SPACE FOR INNOVATION

A powerhouse in space technology, private players are answering ISRO's call. More innovation is needed in other fields

- Amarnath K. Menon

Jitendra Singh

MoS for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Space, Atomic Energy, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LONG BEFORE ECONOMIC prosperity, India had invested in L space technology and atomic research-steps that have now made it a giant in these fields. Now, realising it as a key element of economic growth, great strides are being made in research in other areas of science too. India is one of the top five nations in space exploration. Gaganyaan, the Indian human spaceflight programme, an ambitious and difficult mission, is on track. The human space programme is a major milestone for India. The challenge here, as with India's space programme through the decades, is technology, for India has had to develop them largely on its own.