The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched an Augmented Reality (AR) application named ‘Sakaar’ at a press conference in New Delhi today to highlight the achievements of the Department of Space during one year in office of the present Government. DECU-ISRO has developed this application for Android devices.Augmented Reality is a live direct view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated 3D models, animations, videos etc. The technology enhances user’s current perception of reality. Augmentation is in real time and the information is overlaid on the live view of the device’s camera.
Essentially, AR requires three elements: Android device with back camera, AR application, AR Markers. The Multimedia content which is embedded in the Sakaar app is generated with the support of multimedia & editing facilities of DECU-ISRO.Sakaar consists of 3D models of MOM, RISAT, rockets (PSLV, GSLV Mk-III); videos of INSAT 3D-predicting cyclones, GSLV D5/Cryo, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) orbit insertion, launch video of MOM, 360 degree animated view of MOM; Anaglyph of Mars surface. The sakaar app is loaded on webpage with the URL: http://www.sac.gov.in/SACSITE/sakaar/index.html. The user can scan the QR code using a QR code reader on the device for downloading the app.
Addressing the press conference, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Department has been able to achieve a lot due to the patronage received from the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. This year has brought India’s space technology to focus and established us in the world, he added. Dr Jitendra Singh said that today India is one of the leading nations in the world in the field of space technology. This is due to the commitment shown by the scientists who work with dedication and sincerity towards their work. He also said that Mars Mission is a unique success for India. This was successful in the first attempt itself and the entire infrastructure was indigenous which is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Make in India. The images sent by Mars Orbiter Mission are being taken by other countries of the world too. The Minister also said that reusable launch vehicle which will reduce the cost of launch by one tenth and a preliminary action in this respect is expected in September this year.
Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar, Secretary Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO highlighted the achievements of Department of Space during the last one year such as the launch of PSLV-C23, IRNSS-1C, IRNSS-1D, GSAT-16, LVM3-X/Crew Module, successful ground testing of high thrust cryogenic engine for GSLV MkIII. He also said that an MoU was signed between ISRO and CNES in April, 2015 and between ISRO and China National Space Administration in September, 2014.Mentioning about the societal applications of space technology, Shri Kiran Kumar said that utilization of space technology for hydrological monitoring and geomorphological monitoring is of great support for National Mission for Clean Ganga. The space technology was of great help for rapid flood mapping and monitoring done on almost daily basis during the floods in Jammu and Kashmir. Four satellites based VPN nodes were established at critical locations in Kashmir for communication. During the Cyclone Hudhud also, the cyclone tracking and landfall prediction was done. He said that space technology has applications in diversified areas including forestry, national urban Information system, watershed development, agriculture, fisheries, monitoring irrigation infrastructure etc. The ISRO Chairman informed that various missions are planned for the upcoming year 2015-16 including launch of PSLV-C28 in July, GSLV–D6 in August, ASTROSAT in September this year among others. The launch of IRNSS-1F and IRNSS-1G are planned for beginning of the next year 2016, he informed.Senior officials of the Department of Space were also present during the press conference.