Exclusive Interview: Dr. K Sivan on ISRO's plan for this decade

In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr K Sivan talks about ISRO's plans for the new decade and for this year in specific. He also speaks about Chandrayaan-3 mission and on mission updates of Gaganyaan.

Bengaluru:As Prime Minister Narendra Modi government introduced space reform in 2020, attracting private partnership in space research and technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation has entered the decade with renewed vigour and mission. Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation, K Sivan in conversation with ETV Bharat shared what India's technological think-tank has in store for the decade.

Indigenisation and self-sufficiency would set the pulse of upcoming projects and schemes, he pointed out. Primarily, priority would be given to implement the schemes put forth by the Central Government. Even though it would be a herculean task, it would enable in unleashing India's potential, he said. Ongoing projects including Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-3 would also be focussed. We are also thinking about quantum communication satellite, hypersonic propulsion.

Immediately, space exploration with Aditya-L1 would be launched. Project to send spacecraft to Venus is ongoing along with collaborative work on the mission to Moon.

"I was really surprised by the news of space reform. I never expected it," he said. While mentioning about the proposals ISRO received, he said that several MSMEs, startups, academic ventures have startled him. The reform would unearth the latent potential of the country, he added. "I am expecting several ISROs to spurt in the country."

Several private enterprises like Amazon web service, One Web of Bharati Airtel expressed interest in space project. Amazon has sought landing right and they wanted to establish ground station, get involved in user terminal and communication services.

Young minds have brainstormed and have come up with innovative breakthrough ideas, he told. The young generation of the country has the potential to make India a technological powerhouse. In my expectation, the whole world would be wooed by the technological innovations India would provide, he said.