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ISRO Chief Somnath: “PM Modi Told me we Must Ensure Human Presence in Space!

“ISRO Chief reveals PM Modi

ISRO chief Somnath, speaking at the International Space Conference 2024 in Gandhinagar, said that the prime minister has been an ardent supporter of space programs ever since he was a CM of this state.

Somanath assured that it is within reach, with plans already in motion. ISRO targets constructing an Indian space station by 2035. The chairman discussed the future roadmap for ISRO

ISRO Chairman S Somanath outlined India’s ambitious vision for its space program at the International Space Conference held in Gandhinagar.

Reflecting on the recent successes and the guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Somanath emphasised the nation’s commitment to establishing a continuous human presence in space.

“The Prime Minister has always been a fervent advocate for our space endeavours,” Somanath stated, recalling Modi’s support dating back to his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

“Following the triumphs of the past six months, he has charted a course for us that extends beyond our current projects. Our goal is not just to execute the Gaganyaan mission but to sustain human activities in space, leading to an Indian astronaut setting foot on the lunar surface by 2040.”

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The timeline may seem distant, but Somanath assured that it is within reach, with plans already in motion to make this dream a reality. He also highlighted the target of constructing an Indian space station by 2035, which would serve as a platform for Indians to conduct research in microgravity conditions.

Somanath’s speech comes on the heels of a series of successful missions and announcements by ISRO, including the launch of the Aditya-L1 spacecraft to study the Sun from the first Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1) and the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) to analyse cosmic X-rays.

Moreover, the chairman discussed the future roadmap for ISRO, which includes the Venus Orbiter Mission, Shukrayaan-1, scheduled for December 2024 or 2025, and the ambitious plan to launch the first module of an Indian space station by 2028.

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The space agency is also preparing for the Gaganyaan mission, with a series of tests planned throughout 2024 to ensure readiness for the targeted 2025 launch.

ISRO’s vision aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive to land an Indian on the moon by 2040, a goal that symbolizes the nation’s aspirations in space science and technology. With a history of cost-effective and successful missions, ISRO continues to play a pivotal role in India’s development, contributing to educational, agricultural, communication, and defence sectors.

This article was orginally published by indiandefensenews.in!

DRDO Counter-Drone System Ready For Production; Private Firms Called In

The counter­drone system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is ready for production and was already demonstrated to armed services and other internal security agencies with some orders already placed. The DRDO is now focusing on high endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) while the capability for smaller drones exists with the industry.

DRDO Counter-Drone System
DRDO carriesout flight trial of AutonomousFlying Wing TechnologyDemonstrator.

“The DRDO is making drone­based systems and anti­drone systems based on the requirements of user agencies. DRDO has developed a comprehensive integrated anti­drone system which comprises detection, identification and neutralisation of a drone…,” the Defence Ministry informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence in a written reply. This was stated in its 42nd report, “A review of working of DRDO”, which was tabled in Parliament recently.

“Three Services have already placed 23 orders on BEL for DRDO ­developed technology. The above technology is suitable for detection, identification, and neutralisation of an intruding drone on our land borders also. The solutions can be customised for different challenges.” The Transfer of Technology (ToT) for above technologies has been handed over to private industries, including BEL, Adani, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Icom, the Ministry said. The technology is capable of countering attacks, soft kill, and hard kill of all types of drones, including micro drones, which is being developed in the DRDO.

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DRDO Counter-Drone System

In Advance Stages

“Anti­drone technology is where the focus should be and in that the DRDO is working very closely with the industry. We are also doing a lot of R&D for doing anti­drone, protection against these types of drones,” a representative of the DRDO said. The DRDO is focusing on highend drones, the panel was informed. In advanced stage In this regard, the DRDO said that Tapas Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV developed for the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) application is in advance stage of developmental trials.
The short­range armed UAV Archer is being developed for reconnaissance, surveillance and low­intensity conflict, and developmental flight trials are under progress. During the briefing, it was submitted before the committee that drone batteries are unavailable in the country to which the Ministry later replied that the older generation of drones was using nickel cadmium and silver­ zinc batteries as a secondary source of power

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