In recent times, which areas of space sciences have seen the maximum level of technological innovations?
Space endeavours certainly involve technological innovations. Space systems have to be built with high reliability since they are expected to work in the hostile space environment of hard vacuum, extreme temperature differentials and zero gravity. They are to be designed to work uninterruptedly for several yearsthree to five yearsfor low earth orbit satellites like our Indian remote sensing satellites and 10 to 15 years like our INSATS. The launch vehicle is used to place these satellites in orbit, which involves complex systems and all its subsystems have to work to perfection during its 20-30 minutes of flight sequence since even a minor mistake can result in catastrophic mission failures. The cost of launching a spacecraft into orbit is also very highabout Rs 15 to 20 lakh per kg of weight in the case of communication satellites. Development of space systems involves the employment of innovative technologies in several disciplines mechanical, aeronautics, materials, chemicals, elect
