More IITians should join India’s space programme: ISRO chairman

Speaking how ISRO plans to launch Indian Space Station by 2035, beginning with phase one in 2028 and ultimately landing humans on moon by 2040 with Gaganyaan, Somanath expressed requirements of research collaborations. “We will look for possible research opportunities with various institutions in India, in areas like material science, robotics among all.

“I will request IIT Bombay to join with their expertise in robotic activity for in-orbit services,” he said. Somanath spoke how ISRO is working towards creating intelligent satellites which will be capable of self-diagnosis and correction. This will include in-orbit servicing, repair, refuelling of satellites robotic arm, AI camera, control software, deployable antenna etc.

In a question-answer session post his talk, Somanath, while responding to a question related to most IITians aspiring for lucrative jobs, with preference for international offers, said, “Nothing wrong in aspiring higher. But some of you should join ISRO, willing to work on government salary.”

Sharing that Chandrayaan 3 has given a lot of confidence to the entire team to work on other space programmes, Somanath spoke how ISRO is planning to launch 50 satellites in the next five years. Apart from satellite for geo-intelligence, ISRO is also working for satellite for agriculture, satellite mission for environment and climate observation. “G20 satellite for climate and weather, to be launched within two years, will be India’s contribution to the world. We are asking G20 nations to contribute to this satellite through payloads and instruments,” said Somanath.

Among other future plans, Somanath also spoke about need of a new launch pad. “With bigger rockets, we will require bigger launch pads. The current Sriharikota will not be enough,” he said. Box