Eminent scientists, including former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) K. Radhakrishnan, were accorded reception at a function organised by the district administration here on Saturday.
Besides Dr. Radhakrishnan, those who were felicitated on the occasion included Tessy Thomas, Project Director (Mission) of the Agni-V Missile project; P. Kunhikrishnan, Project Director of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV); S. Somanath, Project Director of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mk III (GSLV Mk III); B. Jayakumar, Vehicle Director, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM); and R. Hutton, Associate Vehicle Director, MOM.
Inaugurating the function, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala expressed hope that the significant achievements of the scientists in their various fields of expertise would inspire the younger generations in developing scientific temper. “They have proved to the nation that the challenges we faced could be translated into opportunities towards uncharted territories. The unparalleled success of Mangalyaan has given us reasons to believe that the day when people inhabit other planets is not very distant,” he said.
Overcoming challenges
Earlier, interacting with selected school students, Dr. Radhakrishnan said greater focus was ensured towards attaining the goals of the MOM than on the expenditure of the project. “While certain other countries had failed in undertaking similar missions, the ISRO devised our solutions for overcoming the challenges. Contingency procedures were in place at every step to ensure that the mission remained on track,” he said.
According to him, several apprehensions had been raised regarding the necessity of the Mars Mission prior to its launch in 2011. “Such concerns were justified considering that the project involved a huge amount of the taxpayers’ money. We were able to convince the stakeholders on its immense possibilities and the resulting technology spinoff to multiple avenues. The mission will remain an achievement of immense pride for all Indians.”
The event was organised as the curtain raiser to the 27{+t}{+h}Kerala Science Congress that will be held here from January 27 to 30.
