Former ISRO Chairman Raises Concerns on Aerospace Start-ups’ Innovation

Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S. Somanath, has voiced significant concerns regarding the ability of start-ups and companies in the aerospace sector to innovate effectively. Speaking on October 19, 2023, at the International Conference on Advances in Computational and Experimental Approaches in Aerostructures, he highlighted a perceived stagnation in the development of advanced aerostructures.

During his address, Mr. Somanath emphasized, “I think it is a point of concern to me because I have been going around the country and looking at start-ups and companies who have been designing aerospace structures.” He expressed disappointment at the lack of innovation in hardware, stating that the current capabilities do not significantly deviate from traditional methods.

The former ISRO chief noted that while discussions about integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into aerospace practices are prevalent, actual implementation remains limited. “Possibly some of you might differ with me, but the classical approaches still continue,” he remarked. He pointed out that despite advancements in data-driven models, the practical application of AI has yet to gain traction within the industry.

Mr. Somanath also discussed the concept of digital twins, which are virtual replicas of physical systems that can be used for simulations and analysis. He observed that while the idea is frequently mentioned, its widespread adoption in the aerostructures sector is lacking. “They also talk about digital twins, but I am not able to see digital twins in these domains on a scale that should have actually happened,” he stated.

He suggested that this gap in innovation raises critical questions about collaboration and skill-sharing among professionals in the field. “I think the conferences should debate, discuss what are the limitations and why collaboration is not happening among people with those types of skills in building at least some models,” he urged.

The comments from Mr. Somanath resonate against a backdrop of rapid technological advancements in other sectors, underscoring the urgent need for aerospace start-ups to enhance their innovative capabilities. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, these insights may serve as a catalyst for necessary changes in approach and collaboration.