Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

ISRO chairman charms kids

Special Correspondent

ALL ENTHUSIASM: ISRO chairman G.Madhavan Nair interacts with children at a summer camp organised by the State Institute of Children's Literature in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. - Photo: C. Ratheesh kumar

Thiruvananthapuram: Does extraterrestrial life exist anywhere in the universe? Why does the Government spend money on space missions when millions of people are struggling for basic needs like food and clothing?

Is India capable of a manned space mission in the near future? What does the first commercial launch of the PSLV rocket mean for India? What are the objectives of the proposed Chandrayan mission to the moon?

These were some of the questions posed by children to ISRO chairman G. Madhavan Nair at an interactive session organised here on Thursday at a summer camp organised by the State Institute of Children's Literature.

Future projects

Hailing the enthusiastic response of the children, Mr. Madhavan Nair answered their questions patiently, taking time to explain the space programme and future projects in detail.

He described the great strides made by the country in harnessing space technology for various uses like resource mapping, tele-medicine and tele-education.

"Today, we have the technological prowess and economic potential to match any other country in the world. Our scientists and researchers have proved that there is nothing beyond our reach," he said.

Mr. Nair reminded the audience that India was poised to make great strides.

"In the next five years, the country will have the largest young population in the world. This immense pool of manpower resources will have to be trained and equipped to handle new challenges. It is up to the youth to maintain their quest for knowledge and use their acquired skills for the development of the nation," he said.

On the Chandrayan mission, he said the programme would seek to place a satellite in orbit around the moon to study the terrain for the presence of water and commercially valuable minerals.

Manned mission

Asked about the possibility of a manned mission to the moon, he replied that India has a long way to go.

"ISRO is studying the feasibility of placing a man in orbit around the earth. Such a mission may cost more than Rs.10,000 crore. We hope to submit the project report in a year".

Before he had finished, another child was ready with the next question on ISRO's plans for the next year, forcing him to take off on another trajectory.

"We will be focussing on launching satellites for earth observation and communication. The development of a cryogenic engine is nearing completion. The GSLV Mark 3, which will be capable of lifting heavy satellites into orbit, is another major project in the pipeline. Besides, these and the Chandrayan mission, we will be concentrating on the development of an air breathing propulsion system and an orbital astronomical laboratory named Astrosat," he said.

Mr. Nair identified information technology and biotechnology as the two most promising sectors for India. The children listened with rapt attention as he went on a trip down memory lane, recalling how he used to ride a bullock cart to Kumarakovil with his grandfather.

He also delved into the realms of science fiction with the observation that the next generation would probably come up with a revolutionary propulsion system that could take mankind to distant galaxies at the speed of light.

Mr. Nair also invited the children to come up with a name for the GSLV Mark 3 rocket.

"Your suggestions will be considered," he promised them. Another child wanted to know whether he was in the race for the President's post.

"I have my hands full right now," he replied quickly with a disarming smile.

Earlier on his arrival at the venue, Mr. Nair was given a hearty welcome by more than a 100 children who are participating in the camp. Institute director Rubin de Cruz and editor Bhagyalakshmi moderated the session.

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