Space Will Unite

Isro launches UNNATI to train personnel from foreign countries

BENGALURU: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on Thursday announced officially the introduction of Unispace Nanosatellites Assembly and Training by Isro (UNNATI). Under this scheme, Isro will train personnel from foreign countries that the space agency works with.The programme provides an opportunity for the participant countries to strengthen their capabilities in assembling integrating and testing nanosatellites.While course for the first batch commenced this month and will be completed by March 2019. This will be followed by two more batches starting October 15, 2019 and October 15, 2020.The first batch has 30 participants from 17 different countries, PJVKS Prakash Rao, who is leading the programme from Isro, said.The programme was launched following an announcement made by Isro chairman K Sivan during a symposium in Vienna on June 18, 2018.The symposium was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the First United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50).The programme will be conducted by Isro's UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru every year for the next three years. It is recognised as one of the UNISPCE+50 initiatives."The programme aims at capacity building in satellite technology for the participating countries by providing hands-on experience in building and testing of nanosatellites," Isro said.Among its objectives are to offer a simplified and increased exposure to satellite fabrication technologies."We also provide a theoretical course on satellite technology, an intensive course on nanosatellite realisation, covering mission aspects et Al," the space agency said.The entire course material has been compiled in books and CDs, which were also released on Thursday.P Kunhikrishnan, director, URSAC, said: "I am confident after the initial interaction with the participants, who are all from diverse backgrounds, will be one united group of satellite scientists.""About Rs 30,000 crore has been sanctioned by the Centre in a span of very short time. And we hope this interest in space science continues," he added.K Sivan "A very unique occasion. Indian space programme was started to serve the underserved and unserved, unlike the objectives of some other space agencies in the world. Isro, in the past five decades, has shown its commitment. Today we can say that all Indians' security and safety is linked to space technology."Our civilisation in the future to will be helped by space technology, he said, adding: "If you look at the Earth from 100km away, you will find no boundaries. Space can bind humanity and UNNATI will do that."He also said that the participating countries will be able to use what they learn here to better their countries.