Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday, Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra visited the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) leading satellite facilities in Bengaluru, where he engaged in discussions aimed at broadening the application of space technology in governance, disaster management, and scientific education.

During his visit, the minister toured the U R Rao Satellite Centre and the ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment (ISITE). The purpose of the visit was to strengthen collaboration between the Odisha government and ISRO for the application of advanced space technologies in public administration and research.

Patra held in-depth discussions with senior ISRO scientists and officials regarding the use of satellite data for disaster management, monitoring food security, and mapping natural resources in Odisha. The talks also emphasized enhancing technological partnerships in areas crucial to the state’s development planning.

At ISITE, Patra inspected the satellite integration facilities and the advanced clean room infrastructure. He received insights into the complex processes involved in the integration and testing of India’s upcoming communication and navigation satellites. The minister also visited the space museum at the U R Rao Satellite Centre, where he learned about India’s milestones in space exploration, starting from the historic Aryabhata mission to the country’s various space programmes.

He expressed the state government’s ambition to create world-class science exhibitions at the planned Science City in Bhubaneswar to inspire students towards science and innovation. Senior officials from the S&T department accompanied the minister. Project Director of U R Rao Satellite Centre, Jasvinder Singh Khorala, commended Odisha’s proactive efforts in the fields of science and innovation.