Bengaluru. Minister of State (MoS) for Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)-led UNNATI (Unispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training) programme in Bengaluru on January 17.

UNNATI, a capacity building programme on Nanosatellite development, is an initiative by ISRO to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first United Nations conference on the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space (UNISPACE-50).

The programme provides opportunities to the participating developing countries to strengthen in assembling, integrating and testing of Nanosatellite. It is planned to be conducted for three years by UR Rao Satellite Centre of ISRO in three batches and will target to benefit officials of 45 countries.

The first batch started today in which 30 delegates from 17 countries were participating.

Space Technology has been provided with more budgetary allocations during the last five years, and now it is utilised in infrastructure developments like roads, railway lines and most importantly in disaster management, obseru Dr Singh.

The Minister said that application of Science & Technology has become more in our day-to-day activities. Space Technology in India has entered every household. Space security is the in-thing and it will be on top priority in future, he added.

Dr Singh appreciated the efforts of ISRO in launching various satellites and its space programmes, particularly Chandrayan Mission.

Speaking on the occasion, ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan briefed about various activities undertaken by the Indian space agency. Other Senior officers and dignitaries were also present during the launch.