Bhubaneswar: Odisha has initiated preliminary discussions with the Centre on a proposal to establish a satellite launch centre in the state, Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said Monday. Speaking at a National Space Day programme organised at the Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC) here, Patra said the state government was placing greater emphasis on scientific research, technology-based projects and promoting scientific curiosity among students.
The minister said discussions on the proposed satellite launch centre were held with Union ministers during his recent visit to New Delhi. He said the initiative could further strengthen Odisha’s position in the country’s growing space and technology ecosystem. Highlighting the role of ORSAC, Patra said the agency uses satellite-based technology to generate information on agricultural land, groundwater resources and mineral deposits across Odisha.
Such data is helping the state government in planning and resource management while also contributing to savings in public expenditure, he said. Patra also pointed to the growing contribution of Odisha-based startups to the technology sector. He said drones and other equipment developed by startups in the state are being used in the country’s defence system. The minister said the government was also working on the construction of a Science Bhawan and a new ORSAC building, besides plans to establish a Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratory. Expressing confidence in Odisha’s scientific community, Patra said scientists from the state could make significant contributions to the space and technology sectors in the coming years and bring recognition to both Odisha and the country.
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