Bhubaneswar: Thirty young talents from Odisha have begun a four-day educational journey to ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh for hands-on exposure to India’s cutting-edge space research and launch capabilities.
The educational tour was flagged off by Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra at Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
The 30 children are the winners of the 19th edition of Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS), a flagship programme jointly organised by Tata Steel and the Pathani Samanta Planetarium (PSP), under the Odisha Science and Technology Department. The visit is scheduled from May 26 to May 29.
Accompanied by teachers and officials, the students will explore key facilities at the SDSC. They are expected to learn about India’s space missions, launch vehicle technologies, satellite systems, and tracking operations, turning theoretical knowledge into real-world inspiration.
First-Time Visit to Sriharikota
“For the first time YATS winners are getting a chance to visit ISRO’s facility at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. This exposure visit will enlighten them on space science,
astronomy and astrophysics. These young astronomers will bring laurel for the state and the nation in future,” the minister said.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary of Science and Technology Department and Chairperson, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Chithra Arumugam urged the students to work hard to be among the space explorers. This opportunity will surely inspire all, she said.
Accompanied by teachers and officials, the students will explore key facilities at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre-Sriharikota Range (SDSC-SHAR). They are expected to learn about India’s space missions, launch vehicle technologies, satellite systems, and tracking operations, turning theoretical knowledge into real-world inspiration.
Massive Participation and Rigorous Selection
This year’s competition saw enthusiastic participation from more than 76,700 students across Odisha, who competed through both offline and online modes. The top 30 were selected after a multi-stage evaluation process that tested their scientific aptitude, curiosity, and knowledge of astronomy and space science.
The 2025-26 edition of YATS carries the inspiring theme “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow”. Since its launch in 2007, the programme has engaged over 5.4 lakh students, with more than 260 previous winners having visited various ISRO facilities across the country. It remains one of India’s leading science outreach initiatives, nurturing the next generation of scientists, innovators, and space enthusiasts from Odisha.
The flag-off event was also attended by senior officials including Additional Secretary Sibani Mohanty, Director In-charge of PSP Urmiprava Maharana, and Chief of Corporate Services at Tata Steel Meramandali, Subhranshu Panda, along with representatives from the state government, Tata Steel, and the planetarium