Lack of funding delayed adoption of modern space technologies: Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan
Chennai (PTI): Lack of adequate funding delayed the adoption of modern technologies in the space sector, former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan said on Friday.
Speaking at the National Innovation Day celebrations at Rajalakshmi Engineering College near Chennai, Narayanan said that whenever substantial funds were required to adopt new technologies, they were not made available immediately as there were other pressing priorities demanding attention and resources.
Responding to questions from the audience about advancements in liquid and solid propulsion systems, he said, “Everything starts with the point of need and requirements. We could have completed and mastered liquid propulsion in three years, but we ended up taking nearly two decades because of a lack of funding.”
“Whenever there is a need for substantial funds to adopt the latest technologies, they are not immediately available, as there are more pressing problems that require attention and funding,” he was quoted as saying in a press release.
Reflecting on his journey in rocket technology, Narayanan said many young engineers today are eager to work in this field. “If future engineers are to make the country powerful, they must make meaningful contributions — be it in liquid propulsion or cryogenics — and compete with the best minds in the international community,” he said.
He added that if India’s youth are to make the country “proud” and “successful,” they must aim to compete at the global level.
Narayanan emphasised the need for a “high-energy propulsion system” to drive India’s future space programmes, especially interplanetary missions.
“Whether it is liquid, solid, cryogenic or semi-cryogenic propulsion depends on the requirements. Now, we are talking about interplanetary travel, and there are several developments taking place,” he said.
Later, Narayanan presented certificates to the winners of Dreamovation 2025 – Business Pitching Event, organised by the college to encourage budding engineers to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to building a sustainable future.
Students from various disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics, biotechnology, and computer science, participated in the event and showcased their entrepreneurial ideas. College Vice-Chairman Abhay Meghanathan and Principal S N Murugesan were also present.
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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