Advances in developing eco-friendly launch vehicle systems reflect ISRO's commitment to sustainable practices in space exploration: VSSC Director S. Unnikrishnan Nair
The progress made by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in developing eco-friendly launch vehicle systems reflects a strong commitment to sustainable space exploration practices, S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), has said.
Dr. Nair was speaking after inaugurating a two-day national conference on Emerging Vistas in Chemical Engineering (EVINCE 2025), organised by the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE), Thiruvananthapuram chapter, here on Friday.
Key role
Emphasising the growing role of sustainable technologies in the space arena, he noted the advancements ISRO had made in developing eco-friendly systems using semi-cryogenic, cryogenic and Liquid Oxygen-Methane propellants. In this context, he also underscored the critical role of chemical engineering in India's technological advancement, particularly in the space sector.
Presiding over the inaugural session, M.C. Dathan, Mentor (Science) to the Chief Minister of Kerala, and former VSSC director, said there was a need to place emphasis on sustainability and the principles of circular economy to develop innovative solutions for mitigating carbon footprint.
Anirudha Bhalchandra Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai; C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram; R Vijay, Director, International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI); and S.K. Manu, Deputy Director, VSSC, also spoke.
Theme
EVINCE 2025 is themed on 'The art and science of artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing for revolutionising the design and production of materials.'
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