Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K. Sivan said India has been taking a calculated risk with Chandrayaan-2 as the landing site is above 70-degree latitude, where no one has even been to.
“Innovation blended with calculated risks is absolutely necessary if you want to be a major player in the space industry. India will have its first demonstration flight of SSLV by mid-2019, which would be the cheapest launch vehicle in the world with the least turnaround time. A lot of innovation has gone into the design of the vehicle to ensure that it can be designed in around 72 hours instead of 70 days that is usually required to assemble other launch vehicles. Just six people with a laptop can assemble and launch the SSLV,” said Dr. Sivan, while addressing GITAM students at its 9th convocation held here on Saturday.
Dr. Sivan said three aspects would play a major role in one’s life—conquering personal fear, taking calculated risks and innovation or lateral thinking.
“Innovation or lateral thinking is essential in leapfrogging to achieve greater heights and success. All the discoveries, innovations and benefits we are enjoying now are the outcome of lateral thinking, innovation and accidental discoveries at some point. Take risks without the fear of failure and do not throw away your crazy ideas,” he told students.
“I got my degree after using an idea that I had discarded. Most of the world’s most successful innovations come from crazy ideas,” Dr. Sivan added.
He said the Government of India has approved ₹10,900-crore budget for 30 PSLVs, and 10 GSLV Mk-III would be launched in the next four years in addition to more than 50 spacecraft.
Chancellor K. Ramakrishna Rao presided over the ceremony. Honorary doctorates to Dr. Sivan (Doctor of Science) and Aekka Yadagiri Rao (Doctor of Letters) were presented on the occasion.
Three Ph.D. degrees and over 1,017 graduate and postgraduate degrees were awarded to students at the convocation.
