Srinagar, March 14: Dr Majid Hussain, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at NIT Srinagar, has secured funding under the prestigious RESPOND Programme of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for his research project titled “Modelling or Experimental Work Related to Interplanetary/Planetary Dust.”
The project, sanctioned for a duration of two years, has been approved by the Chairman of ISRO and the Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS). It aims to advance scientific understanding of planetary and interplanetary dust dynamics, with significant implications for space exploration and planetary sciences. According to official communication from ISRO, the Department of Space will disburse the sanctioned funds annually through the Central Nodal Agency (CNA) Scheme. In a letter dated March 11, addressed to Dr Hussain, ISRO confirmed the project’s approval and outlined administrative procedures for fund allocation. The letter was signed by M.A. Paul on behalf of ISRO’s RESPOND Programme, headquartered at Antariksh Bhavan, Bengaluru. Expressing his gratitude, Dr Hussain said the project would contribute to scientific advancements in planetary dust modelling, benefiting both fundamental research and space missions.
“I am thankful to ISRO for recognising and supporting our work. Our department and faculty at NIT Srinagar are dedicated to advancing knowledge in planetary science and space technology. This project will focus on the interaction between rovers/landers and lunar and Martian regolith,” he stated.
Congratulating Dr Hussain on his achievement, Prof Roohie Naaz, in-charge Director of NIT Srinagar, emphasised that this recognition underscores the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge research and strengthens its collaborations with premier national institutions. “We take immense pride in Dr Hussain’s accomplishment and look forward to further enhancing our research capabilities in space sciences,” she said. Prof Atikur Rehman, Registrar of NIT Srinagar, also extended his congratulations, calling it a moment of pride for the institute and its research community. “We are confident that this project will make valuable contributions to space science and planetary research,” he added.
