Moon mission 'Chandrayaan-2', a calculated risk: ISRO Chairman Sivan
What's the story
Though Chandrayaan-2, ISRO's moon mission, is a "calculated risk" undertaken despite knowing that 50% of such launches have failed, it'll land at a spot where no country has gone before, said K Sivan, ISRO Chairman.
He said such risks should be taken as that "along with innovation is absolutely essential if we want to be a major player in space industry," he said yesterday.
Challenging missions
India's 'extremely challenging' missions: Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter
Sivan informed the landing site at the moon is above 70-degree latitude, "where no one else has gone before".
He said India hasn't only developed launch vehicles and satellites but has also undertaken extremely challenging and inspiring missions like Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission, and Astrosat.
Sivan was speaking at ninth Convocation of GITAM Deemed to be University at Rudraram, 53km from Hyderabad.
SSLV
India's first SSLV's demonstration flight to be ready by mid-2019
Sivan also threw light on India's first demonstration flight of SSLV, which is expected by mid-2019.
Notably, SSLV is the world's cheapest launch vehicle with the least turnaround time and requires just six people and a laptop for its assembling and launch.
Sivan said it's been ensured that the vehicle gets assembled in around 72 hours rather than the usual 70 days.
Broadband speed
High throughput satellites will help bridge the digital divide: Sivan
The ISRO Chairman said India today has the world's second largest Internet user base but the current broadband speed ranks the nation at 76 in the world.
"With high throughput satellites GSAT-11, GSAT-29, and GSAT-20 set to be launched before the end of 2019, the country can enjoy more than 100 Gbps high bandwidth connectivity, which will help bridge the digital divide," he said.
Help
Center's aid: Rs. 10,900cr for 30 PSLVs, GSLV Mk-III launches
Talking of government aid, Sivan said Center has approved Rs. 10,900 crore for 30 PSLVs and 10 GSLV Mk-III launches in the next four years, in addition to more than 50 spacecraft.
He added that ISRO would also like to engage with start-ups and that ISRO has established a capacity building program office to widen the participation of academia and industry in space sector.