Elucidating on the importance of space exploration and research, Satish Dhawan Space Centre — Sriharikota High Altitude Range (SDSC-SHAR) Director M.Y.S. Prasad said developments in the field have come a long way, owing to the work done by scientists and that a proper ‘scientific outlook’ was essential for the country’s progress.
Interacting with an enthusiastic crowd during the valedictory session of ‘World Space Week’ celebrations at Regional Science Centre-Tirupati (RSCT) here on Friday, Dr. Prasad spoke on the role played by satellites, in the current context, highlighting the concepts through simple examples, to drive the point home.
He spoke on the origins of the ‘World Space Week’ and the reason behind its observance.
“The event, which is celebrated from October 4-10, was declared as an annual event by the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 1999.
The dates commemorate the launch of first satellite by man — Sputnik 1 (October 4) and the signing of ‘Outer Space Treaty’ (October 10),” he said. Mr. Prasad said that PSLV-C26, carrying the third navigation satellite and Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS-1C), would be launched on October 16 at 1.32 a.m. at the space centre in Sriharikota.
He urged the students to strengthen their concepts in fundamental subjects — mathematics, physics and astronomy — to be a part of the space research and exploration in the future.
He later distributed prizes to the winners of several events held during the space week celebrations. SDSC-SHAR Senior Scientists K. Adisesha Reddy and Vijaya Sarathi, Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College Professor P.V. Ranganayakulu, RSCT Project Coordinator R. Manigandan and several others took part.
