ISRO Extends Full Support to AssamSat
Guwahati, April 2: In a significant step towards advancing space technology in the state, Assam Science and Technology Minister Keshab Mahanta held a high-level meeting with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr. V. Narayanan in Dispur on Tuesday night. The discussions focused on the development and launch of Assam’s first-ever satellite, ‘AssamSat’, aimed at boosting the state’s capabilities in agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
The meeting saw participation from top officials, including Special Chief Secretary (Environment and Forests) M.K. Yadav, Principal Secretary (Chief Minister’s Office) K.K. Dwivedi, Principal Secretary (Revenue) G.D. Tripathi, Secretary (Science and Technology) Pallav Gopal Jha, and Special Secretary & Director of Assam State Space Application Center (ASAC) P.L.N. Raju. Representatives from key departments such as Agriculture, Water Resources, and Urban Affairs were also present.
On the ISRO side, the meeting was attended by Director of ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network Dr. A.K. Anil Kumar, Director of Earth Applications and Disaster Management Support Program Dr. J.V. Thomas, and Director of ISRO’s North East Space Applications Center (NESAC) Dr. S.P. Agrawalla.
The discussions revolved around ISRO’s guidance, technical expertise, and logistical support in the planning, prototyping, procurement, and eventual launch of AssamSat. The satellite is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing forest and agricultural monitoring, disaster management, land administration, water resource management, and urban development.
ISRO chairman Dr. Narayanan assured full technical assistance, from conceptualization to data acquisition and processing, to ensure that the Assam government maximizes the benefits of space technology. He also emphasized that ISRO would help develop policy guidelines on the use of space-based data for governance, environmental monitoring, and public welfare initiatives.
In a major boost to science education in the region, Dr. Narayanan proposed that 800 students from the Northeast, including 100 from Assam, would be allowed to visit ISRO’s key research centres and projects. This initiative aims to inspire young minds and promote interest in space science and technology.
With ISRO’s backing, AssamSat is set to be a milestone in the state’s technological advancements, paving the way for enhanced disaster preparedness, efficient resource management, and scientific research. The Assam government is now expected to move forward with the satellite’s detailed planning and development, bringing the state closer to its ambitious space aspirations.
