SCIENTISTS ARE developing smart missiles that are smaller, lighter and can strike targets with greater accuracy.
This was stated by Banaras Hindu University’s former head of the Physics Department Prof Ram Pal Singh here on Sunday.
He made the comment, while initiating a discussion on ‘Indian Space and Missile Programme’ under the auspices of Academique, a discussion group, at the Law Faculty in the BHU.
He also said efforts were on to develop hypersonic vehicles, nano-technologies, homily guidance, very large system integration, miniatured electro-magnetic systems, system on chip, newer materials such as ceramics and light weight composite.
“In the development of missile technology, fast speed simulation is essential, apart from material and technological development,” he added.
Prof Singh gave a chronological description of the Indian space research programme. He began with research undertaken by Dr Vikram Sarabhai when the Physical Space Laboratory was established in 1947. “India launched 350 rockets between 1963 and 1975 with the help of France, the UK, the USA and the then USSR.”
“However, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) began its integrated guided missile development programme, involving more than 60 public and private organisations, to develop five missiles: Prithvi (surface-to-surface single stage liquid fuel ballistic missile), Agni (surface-to-surface two stage solid liquid fuel ballistic missile), Akash (long-range surface-to-air missile capable of targeting five aircrafts simultaneously), Trishul (short range surface-to-air, or surface-to-surface missile) and Nag (anti-tank guided missile),” he added.
{{/usCountry}}“However, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) began its integrated guided missile development programme, involving more than 60 public and private organisations, to develop five missiles: Prithvi (surface-to-surface single stage liquid fuel ballistic missile), Agni (surface-to-surface two stage solid liquid fuel ballistic missile), Akash (long-range surface-to-air missile capable of targeting five aircrafts simultaneously), Trishul (short range surface-to-air, or surface-to-surface missile) and Nag (anti-tank guided missile),” he added.
{{/usCountry}}Prof Singh further said the Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO), established under the Department of Atomic Energy, had taken up a leading role in the space research programme to design and develop satellite and satellite launch vehicle systems for practical application in weather forecasting, assessment and management of earth’s resources, tele-communications, radio, TV broadcasting and disaster warning.
Delivering the presidential address, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth vice-chancellor Prof SS Kushwaha said scientists and researchers working in universities should help ISRO find the accurate causes of failure of Agni-II and INSAT-4C. He said scientists should be encouraged to carry out programmes in space and missile technologies.
Several students participated and expressed their views in the discussion. BHU Human Rights Cell chairman Prof DP Verma welcomed the guests. Dr DK Srivastava offered a formal vote of thanks.