SGAC India

National Points of Contact  
India

Welcome to the homepage for SGAC India group. Through this page, we aim to keep our young enthusiasts, budding scientists and professionals, including the general public, up to date with all the ongoing and upcoming activities in the Space Science sector in the country. If you would like to become involved in any space-related activity in India, would like to collaborate with SGAC for reaching a wider audience, have any general comments or queries, or are aware of any events that would be of interest to other space enthusiasts, please do not hesitate to contact your National Point of Contact, Dr. Shashank Khurana. Feedback concerning this website is also welcome.

Young Space Activities in India

India has a rich and growing landscape for young space enthusiasts, with various programs, organizations, and initiatives encouraging youth engagement in space activities. Here’s an updated overview:

1. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Initiatives

  • YUVIKA (YUva VIgyani KAryakram): Also known as the “Young Scientist Programme,” YUVIKA targets school students, primarily from rural areas, to inspire them towards space science and technology. It includes lectures, laboratory visits, experience-sharing sessions, and discussions with ISRO scientists.
  • Space Camps and Workshops: ISRO conducts numerous space camps and workshops for school and college students, promoting practical learning through hands-on activities.
  • Outreach Programs: ISRO regularly organizes outreach programs to spread awareness about space research and technology among the younger population.

2. Student Satellites

  • Anusat (2009): Built by students of Anna University, this was India’s first student satellite.
  • Student Satellite Program (SSP): Many universities and colleges across India are involved in designing, building, and launching student satellites. Recent examples include satellites from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).

3. Youth Space Organizations and Clubs

  • Indian Youth Space Association (IYSA): A prominent organization dedicated to spreading awareness and education about space sciences among Indian youth. They conduct various programs, webinars, and competitions.
  • Space Kidz India: This organization works to promote space science among young minds and has successfully facilitated the launch of several student satellites. They also organize space camps and tours to NASA.
  • Society for Space Education Research and Development (SSERD): SSERD focuses on promoting space education through workshops, seminars, and internships for students.

4. Competitions and Challenges

  • National Space Science Olympiad (NSSO): Organized for school students to encourage interest in space science and technology.
  • Student Satellite Competitions: Various competitions at the national and international levels where students design and propose satellite missions.
  • Hackathons and Coding Competitions: Events like the Space Apps Challenge by NASA involve Indian students in solving space-related challenges using coding and innovative thinking.

5. Educational Programs and Courses

  • Certificate and Diploma Courses: Various institutions offer certificate and diploma courses in space science and technology for young students.
  • Online Learning Platforms: Several online platforms offer courses related to space science, with content suitable for young learners.

6. Public Engagement and Outreach

  • Planetariums and Space Museums: India has several planetariums and space museums that conduct educational programs and exhibitions to engage young minds in space science.
  • Astronomy Clubs: Many schools and colleges have astronomy clubs that organize sky-watching events, lectures, and competitions to foster an interest in space.

7. International Collaborations

Global Partnerships: Indian students often participate in international space camps, conferences, and student exchange programs, fostering a global perspective on space exploration.

 

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): An Overview

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Indian government, headquartered in Bengaluru. ISRO’s vision is to “harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration.”

Historical Background

Formed in 1969, ISRO replaced the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was established in 1962 through the efforts of independent India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and scientist Vikram Sarabhai. The establishment of ISRO institutionalized space activities in India. It is managed by the Department of Space, which reports directly to the Prime Minister of India.

Satellite and Rocket Programs

  • INSAT and IRS Satellites: ISRO maintains one of the largest fleets of communication satellites (INSAT) and remote sensing (IRS) satellites.
  • Aryabhata: India’s first satellite, built by ISRO and launched by the Soviet Union in 1975.
  • Rohini: The first satellite to be placed in orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle, SLV-3, in 1980.
  • PSLV and GSLV: ISRO developed the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launching satellites into polar orbits and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for placing satellites into geostationary orbits. These rockets have launched numerous communication and earth observation satellites.
  • Navigation Systems: ISRO has deployed satellite navigation systems like GAGAN and IRNSS.
  • Indigenous Cryogenic Engine: Successfully used in January 2014 in a GSLV-D5 launch of the GSAT-14.

Major Missions

  • Chandrayaan-1: India’s first lunar orbiter, launched on October 22, 2008.
  • Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): Successfully entered Mars orbit on September 24, 2014, making India the first nation to succeed on its first attempt. ISRO became the fourth space agency globally and the first in Asia to reach Mars orbit.

Future Plans

ISRO’s plans include:

  • Development of GSLV Mk III for launching heavier satellites.
  • Development of a reusable launch vehicle.
  • Human spaceflight missions.
  • Further lunar exploration and interplanetary probes.
  • Solar spacecraft missions.

Launch Achievements

  • ISRO has conducted 75 spacecraft missions and 46 launch missions.
  • 51 foreign satellites have been launched by ISRO’s launch vehicles.
  • 28 ISRO satellites have been launched by foreign launch vehicles.
  • As of October 2015, ISRO has agreed to launch 23 foreign satellites from nine different countries including Algeria, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and the US.

Recent Highlights

  • PSLV-C37 Mission: On its thirty-ninth flight, the PSLV-C37 launched the 714 kg Cartosat-2 series satellite for earth observation, along with 103 co-passenger satellites weighing about 663 kg into a 505 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). This mission included 101 nano satellites from international partners and two nano satellites from India.
  • South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9): A communication satellite aimed at providing connectivity and disaster support among South Asian countries, launched using the GSLV-F09 on May 5, 2017.
  • Venus Exploration: ISRO has invited proposals from Indian scientists for novel space-based experiments to explore Venus. The proposed satellite’s payload capability is expected to be around 175 kg with 500W of power, with an orbit expected to be around 500 x 60,000 km around Venus.

ISRO’s continued efforts and achievements underscore its pivotal role in advancing space technology for national development and contributing to global space research and exploration.

 

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in India

1. ISRO’s Student Portal

Link: [ISRO for Students](https://www.isro.gov.in/student)

Description: The official ISRO website offers resources, updates on student programs like YUVIKA, and information about various student competitions and initiatives.

2. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

Link: [VSSC](https://www.vssc.gov.in/VSSC/index.php/en/)

Description: VSSC’s website provides insights into ISRO’s space missions, educational resources, and details about various outreach programs.

3. Space Kidz India

Link: [Space Kidz India](https://www.spacekidzindia.in/)

Description: An organization dedicated to promoting space science among young minds through satellite launches, space camps, and international collaborations.

4. Indian Youth Space Association (IYSA)

Link: [IYSA](https://www.indianyouthspace.org/)

Description: A platform for young space enthusiasts in India, offering workshops, webinars, competitions, and networking opportunities with space professionals.

5. Society for Space Education Research and Development (SSERD)

Link: [SSERD](https://www.sserd.org/)

Description: SSERD focuses on spreading space education through various programs, internships, and outreach activities for students.

6. NASA Space Place

Link: [NASA Space Place](https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/)

Description: An educational website by NASA designed for children, offering interactive games, facts, and activities related to space science.

7. National Geographic Kids – Space

Link: [National Geographic Kids  Space](https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/space)

Description: A fun and informative site with articles, videos, and games about space, tailored for young learners.

8. ESA Kids (European Space Agency)

Link: [ESA Kids](http://www.esa.int/kids/en/home)

Description: ESA’s dedicated kids’ site with educational resources, games, and information about space missions and science.

9. Planetarium Websites in India

Description: These sites offer information about planetarium shows, events, and educational programs for students interested in astronomy.

10. Astronomy Clubs and Societies

Description: Websites of astronomy clubs and societies that offer sky-watching events, lectures, and resources for budding astronomers.