ISRO chairman explains mysteries of the universe to students

An interactive programme attended by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S. Somanath as part of the State School Science Festival in Alappuzha on Saturday transformed into a session that simplistically explained the mysteries of the universe.

The science debate, organised on the topic “India’s Leap in Space”, held at St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, the main venue of the science festival, witnessed students asking a stream of questions and Mr. Somanath answering with humour and simplicity. “You must have the courage to ask questions and always keep questioning,” Mr. Somanath told the students. “Even if someone says Michael Faraday said it, don’t blindly believe it. Try to discover it for yourself,” he said.

The ISRO chairman spoke about his experiences at the space research organisation and the individuals who inspired him. The students raised numerous questions, such as using artificial intelligence in space science, the challenges humans face in space, what an ATV test bed is, modern technologies used in the space sector, and how space technology is applied in agriculture and disaster management. Mr. Somanath said that artificial intelligence was used for tasks like X-ray analysis of rockets and that quantum technology can create passwords that no one can crack. He noted that space technology can be utilised for discovering new agricultural areas and disaster mitigation.

Mr. Somanath also explained topics including quantum entanglement experiments, mobile signal transmission, refuelling satellites, removing space debris, Next Generation Launch Vehicle, terraforming, Milky Way and Aditya-L1 mission.

Tessy Thomas, Former scientist of Defence Research and Development Organisation, interacted with students in another session.

Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, P.P. Chitharanjan, MLA and others attended the sessions. ..

Published - November 16, 2024 08:32 pm IST