Zirakpur (Punjab): Only 20% of the
12,000-odd artificial objects, including satellites, is in
operational stage in the space and the unwanted "debris" is
causing a lot of problem in launching new ones, former ISRO
director Suresh Naik said on Sunday.
There are around 12,000 satellites and other artificial
objects in the space and out of which only 20 percent is
active. Satellites have a life of 15-20 years and then they
get lost in the space, he said interacting with school
students here.
"The others (artificial objects) along with some other
unwanted materials, make the space debris. This debris causes
a lot of problem in the launching of new satellites."
About man's expected odyssey to the Mars he said,
"Scientists are seeing Mars as an alternative habitat for
humans. By 2035, the first human should be able to reach
Mars".
Two years prior to sending human to the planet, robots
would land there, the space scientist said.
On ISRO's moon mission Chandrayaan-II in 2013, he said
the lunar craft would carry two rovers for further exploration
of earth's natural satellite.
Naik said Chandrayaan-III is scheduled for launch in
2015.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, December 20, 2009, 23:20