ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath on Space Awareness
Dr. S. Somanath, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), emphasized the importance of understanding space activities during his address at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024. He highlighted the growing number of objects in space, which now includes numerous satellites for communication, earth observation, and navigation.
Advancements in Space Technology
Dr. Somanath noted that the technology in space is rapidly evolving, with improvements in resolution and spectral qualities. He mentioned that the moon and Mars are becoming crowded due to frequent human missions.
Changes in Communication Technology
He discussed the significant changes in communication technology and the need for adaptable satellites. Dr. Somanath explained that while 95% of rocket components are made in India, 5% are imported, mainly electronic parts. For spacecraft, 60% of components are made in India, with a 40% dependency on imported electronics.
Doubts Revealed
ISRO -: ISRO stands for the Indian Space Research Organisation. It is India’s space agency responsible for space research and exploration.
Dr. S. Somanath -: Dr. S. Somanath is the Chairman of ISRO. He is a scientist who leads the organization in its space missions and research.
Space Situational Awareness -: Space Situational Awareness means knowing what is happening in space, like tracking satellites and space debris, to avoid collisions and ensure safe space operations.
Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 -: The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 is a conference where experts discuss topics related to defense and space technology. It is named after Chanakya, an ancient Indian teacher and philosopher.
Satellite Launches -: Satellite launches are when rockets send satellites into space. These satellites can be used for communication, weather monitoring, and scientific research.
Resolution and Spectral Qualities -: Resolution refers to the clarity of images taken by satellites, and spectral qualities relate to the different types of light or energy they can detect. Better resolution and spectral qualities mean more detailed and useful information from space.
Communication Technology -: Communication technology involves the tools and systems used to send and receive information, like phones and the internet. In space, it helps satellites communicate with Earth.
Adaptable Satellites -: Adaptable satellites are those that can change or adjust their functions based on different needs or situations, making them more useful for various tasks.
Rocket Components -: Rocket components are the parts that make up a rocket, like engines and fuel tanks. These are mostly made in India for ISRO’s rockets.
Imported Electronics -: Imported electronics are electronic parts that are brought from other countries. ISRO uses some of these for building spacecraft, as they might not be available in India.
