The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has outlined plans for a year-long centenary programme to pay tribute to its founding father and space pioneer, Vikram Sarabhai. This initiative will include the launch of a dedicated television channel, the naming of the first Indian moon landing spacecraft, and a range of educational initiatives.
Vikram Sarabhai: A Founding Father of Indian Space
Born August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, India, Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai was an influential physicist and industrialist who spearheaded space research and nuclear power development in his homeland. He established the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad in 1947, a precursor to the ISRO. Following the passing of physicist Homi Bhabha in 1966, Sarabhai took up the post of chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India. His contributions to science and technology earned him two of India’s highest honours – the Padma Bhushan in 1966, and the Padma Vibhushan, awarded posthumously in 1972.
Tribute through the Naming of Chandrayana-2’s Spacecraft
As part of their planned homage to Sarabhai, ISRO has decided to name the first Indian moon landing spacecraft of the Chandrayana-2 mission ‘Vikram’. This mission is scheduled for takeoff in January 2019, lending significant weight to the importance of this tribute to the visionary scientist.
Education and Capacity Building Initiatives
ISRO Chief, Dr Kailasavadivoo Sivan, detailed plans for ISRO to launch capacity building programmes targeted at students from 8th to 10th grade. The aim is to nurture a scientific temperament among them. To facilitate this, ISRO will organize training camps spanning 25 to 30 days. During this period, students will have the opportunity to visit the laboratory and contribute to making their small satellite.
Integrating Startups in Space Technology
In a bid to foster innovation, ISRO is planning to establish six incubation centres across India. These centres will serve as a platform for startups with pioneering ideas in space technology. Concurrently, Technology cells will be set up to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Remote Education through a Dedicated TV Channel
ISRO’s tribute to Sarabhai extends to promoting awareness and education about space applications and scientific issues. To this end, they plan to roll out a dedicated television channel. This initiative aims to reach and educate youngsters living in remote parts of India.
Through these initiatives, it’s clear that ISRO isn’t just honouring Sarabhai’s legacy, but is taking active steps to continue his work in fostering space exploration, scientific curiosity, and technological advancement.
