At a brief function organised this afternoon (May 31, 2002) in Bangalore, Dr K Kasturirangan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation, released a book "Concepts in Space Science", edited by Prof R R Daniel. Dr H Narasimhaiah, President, National Education Society, presided over the book release function.

The publication of the book was supported by ISRO as part of its effort to popularize Space Science, especially, among the student community. The book is targeted at students of 11th and 12th standard and undergraduate level. The articles for the book have been contributed by eminent scientists both in India and abroad. The book has been written in a simple language and style. It is a unique book that covers a variety of topics. It starts with the chapter `Space -- The Exciting Scientific Frontier' authored by Prof R R Daniel and Dr B V Sreekantan. The other topics bring out the stunning discoveries made in space sciences, especially, in the last century, and the opportunities and challenges it holds for the future. It conveys to the readers the excitement of conducting scientific research in space environment in varied disciplines like earth observation, solar systems, stars and galaxies, material science, human physiology in micro-gravity, astro-bilology and extra-terrestrial life. Each one of the topics is dealt with in such a way as to kindle the interest of the readers. The book also has several illustrations including colour pictures.

The editor, Prof R R Daniel is a physicist having researched in cosmic rays and high energy astronomy. He did his research at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and, later, he was the Scientific Secretary of International Council of Scientific Union (ICSU) Committee on Science and Technology in Developing Countries. He was the first Chairman of the ISRO's Advisory Committee on Space Science and a member of the international Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Bureau. He was also the first Chairman of the National Committee for the International Geosphere, Biosphere Programme (IGBP). He was conferred Padma Bhushan in 1992 by the Government of India.

The book `Concepts in Space Science' has been published by the Universities Press and distributed by the Orient Longman Private Limited.