Development of reusable rocket needs a thrust: Ex-ISRO Chairman Madhavan Nair
Bengaluru, Mar 21: India needs to strive towards mastering reusable rocket technology, give thrust to global marketing and learn from SpaceX founder Elon Musk's business model to tap full potential in the space field, eminent space scientist G Madhavan Nair has advocated.
The former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said there is a vast scope to launch foreign satellites and also provide space-related services in the global market.
"We (India) have basic technology, capability to launch earth observation and communication platforms. But we have missed the opportunity in global marketing," Nair told PTI.
India offers satellite launch services at 30 to 40 per cent lower costs compared to international prices, according to him.
"Naturally, there is a good potential for capturing more and more of launches from countries which have no such capability", he said.
"So, there one has to go aggressively and get that market share".
He said Musk has revolutionised space technology by going in for reusable launch vehicle system.
"In fact, India has been talking about it (reusable launch vehicle) for the last 15-20 years, but we have not made headway into it", Nair said.
"Unless we go for recoverable and reusable launch systems, we cannot reduce the (space transportation) cost.
That's one area which needs a thrust".
India cannot be complacent in the field of space, where technology is changing very fast -- in earth observation and communication systems and launch services, he said.
Lot of innovations and concepts are emerging and India needs to keep abreast of them.
"If we don't use these opportunities, we will lag behind.
Living on past glory is not going to help us".
Communication areas such as higher band and digital connectivity needs lot of technology development in which India is somehow not able to pump in resources, he said.
Nair praised Musk for his leadership, vision and innovative management techniques and said India can learn from his business strategy.
He said Musk's life-story reminds him about his early professional days when Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of the Indian space programme, used to dream big and motivate youngsters to put in extra efforts to reach the goal.
"But today that type of scenario is not there and more of a bureaucratic control is coming in", Nair said.
On reforms in the space sector initiated by the Government in June last year, he expressed the view it's no more than reconfiguring of ISRO structure.
"Somehow, people get carried away by so-called commercialisation, forgetting the Research and Development part of it", Nair added.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
