Mulshi, Pune: Under the ISRO’s Space Tutor Program, Kalam Mashelkar Space and Innovation Lab were inaugurated at Heritage International School in Mulshi near Pune by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, a renowned scientist and former Director-General of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). This is the second space lab in India and the first in Maharashtra. The lab will host various programs on new and emerging technologies such as space lab rocket science, satellite applications, drones, robotics, virtual reality, 3D printing, aircraft, and more.
The initiative was taken by Dr. Pratik Mungekar, Vice-Chancellor, and Scientist, who established the lab to create a platform for students to learn about space and emerging technologies. The lab was established with the perspective of ISRO’s Space Tutor Program, under the Leadership & guidance of Govind Yadav, founder of Vyomica Space Academy.
The Kalam Mashelkar Space and Innovation Lab boasts of scale models of ISRO space launch vehicles such as SLV 3, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV D1, GSLV MK III, and SSLV, along with Chandrayaan 1, Mangalyaan 1 satellite models. The lab has two telescopes installed, through which students will get an opportunity to study various phenomena happening in space. Robot kits, light following kits, Bluetooth control robots, quadcopter drones, and other advanced technologies can also be seen in the laboratory.
During the inauguration, students of the school gave in-depth information about the various technologies in the laboratory and shared detailed information about the various events happening in space. Dr Mashelkar had a heartwarming conversation with the children about the creation of many dignitaries of India. Senior Scientist (ISRO) T. N. Suresh Kumar addressed the students and advised them to go abroad for higher education but do work and service in our own country.
The evening session included a demonstration of remote piloting of small radio-controlled aircraft like Pushpak Yana, Garuda Vimana, Gagan Vimana, and drones developed by Vyomika Space Academy.
School Founder Krishnaji Bhilare, Director Kunal Bhilare, Secretary Sangeeta Bhilare, Administrative Manager of the School, Yashawini Bhilare, Dr. Pratik Mungekar, Principal Renu Patil, Dr. PK Rajput, Retired Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Ravindra Rasal, Education Officer K D Bhujbal, and students and teachers of the school were present during the inauguration.
The Kalam Mashelkar Space and Innovation Lab at Heritage International School, Mulshi, Pune, is a step towards encouraging students in rural areas to explore new and emerging technologies and develop an interest in space sciences.