‘There is a great demand in the industry and a lack of major competition’

“Small and medium scale businesses can contribute to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) by manufacturing small but important parts like valves, gaskets and rubber insulators,” said S. Pandian, Director, ISRO Propulsion Complex, here on Tuesday.

The scientist was addressing over 100 entrepreneurs at the annual meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

He added that there was a great demand in the industry and a lack of major competition. “Small and medium enterprises can produce items for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rockets at the component and subsystem levels. If industries cope with the specifications and deadlines, we encourage them thoroughly,” he said.

Mr. Pandian said that formation of consortiums would be ideally suited to work with ISRO as it would make it easy for the large public sector undertaking to approach entrepreneurs. The amalgamation of different industries would aid the process of interacting with small businesses, he said. He added that the organisation was actively taking measures like industrial meets, discussions and placing advertisements to reach out to other business models.

He also spoke of the progress made in the Indian Navigation Satellite Constellation or NavIC project. “Fishermen will be able to effectively communicate, spot schools of fish and understand the boundaries clearly. Distress calls will also be clear,” he said. He added that the test run had provided good results and fishermen were visibly happy.