Aravind's Blog

Phase 1:

Arranging a space exhibition show-casing ISRO technologies, its capabilities and its future plans to the general public especially targeting students and teachers. This shall be conducted in one or two universities in a major city targeting more school and college students. Bangalore shall be a good option to reach more students with higher interest as well as due to higher regional influence of space industry. This exhibition relates to display of ISRO space technologies with not limited to mock-ups of Chandrayaan-1, GSLV, PSLV but also encouraging regional schools to display their posters, drawings (e.g. innovative lunar habitat designs), a LEGO rover competition for college students which would pick the most number of stones. The exhibition shall be conducted for a period of two days with support from ISRO and NAL.

Initial steps to be taken:

• ISRO, Bangalore and VSSC, Trivandrum to be approached by SEDS-India Chapter. Main contacts shall be asked for ISRO’s contribution.
• The Publications and Public Relation Division should be contacted for booklets of Chandrayaan-I (and possibly Chandrayaan-II), launchers etc.
• In addition sponsorships from industrial sources such as private companies for display of their banners or logo, in regions of this exhibitions.
• Point of contact (for ISRO) in SEDS Chapter to be arranged.

 Separate SEDS Chapter entitled “Destination Moon” is a good option for discussion from now on.

Phase 2:

Developing an “encyclopedia” of lunar and astronomical images with mainly pictures and short notes for school children. The pictures may be from Apollo era of the moon when astronauts walked on the surface to pictures of the universe especially, bright astronomy pictures of the galaxy which would attract young students. It would contain small notes on the bottom of the pictures to answer questions such as what is the object in the picture, why do you like it, and draw it yourself. The books can be supplied to teachers, parents for educating the children or even the students itself (depending on the availability). Small prize awards for knowledgeable can also be arranged in the meantime based on a suitable criteria.

Phase 3:

Workshops in schools and colleges on a suitable theme on lunar exploration (shall be discussed later).

Phase 4:

A student competition to be held (entirely online) in cooperation with ISRO, for selecting a student to participate in SEDSIC 2008 in the lunar rover competition. Since, this conference is held outside India, it is important to arrange participation of one or two Indian students. The prize money shall be a travel trip to Glasgow and back. Competition details and rules should be discussed. Then it shall be published on online forum or even the media (newspapers) to allow participation of students from across the country.

 [Note: Phase 2, 3 and 4 of this project shall be completed in any order]

A potential space outreach program to achieve the much needed space education for the young explorers of this generation!

I wonder how far students (in colleges and schools) in India may be aware of the space programmes currently in progress by ISRO. Many students with a background in aeronautics and aerospace would not have known that India is planning an orbiter mission to the moon in April 2008, a lunar rover in 2012 and a human mission by 2014! Sadly, the young generation consisting of students from the community are not even aware of the potentials of such lunar and other planetary exploration endeavours. It is, therefore, important to arouse the curiosity of young minds by exploring the benefits of space education, outreach through media, online forums etc.

As an young engineer now in Germany, I would like to target students, teachers in several educational institutions. The project called "Destination Moon" is a good opportunity to involve as a group of active youth and send message to the above targets on: why are we exploring the moon, why humans go to the moon; what are its benefits. I would like to implement this programme in India by organising a group of individuals who would like to participate with me. The initial steps for this project would include, but not limited to:

1) Holding Space exhibitions/Space shows in Indian schools and colleges
2) Holding 1 or 2 day workshops in schools
3) Develop books and other material for teachers and parents (comprising of pictures that would stimulate interest)
4) Develop an online forum for discussion on the on-going developments of this project

Before I proceed with the initial steps, I would like to conduct a short survey on your level of interest and would like to have your suggestions on the following questions:

1) Are you interested in promoting awareness to school and college students (in the context of space exploration)?
2) If 'Yes', in what ways would you like to involve in?
    (conduct on-site workshops, exhibitions in schools, participation in online web-discussions)
3) What is your internet access frequency?
    (daily, once a week, once a month, never)

This project which would follow in the next few months and is completely voluntary! Just post your comments below or send me a short reply to the above questions  to my email aravindseeni@hotmail.com. Other suggestions are also most welcome. If you are interested, I would definitely get back to you soon. I'd also contact a few more international parties (space agencies, space researchers etc.) for potential funding as well.