Bangalore:
When S Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, opened the floor for questions on Instagram on Saturday, people wanted to know not only about the next Chandrayaan, asteroid missions and space stations, but also whether ISRO can find water and whether ISRO can teach 10-year olds to build a nanosatellite. But with just an hour set aside for #asksomanathisro, S Somanath could answer only a fraction of the questions asked by aspiring scientists and space enthusiasts. Questions about water on the moon and nanosatellite lessons for 10 year olds will have to wait until the next session.
The session on April 27, between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, was attended by almost 1,500 people.
S Somanath chose questions aimed at encouraging students and enthusiasts to pursue a career in science and technology, and even geology, highlighting that ISRO offers diverse opportunities beyond just astronaut roles.
Responding to the question whether it would be possible for humans to build a fully sustainable space colony, ISRO chief said this is not likely in the near future.
“There are huge technical challenges to create a planet like Earth elsewhere. It also requires huge investments, so I don't see this happening in the near future,” said S Somanath.
S Somanath also talked about how ISRO is actively working on sample return missions, where spacecraft collect samples from celestial bodies (such as the moon or asteroids) and bring them to Earth for analysis.
Replying to a question questioning whether ISRO's tie-up with NASA to jointly build a satellite equipped with advanced features like large reflectors and tall antennas for clear data transmission at $1 billion is expensive, S Somanath said considering what ISRO has in mind refund: the costs are justified.
He also talked about nano-satellites and how it is now possible to make satellites that weigh less than 1 kilogram and that are just as efficient as satellites of 100 kilograms. He also answered questions about exoplanets, space debris and Chandrayaan 4.
Earlier on March 2, S Somanath had interacted via Instagram by answering selected questions from the audience, with a focus on providing insights and guidance. His involvement through Instagram enables direct interaction with space enthusiasts and creates awareness about ISRO's work.
The next Instagram session will be in May, the date and time of which will be announced soon, he said.
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