questions.
