Seminar on materials for space applications

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) hosted the second seminar on “Inflatable Structures and Materials for Space Applications” recently. The IIT has got an ISRO-IIT Space Technology cell this year to carry out advance research activities in the field of Space Science and Technology. The seminar held at the Greater Noida campus of IIT Roorkee, was organised by the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, IIT Roorkee and the Indian Space Industry Exhibitor, Ahmedabad (A micro venture under MSME to carry out Space Educational and Awareness activities in the country).

Leading space agencies in the world are looking for large-sized structures with ultra-lightweight solutions for their future missions. Inflatable structures are the most suitable solutions. Many Defense organisations are also looking for Inflatable Structures for many applications.

Many Defense and Space Organisations worldwide needs ultra-light weight structures for various advance application. The Inflatable structures Technology is the most suitable solutions today. The countries like USA, Russia, China and many European countries are already working in development of Inflatable Space Structures.

In India, the Inflatable Structures Technology is in its infancy. There are a few companies that are making commercial products. There are a few organizations that have initiated engineering design, fabrication, and Manufacturing of scientific and Technical Structures.

As many as 70 participants from academic, industries, and R&D organisations attended the two-day seminar. Experts from IITs, ISRO, DRDO and Industries delivered talks sharing their experiences and challenges on indigenous development of materials and inflatable structures. A few industries also displayed the products and materials developed by them. This helped the young participants to get good knowledge and scope for the industry to grow in the country.