ISRO to expand EDUSAT capacity

With an aim of broadening its reach in the field of education,the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to expand the capacity of its EDUSAT programme by introducing more transponders in the system in the coming months. The programme is satellite-based,which helps to create interactive classrooms,said Dr BN Suresh,senior advisor,Human Space Programme,ISRO. Suresh was in the city for the valedictory function of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology’s (DIAT) Post Induction Training School (POINTS) 16.

Addressing the media,Suresh said,“There is going to be a huge demand for qualified professionals in 40-50 years. We had launched a programme —EDUSAT— a few years back and it has received a good response. This programme was launched by the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F01),which helps in creating interactive classrooms. ISRO is making an effort to increase the capacity of the transponders through which more and more people can use the programme.”

When asked about the failure of the GSLV system,Suresh said,“There have been a recent spate of failures in the GSLV system. We are closely looking into the matter and trying to figure out the reasons.”

The government has also given a go-ahead to ISRO for searching a new launch pad since the existing launch pad has been facing problems in launching remote sensing satellites. However,Suresh refused to give further information on the same. “We got the go-ahead from the government just yesterday and it is too early to comment,” he said.

DIAT vice-chancellor Dr Prahlada said,“Over the years,we have had more than 400 industry partners. There are many technologies in the private sector that can be used by us in the defence sector. We are looking for more public-private partnerships,which can help us use these technologies for security purposes.”