Governor Dr SC Jamir inaugurated the World Space Week Celebrations-2017 at the KIIT University here on Friday.
The week is being celebrated all over the world from October 4 to 10 to commemorate two events: launch of first human-made satellite Sputnik-1 on October 4, 1957 and signing of the treaty on principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space on October 10, 1967.
This is the first time this important event is being held in Odisha, organised by the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in association with the KIIT University. The theme of the two-day event here is 'Exploring New Worlds in Space'.
Dr Jamir said, “The Indian space programme has had scripted many monumental successes over the years. Today, we rank sixth after the US, Russia, France, Japan and China in the world in the matter of satellite launching into low earth orbit. Satellite technology is playing a big role in our endeavour to realise the vision of a Digital India.”
SDSC Director Dr P Kunhikrishnan said, “Making significant progress after a humble beginning in the 1960s, India has become one the leading countries in the field of space science and satellite technology. Total 62 launch vehicles have lifted off Sriharikota, India’s only ‘Space Port’, including the breakthrough missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. India is the only country to launch a Mars mission first time in the first attempt.”
Dr Kunhikrishnan, who was PSlV Project Director said, “KIIT University and KISS University have been started with a great cause and I salute the founder Prof Achyuta Samanta for this. Benefits of advancements in space science should reach the society, particularly students, and I am happy that KIIT University has taken the initiative.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof Samanta said it was an historic day for KIIT to host the World Space Week celebrations and thanked the SDSC for choosing KIIT for the prestigious event.
The Governor also opened an exhibition that showcases models of different rockets and satellites launched by SHAR and other space science related display materials.