A hundred bright young minds, hailing from all eight northeastern states, embarked on an enlightening two-day journey to key Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) centres in Bengaluru on June 26 and 27. This immersive experience was part of the North East Students’ Programme for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space (NE-SPARKS), a commendable initiative backed by the North Eastern Council, designed to ignite scientific curiosity amongst the region’s burgeoning talent.
The eager delegation commenced their exploration at ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) on the inaugural day, delving into the intricate world of satellite tracking and command operations. The following day saw them venture into the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) and the Satellite Integration and Test Establishment (ISITE), gaining an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process of spacecraft integration and real-time mission management – a truly rare opportunity for these young scholars.
Adding to the wonder, the students were treated to exclusive visuals from the monumental Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, offering a glimpse into India’s remarkable strides in space exploration. A captivating space exhibition further enriched their visit, showcasing intricate scaled models of satellites and detailed displays elucidating complex space systems and cutting-edge technologies.
This two-day immersion is but a segment of a much larger vision, aiming to foster a deep-seated scientific temperament among school students from the northeast by connecting them with the tangible applications of space science and technology. The ambitious programme plans to benefit a grand total of 800 students, with 100 participants from each northeastern state, marking this as the second such inspiring visit under the NE-SPARKS umbrella.
ISRO officials went above and beyond, engaging directly with the inquisitive students through meticulously guided tours and vibrant interactive sessions. They patiently answered a myriad of questions, demystifying the complex engineering marvels behind India’s celebrated space achievements. Organisers expressed their fervent hope that such exposure would serve as a powerful catalyst, inspiring these young individuals to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields, particularly in the fascinating realms of space research and aerospace engineering.
Looking ahead, future batches of students are set to benefit from this remarkable programme, with coordination efforts being meticulously planned alongside state governments and educational institutions to ensure wider reach and participation, truly making a stellar impact across the northeast.