A Minor Deviation Leads to Catastrophic Failure: Space Scientist

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Entrepreneurs who want to work in the space sector should have a clear objective, and have total knowledge of the entire gamut of activities and economic viability, said an acclaimed space scientist at the Edge 2020, the Space Technology Conclave organised by Space Park under KSITIL, here.

“Even a minor deviation in quality can lead to a catastrophic failure. One must invest on a thorough design, testing of sub systems and integration before committing the launch of a space resource,” Dr Ramakrishnan, Professor and Advisor, VSSC said while speaking on the topic ‘Complexities of Space Programme’.

Dr D Sam Dayala Dev, Director, IISU pointed out that the electronic miniaturization without compromising on quality and reliability and developing miniature satellites are two areas in which startups can be involved.

Narayanan Namboodiripad M, Deputy Director, VSSC, said that space debris is a challenge faced by the space community. He also highlighted the other challenges including manufacturing, material, reliability and manpower.

Narayana Moorthy, Chairman, KELTRON while moderating the session said that a general error in the design of satellite systems is the polarisation of the antenna systems with respect to the ground stations.

“Whenever small satellites are being designed, apart from the main functional aspects, the entire detailing and environmental considerations should be addressed.”

Young innovators and entrepreneurs associated with new space companies including AgniKul, Bellatrix, Skyroot Aerospace, Nano Avionics, Anywaves and ChainSat made presentations describing their products in the session ‘Innovations disrupting the world of Outer Space: Upstream Innovations’ that was hosted by Samuel John, Partner Space Park and CEO of MistEO.

This was followed by a session ‘Fuelling the Space Industry – Funding models, Challenges and Opportunities’ in which Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner, Speciale Invest; Mahesh Murthy, Founder, Exseed Space and Satish M, Venture Partner, Yournest spoke. Saurav Bhattacharya of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) anchored the session.