Kota

Models of Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, replicas of rockets and rovers, and ISRO’s Space Science Bus are drawing students in large numbers to a three-day space exhibition at Rajasthan Technical University (RTU) here.

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition, running from December 1-3, is organised in collaboration with ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad. The event offers film screenings, mission displays, and opportunities for students to interact directly with ISRO scientists, providing an immersive learning experience.

On the opening day, 688 students from 14 schools visited the exhibition. Key attractions include ISRO’s Space Science Bus, models of Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, launch pads, radar systems, and various satellite technologies. Multiple halls showcase replicas of rockets, rovers, and mission components, alongside documentaries highlighting India’s space capabilities.

Kota South MLA Sandeep Sharma inaugurated the event, with RTU Vice Chancellor Prof. Nimit Chaudhary presiding. ISRO scientists Neha Gaur Mishra and Dr. S P Vyas, along with Prof. Dinesh Birla and Registrar Bhavna Sharma, were present as Guests of Honour.

Sharma lauded India’s growing global stature in space research, noting the significance of recent lunar landings. Dr. Vyas traced ISRO’s journey from its early days to Chandrayaan-3 and ongoing preparations for Chandrayaan-4 and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission in 2028.

Highlighting India’s cost-effective scientific progress, Vyas said ISRO achieves landmark successes with a 10-year budget comparable to NASA’s single-year budget. He also underscored ISRO’s contributions beyond lunar and Mars missions, including satellites supporting agriculture, mineral discovery, disaster management, water resource mapping, and environmental monitoring.

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Vice Chancellor Chaudhary said the exhibition aims to inspire young students and expose them to India’s expanding space research landscape.