CHENNAI:Competition is the key to India’s success at the world arena in defence and space technology — be it in government or private firms, said former President APJ Abdul Kalam, at the silver jubilee celebrations of the Valeth Group of Industries.
Carbon fibre, silica fibre and nano fibre will be the future of composites, said Kalam, who started his career in the Indian space and defence industries.
He recalled how there was a confusion in deciding on the injection motor to be used for Apple I satellite — an European one or Indian-made Kevlar motor. The decision finally rested with Vikram Sarabhai, who went ahead with the Indian motor technology, which stood successful both during the launch and injection of the satellite into orbit, Kalam said.
“We have to see where all your technology of composites can be implemented in a positive way,” said Kalam. He spoke about working with the Agni team to develop a light composite prosthetic limb for children. This limb weighed over 400 grams lesser than the others, and helped children move comfortably, he said.
Nithin Valeth, executive director, Valeth Hightech Composites, said that they had opened a new high-tech plant at Hyderabad, which will be fully functional by next year.
A souvenir marking the silver jubilee of Valeth Group of Industries was also released at the event. The industry works in the field of providing advanced composite materials to space, aerospace, defence, marine, aviation and establishments like Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), besides designing composite small aircraft and high speed composite boats among others.