Kochi: : Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr K Sivan urged students to overcome their failures and face the challenges to be successful in life. Pointing out that ISRO has always had its share of challenges, Dr Sivan said the organisation has grown by overcoming them.
The ISRO chairman interacted with students during the session, 'Samvad with students', at the Manorama-IBS Yuva Mastermind season 9 grand finale at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthra, here on Sunday.
Excerpts:
Doesn’t ISRO give prominence to women?
There is no gender discrimination in ISRO. We hire people, not men or women. That’s why we describe Gaganyaan as ‘humans in space’ programme. The project director of our proud mission Chandrayaan-2 is a woman.
What are ISRO challenges today?
ISRO has always had its share of challenges. It has grown by overcoming these challenges. The current one is about putting people in space. Creating a life-supporting environment up there is a big task.
Does our educational system have major flaws?
The system has to be more practical.
What are the qualifications for joining Gaganyaan?
One has to be fit, both mentally and physically.
Why is solar exploration important?
The Sun we don’t know is vaster than the Sun we know. A branch of science known as Heliophysics is entirely dedicated to the study of Sun. ISRO’s ‘Aditya’ mission centres around the Sun.
There is much talk about Helium-3 Isotope. Can you explain why?
Helium-3 is a highly useful isotope for atomic energy. Most atomic reactors around the world use nuclear fission to generate power. But Helium-3 can be used for nuclear fusion. Though rare on Earth, it is abundant on Moon. Many nations launch space programmes targeting this possibility.
Space debris too is making news these days.
That’s right. Space debris is a concern. There are about 23,000 pieces of it in our orbit today. They pose a big threat to satellites.
How should we handle failures in life?
Failures are huge opportunities. They provide us with experiences that help us strive for success. Those who don’t fail won’t win.
India is a poor economy. Should we then have expensive missions like Gaganyaan?
The state of economy shouldn’t hinder progress. We were far weaker when Vikram Sarabhai envisioned ISRO and started working for it. That is how we have these communication technologies today. And it is untrue that India is a poor economy. In fact, it is the sixth largest in the world.
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