Finding space for a challenging career

Kochi: Space science offers many challenges and prospects for students but not many are aware of them. Only by creating awareness on the vast possibilities in the field can students be attracted to it, G Madhavan Nair, Chairman, High Powered Committee-National Civil Aircraft Development and former chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation, said at a press meet on Thursday.

The meet was held in connection with the launch of the Space Science Museum at Science Park in Kakkanad on Saturday. Former President A P J Abdul Kalam will launch the museum, an initiative of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation; at 3 p.m. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will preside over the function.

Students should learn and understand the talent, dedication and hard work of the scientists of yore and their achievements and discoveries that helped raise the quality of life. They should also be aware of the present state of affairs, the research and new developments and have a vision of the future, he said.  The Science Park will be designed for discovering the new world, he said.

The Space Science Museum will be developed and will have pavilions of history of science, exhibits and artifacts, interactive science kiosks, science play centres, animation theatre, amphitheatre and the like.

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The museum will be an ideal platform for students to conduct experiments, make sculptures and consolidate them. Though there are space museums in many places, this will be a comprehensive one. The Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and major industries would offer support. A huge investment is required for developing it, especially for the equipment, he said.

"It will take at least a year for it to be full-fledged" he said. Now a model of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle has been erected on the premises.

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"I was inspired by National Aeronautics Space Administration where children are exposed to all aspects of space science at a young age. I wanted the students of Kerala too to get an opportunity to know more about space science," said Indira Rajan, chief executive office, Space Science Museum and general secretary, Kerala Central Board of Secondary Education Managements Association.

Princess Aswathy Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bhai, Union Minister K V Thomas, P C Chacko MP, Education Minister Abdu Rabb, Excise Minister K Babu will be present.  MLAs and District Collector Sheik Pareeth will also be present.