Somanath: Setting up space parks next step forward

Though Bengaluru has the highest PhD holders and a high research ecosystem, it is yet to see the development of a satellite, pointed out S Somanath, former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

- ABHIJEET KABAD @Bengaluru

"Integration is lacking. Maybe a liquid engine or a software package of high calibre is lacking. A solution that will rewrite the software industry is not visible yet. I hope such a company comes up here that will be able to integrate and provide a full bright solution," he said.

"Space data is very important. The data that we have been collecting is extremely huge. The entire groundwater perspective of this country is possible. The information on arid regions, water bodies and forests has a lot of value. The data is more democratic and available. The data is generated by the government, but the monetisation is done by the public. There is a huge potential to convert this data into various possibilities," said Somnath. He gave the example that ocean data can be collected and provided to fishermen to help them for a better catch.