ISRO chairman urges IIST students to take up fresh challenges in space tech

Thiruvananthapuram: Isro chairman A S Kiran Kumar urged the new generation to take up fresh challenges in space technology particularly in devising low-cost space technology. He was inaugurating the fifth convocation of Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) here on Thursday.
As the president of the governing body of IIST, the Isro chairman conferred 151 BTech degrees, 83 MTech degrees and 11 PhD degrees to the proud engineers of IIST who passed out in 2017.
“There is no dearth of opportunity for the youngsters who pass out with degrees relating to space technology. Isro is planning for new space launches and is on its path to consistently develop indigenous technology,” Kiran Kumar said after declaring the convocation open.
The Chairman’s Gold Medal for the Best Academic Performer was bagged by Avinash Chandra. The Director’s Gold Medal for Best All-rounder was won by Mustafa Shahid. Institute Gold Medal for securing the highest grade in BTech Aerospace Engineering was awarded to Avinash Chandra. Institute Gold Medal for securing the highest grade in BTech Avionics was awarded to Jijo K Moncy. Institute Gold Medal for securing the highest grade in BTech Physical Sciences was awarded to Netra S Pillai.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre director K Sivan said in a short span of 10 years, IIST has grown significantly and is in the process of establishing excellent research facilities in high priority research areas with Isro such as electric propulsion, sensors, robotics and other space technologies.