The GSLV (Geo-Synchronous Launch Vehicle)-Mk (Mark)-III that is to be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for experimental purposes next year is designed to place a communication satellite in orbit, according to K. Narayana, honorary adviser and former director of the Sathish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC), ISRO, SHAR (Sriharikotta).
Inaugurating ObCom 2011, the 3-day 4th International Conference on Recent Trends in Computing, Communication and Information Technologies organised by the VIT University here on Friday, Dr. Narayana said that the communication satellites have revolutionised the communication system. Megatropiques satellite was launched by ISRO recently to measure the weather in tropics. This satellite is expected to help in tropical meteorology. The ISRO has developed a launch base of international standards.
He said that the ISRO's maiden attempt at evolving software standards commenced in 1984 with the Software Quality Assurance Group (SDAQ) activities. Later, it standardised the guidelines for development of real-time software. A full-fledged standard was adopted in 1992 and released for implementation in all ISRO centres. It adopted the IEEE 12207 standard for ISRO software development at all centres and released the same in 2006. Dr. Narayana said that the future possibilities in ISRO include Internet access to space, space-specific protocols, interplanetary missions, space tourism and space hotels. Sankar Viswanathan, Vice-President (Administration), VIT said that 477 million people were using the Internet in China, as against 100 million in India, 98 million in Japan, 27.9 million in Vietnam and 27.4 million in Pakistan. M. Khalid, Senior Professor, School of Computing Sciences and Engineering (SCSE) said that SCSE in VIT has set up the facilities for designing various computer-based equipment including hand-held devices. China is marching ahead of India in designing computing systems.
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