Aizawl, August 6, 2024 – The Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC) in collaboration with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated National Space Day (NSpD) with great fervor in Aizawl. This event, marking the inaugural National Space Day, is set to be an annual observance on August 23, commemorating India’s historic lunar landing by Chandrayaan-3.
This year’s theme, “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga,” highlighted the significant impact of space exploration on everyday life. The event was chaired by Mr. Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary of the Planning Department. Dr. Vanlalthlana, Hon’ble Minister of School Education graced the programme as the Chief Guest.
Dr. Vanlalthlana, in his keynote address, underscored the importance of August 23, 2023, when Chandrayaan-3 achieved a successful soft landing on the Moon at Shiv Shakti Point. He lauded this as a monumental triumph for India, showcasing the country’s prowess in space exploration. He also called for nurturing curiosity and knowledge of space technology among the youth, emphasizing that understanding and applying space technology could greatly benefit society, especially in areas like disaster management and environmental monitoring.
Dr. Rekha B. Gogoi from NESAC presented a brief report on the celebration of National Space Day across the North-Eastern States. Dr. Senthil Kumar from ISRO’s URSC, Bangalore, provided an in-depth presentation on the design, launch, orbit, and landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, elaborating on its significance and achievements for India. Mr. H. Lalsawmliana, Member Secretary of MIRSAC, discussed the application of space technology for societal benefits.
A highlight of the event was an engaging quiz competition involving representatives from 25 schools across Mizoram’s districts. This competition aimed to foster a deeper interest in space science and technology among students. The event also featured an interactive Q&A session, where students and attendees could engage directly with experts, enhancing their understanding of space science. The students asked insightful questions about the Chandrayaan-3 mission and the broader applications of space technology for societal development.
The celebration in Aizawl is part of a larger series of events leading up to the main National Space Day celebration on August 23, 2024. Other noteworthy programs during the week-long celebration included talk shows on local channels and All India Radio, contributing to a wider public engagement in space science and technology.
The success of this event underscores the growing interest in space exploration in Mizoram and its potential to inspire future generations in the field of science and technology.
