Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has done the trials for drone-based delivery of medicines, vegetables and disinfectant spray at their staff quarters in Sriharikota, on Wednesday as reported by a news agency. The deliveries were done by a renowned drone-as-a-service startup, Garuda Aerospace.
Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Managing Director, Garuda Aerospace, was quoted saying, “In a pilot project, based drones of Garuda Aerospace delivered vegetables and medicines at the ISRO staff quarters and also sanitized the buildings in Sriharikota. We also sanitized the buildings using unmanned vehicles.”
Reportedly 200-300 people, residing in the ISRO staff quarters, which includes employees as well as their family members had contracted COVID-19. Jayaprakash said ISRO may give the order following their internal procedures and many of the staff are working from their homes.
An official from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota has confirmed that about 3,000 employees along with their family members have been tested positive for coronavirus and everyday almost 30 people are being tested positive for the same.
“ISRO wants to minimize the physical interaction of the staff with the outside world as a safety measure and looking at automation as a solution,” Jayaprakash said.
K.Sivan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, said “Several employees in our various centers have been affected because of the coronavirus and not only the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
“Only employees manning critical functional areas have been asked to attend office. The ISRO centers have been asked to follow the local government’s norms.”
