Space Programme Publicity

OS makes efforts to create awareness among the general public about the progress made under the Indian space programme including the benefits that have accrued from the programme to the society. Media campaigns on important events, organisation of exhibitions, publications, educational activities like lectures, interactive sessions with students and quiz programmes, etc, have helped in not only keeping the public abreast of the space programme but also to evoke interest in them on the nuances of space science and technology.

Publicity Through Media
On the eve of GSLV-F02/INSAT-4C mission on July 10, 2006, the media from Chennai, Nellore and Tirupati as well as Sullurpetta in Nellore district were taken to Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, to witness the launch. The electronic media were provided with video feed of the final countdown and launch events. Doordarshan as well as major national and regional private TV channels carried the event live. Background material was provided to the press and post launch press conference was held to brief the media on the GSLV-F02 mission.

Out-door broadcast vans of electronic media for live coverage of GSLV-F02 launch.

All the leading newspapers covered the event and many newspapers carried encouraging editorials on the launch in spite of the unsuccessful mission.

Similar arrangements were made for PSLV-C7 mission carrying four satellites on board – India’s CARTOSAT-2 and SRE-1, Indonesia’s LAPAN-TUBSAT and Argentina’s PEHUENSAT-1 in January 2007. The event was covered well by electronic and print media. The event was telecast live by Doordarshan and several private television agencies used the live feed in their newscasts. A special video capsule was produced on SRE-1 which was telecast by Doordarshan on the day of its reentry.

Besides media coverage on specific events of importance, several articles have appeared in various national newspapers and magazines about the Indian space programme. This apart, many news agencies, newspapers and TV channels from abroad including those from Japan, Germany and Korea made and telecast programmes highlighting the success of the Indian Space Programme. Additionally, twelve 15 minute video capsules in Hindi highlighting mainly on the societal aspects of the Indian Space Programme were made and telecast in Doordarshan. Video capsules in English and vernacular were also made on special commemorative occasions like anniversaries.

As part of familiarising the media on nuances of space technology, media teams from Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram were taken to SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota to see the preparations for launch of GSLV-F02 and PSLV-C7 respectively.

Exhibitions
During the year, DOS organised 23 exhibitions at important public congregations like cultural festivals, national and international conferences and trade fairs and events at academic institutions. Exhibitions were also organised in association with NGOs like Rotary Club in various places. Along with these exhibitions, events like space quiz and space seminars were organised in Gwalior and Kolkota.

Students at ISAC exhibition during National Science Day

An exhibition “India in Space” was a major attraction at the 57th International Astronautical Congress at Valencia, Spain in October 2006. DOS pavilion at the Hanover Trade Fair was adjudged as the best among the Indian Public Sector and Governamental pavilions. DOS also participated in 36th COSPAR Exhibition at Beijing, China.

The permanent exhibitions at VSSC, SAC and ISAC continued to attract a number of visitors. The Space Museum at VSSC has been refurbished to make it more attractive and educative for the visiting public.

Models of spacecraft and launch vehicles as well as displays were provided to various schools and colleges on loan basis for display during science exhibitions organised by these institutions. Besides, models and displays on Indian space programme have been donated to a few exhibitions and museums.

Students exhibiting ISRO models at a school exhibition

Publications
Publication of the quarterly journal Space India both in Hindi and English has continued to keep the public aware of the progress on the Indian space programme. Private authors are also being encouraged to publish books on space programme. Publicity materials such as posters, stickers, paper models, etc., have been brought out during the year on important events.

ISRO pavilion at Aero-India 2007

General
The World Space Week was celebrated with great enthusiasm in DOS Centres during October 4-10, 2006. The programmes at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram, included space quiz, debates, special lectures, video shows and media workshops. A special exhibition “India in Space” was organised at Kochi in Kerala. At ISAC, Bangalore special lectures were organised. Essay competition for college students and space model making for school students and special public lectures were also part of the World Space Week at SAC. SDSC SHAR had organised meetings between technologists and the employees, student programmes like essay writing, debate and painting and a panel discussion on space programme for a television channel. MCF, Hassan arranged public lectures, “Face-to-Face” programmes, model-making and elocution competitions for students and special lectures.
On the National Science Day on February 28, DOS Centres observed open house wherein the visitors were allowed to see the Centres. Several competitions like essay writing, painting, quiz, model making, etc., were also organised.

Painting competition for students during World Space Week celebration

The information on the Indian space programme is available to public through ISRO website www.isro.gov.in. The Website also provides the contents of the DOS Annual Report, Space India, Press releases, etc.