Materials & Metallurgical Engineering Presents Prof. E C Subbarao Lecture Title: ISRO Launch Vehicle Programme - an Overview Speaker: Dr. P. P. Sinha, Dy. Director, Mechanical Engineering Entity, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (ISRO), Trivandrum Date: May 8, 2007, Time: 4:15 PM, Venue: L1 Abstract Journey of Indian Space Programme started with a theme to utilize the potential of space based systems for the benefit of mankind. In the last three and half decades of dedicated efforts in the area of launch vehicles and satellites, Indian Space programme has achieved several unique milestones and fulfilled the dream of its architect Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. In this travel, a series of Remote Sensing satellites, Communication satellites, Educational and Meteorological satellites have been positioned in the various orbit through indigenously developed Launch vehicles such as, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geo-Synchronous Launch (GSLV) etc. To continue as a major player in the world in the area of advanced Space technologies and low cost access to the space, several new initiatives like Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), Air Breathing Propulsion, Moon mission and Manned Mission have been taken up.  These efforts also pave the way for Indian Space programmes to march towards outer space exploratory missions. The year 2007 has begun with many unique feats.  Firstly, launch of PSLV-C7 on 10th January injecting four satellites including the historical SRE mission, recovering SRE module on 22nd January at the pre-determined location and then launch of PSLC-C8 on 23rd April placing the first commercial Italian Satellite AGILE in the precise 550 Km lower earth circular orbit.  These achievements are the results of dedicated efforts of space communities, a large spectrum of Indian Industries, R&D institutions and the academia. The present talk briefly highlights an overview of the major launch vehicles and satellite systems developed and future programmes envisaged.  Right choice of materials and their availability is the backbone for all these developments.  The Prof. E.C. Subba Rao lecture -- a great material scientist can not be considered complete unless mention is made about the nation's achievements in the areas of various metallic and non metallic materials required for aerospace sector.  In the fitness of the subject, the talk also covers a wide range of materials required and efforts made in building self-reliance in these areas including establishing the basic infrastructure. About the Speaker Dr. P. P. Sinha obtained his B. Tech., M. Tech. and Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from Benarus Hindu University.  He joined Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in the year 1971.  He has held many positions in VSSC and presently is Dy. Director, Mechanical Engineering Entity. His primary field of interest is alloy design, Phase transformation studies and Manufacturing.  He is life fellow of Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), Member, Society of Manufacturing Engineers(SME), Member, Material Research Society of India (MRSI), Member, The Indian Science Congress, Life Member, Society for Aerospace Mfg. Engineers (SAME). He has published 60 technical papers in National/International journals. He has also 5 patents to his credit.  Dr. Sinha was awarded metallurgist of the year 1997 from Ministry of Steel and Mines, VASVIK award-2000 in the field of Materials and Material Science and Technology and was also awarded Distinguished Alumnus Award 2001 from Department of Met. Engineering., Institute of Tech., Benarus Hindu University. Rajiv Shekhar Head Materials & Metallurgical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur 208 016 e-mail: vidtan@iitk.ac.in Phone: 91-512-3927016 Telefax: 91-512-3927505