- India has reached the elite league of space exploring nations, thanks to Vikram Sarabhai’s vision
- Space technology is immensely helping diverse economic sectors and development activities
- ISRO and Department of Space are expanding scope of space technology and programe
When you look at the interminable sky, it might appear to be loaded with infinite possibilities, but ever thought, who actually shaped these possibilities into a reality? Well, most of us are familiar with ISRO yet very few know the mastermind behind it.
Visionary Vikram Sarabhai
Vikram Sarabhai, one of the greatest physicists and astronomers, founded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was one of the significant figures too behind the successful launch of India's first satellite Aryabhata. Commonly known as the Father of Indian Space Programme, he presided over numerous recognized positions, whether it is the Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission or the President of the Physics section of ISC, and was glorified with Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan in the field of Science in 1966 and 1972 respectively. The contribution of this luminary personality in space research has revolutionized the entire approach of how one looks at the sky.
On the occasion of Sarabhai's 101st birth anniversary on 12th August, Union Minister of State, Development of North Eastern Region, MoS, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh praised ISRO for no longer confining itself to the launching of satellites, and instead constantly expanding its role in development activities which is further adding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mission of ‘Transforming India’.
Expanding Frontiers of Space Technology
“Space technology is now being used in diverse sectors including Agriculture, Railways, Roads and Bridges, Medical Management/Telemedicine, Procurement of Timely Utilization Certificates, Disaster Forecast and Management, Weather/Rain/Flood Forecast, etc,” says the Minister recalling the four years of extensive brain-storming exercise, on the intervention of Prime Minister, where delegates from diverse departments including the scientists of ISRO and ministers engaged in a discussion to figure out how space tech could be best utilised as a high-end medium for upgrading, enhancing and accelerating infrastructural developments.
He informed about the comparative enhancement in the crop condition and multiplied productivity in the agriculture sector in July 2020, in contrast with the same month last year, due to the substantial usage of data from Remote Sensing satellites. According to Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI- an approved indicator for vegetable/crops health or vigour), yield conditions this year is superior to that of the previous year, says Dr Singh.
In the agricultural sector, ISRO’s technology is currently used to carry out crop production forecast for the major harvests including wheat, Kharif and Rabi rice, mustard, cotton etc. For the Railways, it is used in guarding the unmanned railway crossing, perceiving obstructive items on rail tracks to fend off train mishaps. In fact, satellites nowadays are widely used to monitor the Indian borders to keep a check on infiltration.
“ISRO and the Department of Space have already overtaken several other countries in their Space Missions and the images procured by missions like Mars Orbiter Mission etc are now being used even by the premier space centres,” says Singh. He added that India is developing as a frontline nation in the space science and technology in the world this is a win for Sarabhai's mission.
