• Source:JND
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A landslide in the Wayanad district of Kerala has caused massive devastation in the region. So far, over 308 persons  have lost their lives, and a large number of people are missing. Efforts are underway to locate people trapped under the debris, with the help of special sensor-equipped drones.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somnath stated that it is not possible to locate people buried under the landslide debris using space technology.

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Somnath said that space technology can provide information about a certain depth of the ground. However, it cannot be relied upon to locate people. He answered a related question during a program organized by ISRO on Instagram. He stated that there are limitations to space-based sensors in detecting objects buried under debris. It is not possible to determine what is beneath the ground using space technology.

Somanath also responded to a question related to the two 'Gaganyaan' astronauts selected for the International Space Station (ISS) under the India-US mission. He said that the process of going to the International Space Station itself provides a great learning opportunity. One of our astronauts will be trained in the entire preparation process. This will help us understand how to prepare astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission.

Somanath said that when the astronauts actually go through the experience of flight and work with the international crew already present there, they will truly gain the knowledge and skills that will prepare ISRO for India's mission. Somanath also spoke about ISRO's early failures.

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He mentioned that he is excited about the first National Space Day to be celebrated on August 23.