Leveraging Geopolitical Shifts: A Conversation with ISRO Chairman on India's Space Triumphs

In an exclusive interview with ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, key insights were unveiled regarding India's space endeavors, geopolitical shifts, and future plans. The chairman discussed the unique journey of Chandrayaan-3 and the impact of global dynamics on India's space missions.

One notable highlight was the chairman's revelation about the complex maneuvers involved in bringing back the Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module to Earth. Following the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, ISRO utilized the remaining fuel to navigate the satellite back to Earth's orbit, a groundbreaking move that could provide valuable inputs for future missions, especially those involving lunar sample collection.

The geopolitical situation, particularly concerning Russia, also became a focal point of the discussion. Somanath shed light on how India leveraged the shifting dynamics to its advantage. With Russian rockets being withdrawn from launches in Kourou due to geopolitical tensions, some European launches that were planned in Russia were redirected to India. This presented a unique opportunity for ISRO to showcase its capabilities and secure contracts for launching complex missions, leading to a significant boost in India's prestige and market share in the space industry.

Addressing future collaborations, S. Somanath shared ISRO's history of working with Russia in the early stages of its human space program. He emphasized the collaboration with France for crew medical training, the U.S. for potential access to the International Space Station, and partnerships with aerospace giants like Boeing and Airbus.

Discussing ISRO's commercial plans, the chairman highlighted the organization's success in launching 434 foreign satellites, with dedicated missions for several countries. He emphasized the need to create markets beyond the US, Europe, and Russia, targeting regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America. ISRO aims not only to offer launch services but to create entire space infrastructure for partner countries.

On a personal note, the chairman addressed recent controversies surrounding his Malayalam memoir and his relationship with former ISRO chief K Sivan. While the book has been withdrawn, S. Somanath clarified that there are no differences between him and Dr. Sivan, and they continue to work closely together.

In response to questions about science and spirituality, the chairman emphasized the compatibility of scientific exploration and belief systems. He debunked the narrative that scientists must be atheists, stating his reverence for the scientific approach to discovering truth while acknowledging the existence of other channels to seek answers.

The interview provided valuable insights into India's space achievements, geopolitical maneuvering, and the future trajectory of ISRO. As India continues to make strides in space exploration, these revelations offer a glimpse into the organization's resilience, adaptability, and commitment to advancing humanity's understanding of the cosmos.