Bengaluru. Indian Space Research Organization Chairman S. Somnath, while interacting with those interested in space through ISRO’s official Instagram page, said that private companies in space technology will definitely help in accelerating research in the field.
Commenting on SpaceX, a private company, reportedly contributing more to space technology than most countries, Somnath on Saturday said there was a need to encourage private companies to make rocket engines and, in the case of SpaceX, send humans to space. America’s tradition of encouraging exploration of ballistic missiles can be replicated by India.
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He said that these companies are playing an important role in advancing technology, reducing costs and making space more accessible. He said that it is possible for private companies in India to develop such capabilities.
Somnath, however, said that this is possible only if the government supports the private entity. Somnath said, ‘For example, some technology owned by NASA has been transferred to SpaceX so that they can develop faster. That’s why SpaceX has made so much progress, it did about 45 launches this year.
He said that two companies are already working in India – Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos. ISRO Chairman said, ‘We are all excited to see India moving forward like this. These companies have already tested launch vehicles. This is an interesting development. Answering a question on Chandrayaan-4, Somnath also shared an update on India’s next moon mission.
According to him, Chandrayaan-4 mission is being developed as a sequel to the Chandrayaan series. He said, ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India intends to land on the moon in 2040. To achieve this goal, continued exploration of the Moon is necessary.
He said, ‘Chandrayaan-4 will be the first step towards this objective. The goal of the mission is to send a spacecraft to the Moon, collect samples and return them to Earth. Ultimately, when India is ready for human space flight, Indian astronauts will be sent to the Moon by Chandrayaan to conduct experiments and return safely.
The conversation lasted for an hour and Somnath took leave with a promise that he would meet again in May. This event is an effort to connect with the young generation.
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Tags: ISRO, space
FIRST PUBLISHED: April 28, 2024, 23:48 IST