Press Information Bureau

National Space Day recognizes significant achievements in space exploration and highlights advancements in space technology. The day is dedicated to inspiring future generations by generating interest in space science and technology among students and providing them with role models.

Furthermore, National Space Day enhances public awareness of the importance and benefits of space exploration, promoting national pride and unity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of space exploration on our lives and the need for continued support and progress in this essential field.

  1. Official Ceremonies and Presentations at Bharat MandapaTop of Form

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 A grand event at Bharat Mandapam will celebrate National Space Day with a series of high-profile sessions, engaging panel discussions, significant announcements, and a vibrant cultural program.

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The Space Day-2024 event starts with a VVIP tour of space exhibits and demonstrations from ministries, industries, startups, academia, and DOS. Highlights include a video on National Space Day, a brief by the Secretary of DOS/Chairman of ISRO, and an address from the Hon’ble Minister of State (Space). The VVIP will announce the winners of the ISRO Robotics Challenge and Hackathon, present awards, and receive a memento and plaque before delivering their speech.

The event continues with addresses from the Chairman of ISRO and the Chairman of IN-SPACe, a report on the socio-economic impact of the Indian space program, and a keynote speech. Panel discussions will explore various topics, including space-enabled governance, solutions, future roadmaps, collaborative ventures, and academia’s role in space. Private companies will showcase their achievements, followed by exhibit visits and a cultural program featuring a Chandrayaan-3 film and dance performance.

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This project involves mobile exhibition buses that will travel to various universities and colleges during National Space Day celebrations. On January 24, 2023, ISRO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a prominent science organisation Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), which is dedicated to promoting scientific knowledge and awareness, to collaborate on a unique initiative called “Space on Wheels.”

The primary goal of this initiative is to disseminate information about ISRO’s activities and India’s space missions to school students across all states of India. This collaboration represents a joint effort between VIBHA and ISRO to enhance public understanding of space science and foster greater interest in space exploration.

 "Space on Wheels" Objectives 

Showcasing ISRO’s Achievements: The event highlights ISRO’s capabilities in deploying rockets, satellites, and their applications, demonstrating India’s commitment to scientific development.

Educational Outreach: ‘Space on Wheels’ travels to schools and public places, engaging a wide audience, including students and the general public, to educate them about space science and technology.

Exhibit Features: The exhibition will showcase detailed models of the first two launch pads, highlight the Chandrayaan-1 mission and the Indian Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), and display technological applications like Indian remote sensing and satellite communication. Additionally, artistic depictions of the Moon’s surface and the Chandrayaan-II spacecraft will creatively illustrate India’s lunar exploration achievements.

Engaging the Public: The initiative aims to inspire and inform through interactive displays and hands-on experiences

Source: https://www.isro.gov.in/SpaceOnWheelsGallery.html

3.ISRO Space Tutors: Engaging and Educating 

Space Tutors are educators and mentors registered with ISRO who are dedicated to advancing space science and technology education. They play a crucial role in engaging students and the public through various outreach activities. In response to the evolving educational landscape, ISRO is committed to disseminating enriched knowledge in the space domain.

To support this, numerous NGOs and educational institutions have developed frameworks that encourage students to register and explore space science and technology. These frameworks include educational modules with books and lab work that complement regular classroom learning. Additionally, digital content creators and online educators use social media and mobile applications to offer virtual learning experiences.

ISRO's 120 registered Space Tutors will organize outreach events such as talks, quizzes, and exhibitions across the country, aiming to promote space education and raise awareness about space activities and applications. They will receive support through promotional materials to enhance their efforts in fostering scientific curiosity and innovative thinking among students.

  4. Bharathiya Antariksh Hackathon     

Organized by ISRO, the national-level hackathon will present students with various problem statements, encouraging them to develop creative solutions. Teams will be shortlisted based on their responses to compete in the finale at selected centres.

Source: https://isro.hack2skill.com/2024/

Exceptional students from the finale will be offered internships at ISRO centres. The top three winners of the hackathon will have the opportunity to showcase their applications during the National Space Day celebrations on August 23, 2024.

ISRO Robotics Challenge        

The ISRO Robotics Challenge 2024 was launched on November 8, 2023, with an extended period for registration and proposal submissions. Following team selections and the release of competition details, participants showcased their hardware and rover functionality through video submissions and design reports.

With the tagline “Let’s Build a Space Robot,” this challenge offers students a chance to engage in space robotics. Teams from institutions are tasked with creating robots for an extraterrestrial-inspired arena, addressing real-world space robotics challenges.

Source: https://www.ursc.gov.in/IRoC-U2024/

The competition featured live demonstrations, leading to up to ten teams advancing to the Field Round. After an Operation Readiness Review, the main competition is scheduled for August 5 and 6, 2024, with the awards ceremony on National Space Day, August 23, 2024.

 ISRO Robotics Challenge: Objectives  

To provide a standardised platform for exploring the area of space robotics

To develop a deeper understanding of space robotics and its applications among the student community. It enhances their communication, collaboration, inquiry, problem- solving and flexibility skills which will benefit them in their academic and professional lives.

To co-develop (students and ISRO) future technologies needed in the area of space robotics.

Conclusion      

The National Space Day 2024 campaign aims to not only commemorate India's achievements in space but also to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars. Join us in celebrating and exploring the wonders of space throughout August.