Edu-leaders

Ranchi’s Birla Institute of Technology (Mesra) has started a separate unit for research in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The first of its kind in the eastern region, the unit would be carrying out research to develop an affordable heat resistant material to protect a space capsule from fire. This aims at exploring the mysteries of outer space.

Inaugurating the cell, eminent scientist and former Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, B.N. Suresh, lauded the efforts of the tech-cradle to inculcate interest in young minds towards space sciences.

“At a time when the world is looking for joint efforts to know the mysteries of the universe, you cannot carry out research activities in isolation. There is no scope for error in a space science project. It is therefore necessary to have effective and regular communication with practising scientists and academics to keep young minds updated with the changing ground realities,” said Suresh, also a Padmashree awardee.

In conformity to the ISRO’s aim of creating a network of institutions, which could work in tandem to support the country’s yearning for excellence in space, BIT’s space technology cell will also be engaged in developing a fibre optic sensor that, when attached with the satellite launch vehicle, will continuously transmit report about the "health" of the launch vehicle to the earth station.

Besides, 23 other similar projects of ISRO are being dealt with at the institute. Acknowledging the contribution of researchers from this part of the country and encouraged over the proposal forwarded by BIT, the ISRO has agreed to collaborate with the institute to open space technology cell, said B. B. Das, head of BIT’s research wing.

The cell will help BIT interact better with ISRO centres sponsoring the projects and also help it bag more projects in space research, said Das.