Born in Hassan, Aluru Seelin Kiran Kumar, well-known as A.S. Kiran Kumar, is a renowned Indian space scientist and Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He has held several techno-managerial positions at ISRO since 1975. In his capacity as Associate Director and subsequently as Director of Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, he steered the design and development of microwave, communication, navigation payloads and their application activities.
In recognition of his contributions, he was conferred with Padma Shri award by the President of India in 2014. ISRO’s Individual Service Award in 2006 and Performance Excellence Award in 2008 Bhaskara Award of Indian Society of Remote Sensing in 2007 to name a few. Star of Mysore (SOM) caught up with A.S. Kiran Kumar for a brief interview during his recent visit to Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering in city. Excerpts:
SOM: Can you tell us about recent achievements of ISRO?
Kiran Kumar: I am really pleased to say that country’s prestigious organisation ISRO has been very active in contributing memorable and laudable achievements for the societal needs. The two great achievements are successive launching of Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). In addition to these accomplishments, I wish to strongly mention that ISRO has been responsible for the development of three-tier imaging system for many satellites, ocean colour instruments by using push broom technology, high resolution stereo imaging system for Cartosat-1, sub-meter resolution optical imaging sensors and meteorological payload channels. India is expected to move ahead of other nations to become a premier nation in the world in all spheres. For this to happen, people should acquire knowledge and harness skills for the societal benefit.
SOM: How do you think satellites and space technology will benefit the common man?
Kiran Kumar: There are nearly 35 satellites providing communication, navigation and information to the planet Earth. Today, we are in a position to generate digital television model for India, where information is very resourceful for various application. This is helping in planning infrastructure and providing information on tunnels and railway tracks for effective construction. The State and Central Governments are also making use of space technology for planning and monitoring activities. In future, technology will help the farming community for agricultural purpose.
Space technology has been benefiting the fisherman and saving Rs. 15,000 crore approximately for the government annually. Additionally, technology is saving precious lives by predicting cyclones and other natural calamities. We must emphasise on adopting technology based on innovations and discover solutions for the specific problems with ease.
SOM: There has been a misconception that studying engineering is better or preferable compared to basic sciences. What is your opinion or suggestion on this?
Kiran Kumar: It is shocking to hear such things. I believe that the misconception is mainly in parents or adults which has to be completely erased and to do that there is a need for creating awareness on the significance of pure or basic science authoritatively.
Without the comprehension of elementary sciences — Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and others — the learning process for a student will be incomplete and he/she will never understand the technological aspects or its advancements.
SOM: Sir, can you tell about the future projects or plans of ISRO?
Kiran Kumar: ISRO has been extremely active and ambitious from four decades. With the able guidance of Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai, Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Dr. Satish Dhawan, this organisation has accomplished many achievements.
I believe that, the next year or by 2018, Chandrayaan-2 may be launched. Chandrayaan-1 and MOM have been successful and been sending very good information to the earth station. Astrosat has been functioning effectively. We have been keenly working for the design and development of Aditya, an ambitious venture for Sun during 2018 or 2019.
[This interview was done by Prof. S.A. Mohan Krishna, amateur Astronomer and Associate Professor, Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru, on behalf of Star of Mysore]
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / May 18th, 2016