Mysuru: The Department of Science of MICA PU College hosted an information exchange session by C.D. Prasad, retd. Scientist and Engineer, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), as a part of the guest lecture series under its MIST programme at the College premises recently.

The session captivated the students’ attention with information on INCOSPAR Club started by Vikram Sarabhai before setting up ISRO, ISSAC, APPLE, GSLV, PSLV, FRP, MoM, Chandrayaan-1, Chandraayan-2.

The session also covered the history of ISRO’s unit in Trivandrum where the speaker worked, HAL, Aryabhatta and Rohini 75 (RS75), satellites and their various uses. 

Prasad also shared with the students, the journey of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and why he is called the Missile Man of India.  

An account of ISRO being a revenue source for the nation was discussed with the audience. The session had some interesting videos of India’s Space achievements. Information on career opportunities in ISRO, Government support and scholarships were shared with the students. The students had various doubts and questions which were patiently answered by the speaker. 

He assured them that the debris left in Space by the launching of rockets and satellites will be cleaned out as India is planning to set up a Space Station and send robots to Space to execute the task. 

The students were curious about the need to use gold foil on the outer layer of the satellites, to which Prasad explained that it is used in order to protect the satellite from harmful radiations of the Sun. He also shared and explained a few facts and information about Chandrayaan-2 which has made the students to keep up with the news regarding India’s attempt at moon-landing.