Periya: India’s indigenous space station, the Bharatiya Anthareeksh Station, will become a reality by 2035, said ISRO scientist and CASG Group Director Dr B Biju Prasad. He was inaugurating the National Space Day celebrations and space exhibition organised under the aegis of ISRO at Periye Navodaya Vidyalaya.

“Though India entered the field of space research later than many others, we have bridged that gap with remarkable achievements. Dream projects like Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan have brought us global recognition. Our upcoming missions to Venus and Gaganyaan are the next milestones,” he said.

Navodaya Vidyalaya Principal Dr K Sajeevan presided over the function. VSSC scientist V Rajesh, LPSC Deputy Project Director Kiran Mohan, scientists Dr P Sreelatha and K S Nidheesh, Periye Central University Student Welfare Dean Dr Rajendra Pilankatta, Department of Genomic Science Professor Dr V B Sameer Kumar, former Mahi Navodaya Vidyalaya Principal Dr K O Ratnakaran and Periye Navodaya Vidyalaya Vice-Principal K V Ravikumar also spoke on the occasion.

Space exhibition draws excitement
The space exhibition organised by ISRO at Periye Navodaya Vidyalaya offered students a glimpse into India’s journey from its very first satellite Aryabhata, launched with Russian assistance on April 19, 1975, to the country’s latest manned mission project Gaganyaan.

One of the major attractions was the display of rocket models powered by solid, liquid, and cryogenic fuels. Other highlights included models of Aditya-L1, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Kalpana-1, PSLV, GSLV, and various rocket engines, making the exhibition a living textbook for young science enthusiasts.

High flying Ayushman...!
3...2...1... As the countdown ended, a roar of excitement rose from the students when the ‘rocket’ lifted off from the makeshift launch station set up on the school’s basketball court.

The water rocket launch, conducted as part of the exhibition, sparked immense curiosity among students. The miniature model, Ayushman-1, crafted from a plastic soft drink bottle, was launched with the support of VSSC scientists to nurture scientific awareness. Powered by water and pressure, the rocket soared nearly 30 metres into the air, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

Students and teachers from nearby schools thronged the venue, making the first-ever ISRO-organised space exhibition in Periye a grand success. The exhibition, which continues today, is also open to the public.