Successful Conclusion of ISRO’s START Programme at USTM

 

 

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, August 8, 2023: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) proudly concludes a triumphant three-week journey with ISRO’s esteemed START programme, culminating on August 7, 2023.

ISRO, India’s premier space agency, designated USTM as a pivotal Nodal Centre for their ground breaking “Space Science and Technology Awareness Training” programme, popularly known as START. This introductory initiative showcased the collaborative efforts of India’s eminent academics and scientists, who delivered comprehensive insights into space science and technology, with a special emphasis on ISRO’s latest pioneering missions.

The concluding session commenced with a compelling address by Dr. R. P. Singh, Hon’ble Director of the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), a constituent of ISRO. Dr. Singh expressed profound gratitude to ISRO for orchestrating a resounding success and underscored the significance of knowledge exchange among students hailing from diverse corners of the nation. He advocated prototype development as a means of fostering engagement for ISRO’s upcoming space odysseys.

Dr. T. P. Das, Hon’ble Director of the Scientific Programme Office at ISRO Headquarters, embraced this proposal with enthusiasm and confirmed plans for an advanced iteration of the programme.

In this context, Dr. Nitu Borgohain, Coordinator of ISRO’s START Nodal Centre at USTM, stated that during the feedback session, he highlighted the need for an offline programme dedicated to small or mini satellite development for ISRO. He also proposed linking the programme to the MOOCs platform, offering students an opportunity to earn valuable credits. The session’s closure was marked by heartfelt gratitude extended by Dr. K. Praveen Kumar from ISRO Headquarters to all participants.

The all-encompassing START programme delved into diverse domains of space science, including Astronomy & Astrophysics, Heliophysics & Sun-Earth Interaction, Instrumentation, and Aeronomy. This intellectually enriching experience was orchestrated by experts from esteemed Indian academia and various ISRO centers.

USTM stands as the sole centre in the northeastern region chosen by ISRO to conduct the START programme, which facilitated the vibrant involvement of postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students in pioneering space science and technology research. Enthusiastic students from the region eagerly participated in this free-of-cost, three-week digital programme following their online registration.