India show the way with new progressive energy solutions and could hit Energy targets as soon as 2030. Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently launched a record 104 satellites into space, in a single launch. But Dr Sivathanu Pillai stated, when asked about future programmes, that india could meet energy demands by 2030 Stating that all of India’s energy requirements can be achieved through Helium 3, mined from the Moon.
During an address at the ORF-Kalpana Chawla Space Policy Dialogue on Saturday, organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
Dr Sivathanu Pillai said that “by 2030, the process target will be met”.
The space-age revolution?
Mining Helium 3 is a priority programme for ISRO and with other countries working on the project, and this could present an opportunity. He stated that there is enough Helium to supply the whole world on the Moon. How this will affect the Earth’s environment is a complete unknown though.
Pillai said that ISRO are looking to mine Helium 3 from the Moon, produce energy and transport it back to Earth. Further stating that developing multi-purpose and reusable vehicles, along with low-cost access to the Moon will benefit intra-planetary mining and space tourism. Currently they are working on fusion energy.
Adding that there is a 7-nation consortium working on mastering fusion technology.
Director General of Perspective Planning within the Indian Army, Lieutenant General PM Bali, stated that India have begun acknowledging that national security needs could require space technology. With the necessary policy and institutional frameworks being put in place.
He continued to say that the launch of India’s first dedicated military satellite, GSAT-7, was testament to India’s increasing outlook of utilisation and exploitation of outer space for national security.
Challenges ahead highlight the need for regulations
Sunjoy Joshi, Director of ORF, highlighted the need to frame the right regulations and innovations required to frame the right regulations.
Going on to say that there would be "More clutter in space” with possible “conflicts over demands for spectrum allocation and radio frequency interference.” He highlights the threat of cyber vulnerabilities and the trend of weaponisation of cyberspace. There is a serious issue of governance and how it could be achieved.
The current transponder capacity drastically falls short of demand and. Approvals can take anywhere between 3 to 9 months. However, this does provide a new and innovative way to tackle the energy needs of the planet. With the right regulations and protections to combat the likes of space junk and commercial exploitation, this could be a viable process for our energy needs.
India are showing that energy source isn’t limited to the ones that are known.
Further investment into technologies and development of innovation and ideas are required to tackle the upcoming energy crisis, this will create more specialist jobs and chances to educate children in new areas.
