India planning to launch 103 Satellites next month: Madhavan Nair

TIL Desk/National/Hyderabad/ Eminent space scientist G Madhavan Nair indicated that India planning to launch 103 satellites in a single mission next month is no big deal as the country has already proved such capability, and advocated the need for ISRO to focus on reviving human spaceflight venture and other technology development. “Multiple launches we have proven (our capability) years back. So, there is nothing new in that. Within the 1500 kg capacity, you can carry as many satellites as possible,” the former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation told.

“Today, many of the student projects have come to micro and nano satellites weighing even a fraction of a kilogram. So, it (next month’s PSLV mission with 103 satellites on board) cannot be talked about as a big milestone,” he said. During Nair’s six-year tenure as Chairman, ISRO and Secretary in the Department of Space, 25 successful missions were accomplished, according to information on ISRO website.

“But at the same time, in last five years, what are the new programmes that ISRO has launched it’s zero,” Nair said. Pointing out that India today is reaping the benefits of what it had invested in the space field in the past, he said, “It’s like a big flywheel, it’s running down. If you don’t give occasional kick, the so-called technology advantage and leadership ISRO has enjoyed, will slowly come down. It will also become like any other routine department.”