The display of replicas of satellite launch vehicles and satellites by the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) of the Indian Space Research Organisation here on Monday enabled hundreds of students to understand ISRO’s space operations and missions.
The SDSC’s exhibition wing, led by Engineer-C A. Rajasekhar, is conducting a two-day exhibition at the Hindu College grounds as a part of a two-day cultural festival, Machilipatnam Yuva Keratalu, organised by the Kollu Foundation.
The replicas of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), GSLV MK III etc. are on display, educating the visitors about India’s space technology in putting the satellites into the orbit since 1960s.
Photo gallery
In the category of satellite, the replicas of Chandrayaan, SCATSAT, ASTROSAT, a multi-wavelength space observatory and other satellites are on display. The photo gallery shows the Launch Pad I and II which was recently developed at the SDSC, apart from providing information regarding the achievements of ISRO in various space missions.
Selfie gallery turned out to be a big attraction, where many posed as an astronaut using a photo stand-in arranged there along side the portrait of astronaut Sunita Williams.
‘Distracting sound’
Mr. Rajasekhar told The Hindu that his team could not interact with visitors properly due to the blaring sound system installed for cultural events on the grounds.
“We have not been able to properly explain the visitors about the space programmes and other details of our show,” the ISRO official said.
The exhibition will also be open on Tuesday.
Skating rink
Addressing the gathering of students, Law and Sports Minister K. Ravindra announced that a skating rink would be developed by spending ₹1.3 crore at Bhaskarapuram in Machilipatnam. The Minister also announced that a mini stadium under construction was expected to be opened by next year.
Thousands of students thronged the festival and participated in various academic and cultural events organised for them..