ISRO’s Vision for the Future: Dr A S Kiran Kumar Highlights Manned Space Missions at Mangaluru Event

ISRO’s Vision for the Future: Dr A S Kiran Kumar Highlights Manned Space Missions at Mangaluru Event

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 22, 2025: Former ISRO Chairman and renowned space scientist Padma Shri Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar highlighted the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious plans for manned space missions. He was delivering the keynote address at a program titled “ISRO Legacy and Beyond” on Sunday at the Ramakrishna Math in Mangaluru. The event was organized jointly by the Ramakrishna Mission and Samata Women’s Association.

“ISRO owes its inception to the visionary leadership of pioneers like Vikram Sarabhai and Homi J. Bhabha. Today, the organization is a key driver of India’s development, impacting areas such as communication, agriculture, fisheries, defense, weather forecasting, and navigation. It has also made advanced technology accessible to the common man,” said Dr. Kiran Kumar.

He noted that India has been strengthening its space capabilities over decades, earning recognition as a leading nation in the global space sector. Apart from launching its own satellites, ISRO has launched over 450 satellites for 34 countries. Landmark projects like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya have established India’s prowess in space technology. “Everyone must contribute to the nation’s progress,” he remarked.

The event was inaugurated by Karnataka Bank General Manager Sumana Ghate and presided over by Samata Women’s Association President Katyayani Bhide. It also saw participation from former IISc Bengaluru professor Dr. M.M. Nayak, Samata Women’s Association Honorary President Vijayalakshmi Rao, and MLC Dr. Manjunath Bhandari.

Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar was felicitated by the organizers for his contributions to Indian space research. The interactive session was moderated by Ranjan Bellarpadi, coordinator of the Swachh Mangaluru Abhiyan. Prof. Santosh Alva Ekkaru and Anupama Ananthamurthy compered the program.

As part of the event, ISRO’s Space on Wheels mobile exhibition was displayed, showcasing the organization’s history, achievements, and vision for the future. Managed by the U.R. Rao Satellite Center in Bengaluru, the exhibition drew over 1,000 students from various schools and colleges. Dr. Kiran Kumar also interacted with the students in an engaging Q&A session.