KAMP’s NASTA Toppers and Officials participated in a Scientific Excursion at the ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). There were about 25 Topper Students accompanied by their parents for this excursion.

During this visit, they all witnessed the progressive journey of the Indian Space Research and Organization. The space museum premises showcase a full-scale model of the Polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV), its heat shield and the fourth stage solid motor of ASLV. The scaled-down models of launch vehicles PSLV, GSLV, GSLV Mk III and ATV are also erected on Space Museum premises.

Additionally, there was a film show/documentary that provided detailed information about the Indian Space Program from its Infancy. Information about the history, evolution, current scenario and future road map of ISRO, is described using static models, working models and information panels. Overall, the introductory area beautifully projected the history and working motto of the Indian space program.

The students also observed the evolution of Indian satellites and their applications starting from Aryabhatta (the first Indian satellite), the experimental and operational launch vehicles of India, rocket propulsions, and aerospace structures along with navigation, guidance and control systems.

The purpose of this Scientific Excursion was to enable students to explore, engage, experience and enjoy.

 More details about the VSSC Space museum

The VSSC Space museum is located in a majestic church building, formerly known as the St Magdalene Church (until the 1960s). This place is considered the birthplace of the Indian Space Programme. It was in this church the first rocket systems were assembled and integrated. The building assumed multifaceted roles at the beginning of ISRO by acting as the first lab and as the main office for scientists in the early days. The Bishop House, forming part of the church, functioned at that time as the office of the Director, TERLS.

As the scientific activities gathered momentum, new projects came up, which necessitated the construction of new buildings. The first in the line was the Control Centre and then the R&D complex on the Veli Hills, all of which relegated the church building into the background. But the good old church refused to go into oblivion! It sprang back to life with renewed vigour. It was converted into a photographic facility, this time as the official chronicler of the Indian Space Programme. In 1985, the church was converted into the VSSC Space Museum, which showcases the history and achievements of the Indian Space Programme.

One of the chief attractions of VSSC Space Museum is that it houses the original recovered capsule of the Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1) – the actual module which has returned to earth after a few days in orbit. The models of space science and exploration missions are also there in addition to the future launch vehicles like SSLV, RLV and Human-rated GSLV Mk III in the concluding section. A theatre which projects a video show regarding the successful pathway of ISRO en-lightens the visitors on the significance of ISRO in their daily activities.