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Mayilsamy Annadurai, known as the "Moon Man of India," expressed confidence in the safe return of astronaut Sunita Williams from the International Space Station (ISS) despite the technical challenges faced by the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
Williams, along with fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore, has been aboard the ISS longer than planned due to issues with the Starliner, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks.
Annadurai, a former director at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), reassured that there are multiple options for Williams' return, including the possibility of using SpaceX's Crew Dragon or Russia's Soyuz capsules if necessary.
He emphasised that technical glitches are common in space missions and that solutions are always available for worst-case scenarios. "Definitely Sunita Williams will reach safely back to Earth," he stated, highlighting the resilience and problem-solving capabilities inherent in space exploration.
Speaking on the role of the private sector in the space industry, Annadurai noted that the increasing demand for satellite services necessitates private industry involvement, drawing parallels to sectors like media, telecommunications, and air travel. He pointed out that the number of satellites launched in the past five years has surpassed those launched in the previous 60 years, underscoring the need for competition and collaboration with private entities.
Looking ahead, Annadurai predicted a significant expansion in satellite-dependent services, impacting various fields from agriculture to aeronomy. He emphasized that the value lies not in the satellites themselves but in the services they enable.
With ISRO focusing on scientific and technological advancements, the agency aims to support human presence beyond Earth, including potential habitation on the Moon and Mars.
Regarding India's Gaganyaan mission, Annadurai highlighted ISRO's strategy of transferring routine activities to the private sector, allowing the agency to focus on pioneering scientific endeavours.
This approach is expected to facilitate advancements in human space travel and potentially reduce the costs and complexities of space travel between continents.
