The information from space applications developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aids the government in carrying forward its development activities along with preserving natural resources, said Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran. He was speaking after inaugurating a National Workshop on Space Applications for Sustainable Growth and Advancement here on Friday.
“Technology becomes meaningful only when it improves the life of the common man. It is in this context that the role of government agencies becomes significant in utilising the inputs gathered using satellites. Once this information reaches the planning and administrative bodies, it aids in the formulation of various welfare schemes. The efforts in this direction have been initiated at both the State and Central levels,” said the Minister.
He said the information gathered from ISRO and various Geographical Information Systems aids in planning and optimal use of land and water resources.
“Information from satellites can help in determining the most appropriate and efficient routes for power transmission lines, rail lines and gas pipe lines. It can tell us about remote villages that are geographically isolated, in planning projects specifically for them. The Victers channel, run by the Government’s IT@School project, had utilised the material from Edusat,” he said.
K.Sivan, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), said preparations were on for the June launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk-III (GSLV Mk-III) mission. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the workshop. Touted to be the country’s most power rocket till date, its cryogenic upper stage has been integrated and the payload is expected to be placed next week. Mr.Sivan said the Chandrayan II moon mission, which will have a lunar rover and orbiter, will be launched in December.
