If you’re a space nerd like us, you’ll jump at the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the brightest minds that work at ISRO. A Reddit AMA held recently was one such opportunity and as you can guess, there were some important insights into ISRO’s current and future projects. Also, as you'll find out, they have a sense of humour too.

Q. And When would ISRO realistically be able to safely send man into space?

A. Once government gives green signal, you may expect (most probably) an IAF pilot in space within 5(-ish) years. :) Space suits for Vyomanauts (Yes) have already been developed. Google for images. Visit Space Museum in Thumba to see a model.

Q. A silly one perhaps but what is purpose of that huge yellow crane on top of Umbilical Tower of SLP ? I have never seen it in action!

A. It does what a crane does: lifts objects. In this case, heavy rocket parts, if and when required.

Q. What can a common man do to help Isro?

A. Pay your taxes.

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Q. How does it feel like to work for ISRO? I MEAN IT'S ISRO YOU GUYS!

A. The force is strong with this organisation (plus 7th CPC makes things slightly better for the wallet too).

Q. What did you guys think about the movie Interstellar?

A. It was epic. Also NASA branding ftw.

Q. What are some of the big-ticket projects planned in the near-future except commercial satellites?

A. RLV (Reusable Launch Vehicle), IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System), LVM3, Chandrayaan-2, Aditya-I... to name a few. IRNSS is slated to be much more accurate than GPS, and GoI will shift to it for all its navigational purposes. Aditya will be our mission to the sun. LVM3 is a huge rocket that will finally make us completely reliant vis-à-vis launch vehicle technology. And CY2 will have a rover!

Q. Is the first Indian to go to space in an Indian shuttle in 2017 already selected?

A. No. No further progress on Human Spaceflight Programme until govt. gives its nod (and money).

Q. Any new news about our cryogenic Engines?

A. We are developing a 20 ton thrust gas generator cycle cryogenic engine which will be ready in a few months. The cryogenic engine will be used in the launch of GSLV MK-III which we have planned to launch in December 2016. There are plans to have an increased propellant loading and clustering of engines for use in Heavy Lift vehicles in the future.

The CE-7.5 cryogenic stage used in GSLV Mk-II will see some upgrades with regards to propellant loading (12.5 tons to 15 tons) )to increase the payload capability. There has been a continuous effort to uprate the engines and look for solutions to optimize the stage.

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Q. What is the plan for human space flight? Is it going ahead?

A. Human Space Flight is going to the initial process of prototyping and testing.

Q. Is development of a 600kn cryo engine underway or has it been scrapped?

A. There's no 600 kN semi-cryo as fas as i know. We are working on a bigger 2000kN semi-cryogenic engine for use in a 6ton class launch vehicle.

Q. Pick one PSLV or GSLV. And why?

A. GSLV looks better and lifts heavier. However, it's quite costly and difficult to control (thrust). Mk 3 is our fav.

Q. Your go to pick up line. Also ever successfully used your job designation to pick up a girl (assuming you all are guys)

A. Waiting to write something funny:P

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Q. Is there any ongoing DRDO and ISRO joint project?

A. If I tell you, I will have to kill you.

Q. Where do you see space research 10 years from now? what about 20 years? what about 30 years? can you also do 40 years and 50 years?

A. 10 years: Robotic base on Mars.

20 years: Human base on Mars, scaling of ion propulsion.

30 years: Colonisation of Mars, cheaper launches, space tourism becomes routine.

40 years: We finally start doing something substantial about the space debris problem, Space mining for real.

50 years: Spotting an exoplanet to explore by a probe, space bungalow (complete with a study) for parking my retired behind.

Q. So what is your go to leisure activities when you are not working?

A. Apart from the usual popular ones I subscribe to writing prompts, photoshopbattles, fitness, frugal, lifeprotips, youshouldknow, manga, naruto, nottheonion, metal, 4chan and android.

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