Space science is the key for India''s future national security: Air Marshal YR Rane

Space age security is the key to India''s military security in the years to come, and the country needs to build on its firm foundations in the area of space sciences to become a global power. This was the kernel of the message Air Officer Commanding in-Chief of the Southern Air Command Y R Rane gave to students of first batch at the Indian Institute of Space Sciences and Technology (IIST), started by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday 14 October.

Delivering the keynote address at the student meet, he said that the institution had great relevance to India''s future. "You are the future space scientists of the country," he told the first batch of students who had gained admission to the courses offered by the institute. Air Marshal Rane said that given its sheer size, economic might and strategic location, India would have an important role in the emerging global order.

Presenting his report on IIST, institute director BN Suresh said that there were only two other institutions in the world devoted totally to space science; one in the US and the other in France. He said it was a long cherished dream of ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair to set up such an institution in the country. India''s initiative in setting up the institute had already elicited keen interest among countries.

He said IIST graduates would have an assured career in ISRO.