NEW DELHI: December wrapped up the year with a celestial flourish, hosting a series of astronomical events. It commenced on December 5, 2023, with a master class, "Voyage to the Cosmos," held at The American Center in Delhi, conducted in collaboration with SPACE India. Sam Gibbs, an Amateur Astronomer and Informal Science Educator, took the stage as the speaker. This captivating session not only inspired science enthusiasts but also facilitated stronger ties between India and the United States. The master class acquainted attendees with a sequence of revelations, each unveiling remarkable cosmic truths.
“The move towards privatizing space ventures seems inevitable, right? It's like the starting point for us to get things rolling. Bringing together the brightest minds from all corners—it's the way to unlock that ingenious potential. I mean, think about it: merging the heights of science with our everyday reality—it's pretty incredible.
India's achievements in space science and astronomy deserve a standing ovation, don't you think? They've carved out their path to success in this field.
And let's talk about SPACE India. What they're doing is crucial. They're not just doing a job; they're sparking something in the younger generation. It's about keeping that curiosity alive, not just for a moment but for a lifetime. They're planting those seeds for the future.”
~ Sam Gibbs
On December 7, 2023, the educational session "Lift-off: An interactive workshop on space exploration" took place at the Nehru Planetarium in Delhi, led by Mr. Vikrant Narang, CTO of SPACE India. This session delved into the intricacies of the Gaganyaan space mission, shedding light on its complexities and resolving ambiguities. It marked a significant step in organizing events that offer profound insights. Following this enlightening session, students engaged in hydro-rocketry demonstrations.
SPACE India conducted The Kalpana Chawla Debate Competition (KCDC) in collaboration with Queen’s Valley School, Dwarka, Delhi. It wrapped up a series of events and was open to students from grades 6 to 9 exclusively for schools associated with SPACE India. The debate centred on "The Militarisation and Weaponisation of Space: Should these be part of modern warfare?" Three judges from Astronomy, Journalism, and Management backgrounds—Mr. Akash (Director/CTO, The Pie Matrix), Miss. Sugam (Assistant Editor, Tv9), and Mr Neil Mehta (Investment Banker) respectively—graced the occasion.
The event addressed the need and ethical considerations of using military assets in space, stressing the importance of global agreements to manage potential risks. Discussions covered global security, tech progress, and ethical responsibilities in employing space for military ends. The participation was vast, spread across three rounds: an online Round 1, followed by students presenting their views onstage in Round 2, and culminating in a Q&A Round 3 where judges asked questions and students delivered coherent viewpoints on the topic.
The recent events showcased SPACE India's commitment to promoting space education and exploration through engaging workshops, debates, and educational sessions, solidifying its role in nurturing curiosity and inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.