State Government Initiative to Provide Youth with Cutting-Edge Space Technology Training

Lucknow: The Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, operating under the Council of Science and Technology, Uttar Pradesh, has been officially recognized as an Outreach Nodal Network Institution by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun, under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). With this recognition, the planetarium is now formally integrated into ISRO’s national outreach program network. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the fields of science, technology, and space education in Uttar Pradesh. The planetarium will now conduct courses and training programs on astrophysics, remote sensing, GIS, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), photometry, and other related applications.

Principal Secretary (Department of Science and Technology) and Director General, Council of Science and Technology, Uttar Pradesh, IAS Pandhari Yadav, commenting on the achievement, stated that the recognition of Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, is a testament to the growing scientific ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh. It will foster greater interest among students in space science and technological research, while promoting scientific innovation in the state.

Special Secretary (Department of Science and Technology), IAS  Sheeldhar Singh Yadav, said that the inclusion of Indira Gandhi Planetarium in the ISRO-IIRS outreach network aligns with the council’s objective of promoting science, innovation, and scientific awareness across the state.

Dr. Sumit Kumar Srivastava, Scientist and Media In-Charge, stated that it is a matter of pride for Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, to be associated with the prestigious IIRS network of ISRO. This will enable students and researchers to gain familiarity with advanced technologies and contribute to India’s space missions. Interested students and the general public can contact the planetarium to participate in free online training programs.The Indira Gandhi Planetarium has commenced registration for IIRS-ISRO online training programs, and upon successful completion, participants will receive an e-certificate from IIRS-ISRO. This collaboration is a crucial step toward strengthening space-based education, remote sensing, and GIS applications in Uttar Pradesh.