As we move towards the Space Week 2018, there are some things Society for Space Education Research and Development (SSERD) would love to share with you all.
History
Space Week’s history dates back to 1980 when the then Governor of Texas (a city in the U.S) declared space week from 16-24 July as in 1969 on these dates, the first human Moon landing by NASA astronauts (Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin) took place. A group of 4 namely Ernest Hillje (Former NASA engineer, one of the first three incorporators of the Spaceweek, incorporation), Troy Welch (one of the first five board of directors of the Spaceweek, inc. and an incorporator), Dennis Stone (one of the first three incorporators of the Spaceweek, inc. and the president of the WSWA since its inception), David Koch (one of the five board members of the Spaceweek, inc.) in Houston (a city in the U.S) celebrated the first space week in 1980 and then in 1981, they formed National Space week Headquarters. By 1999, Space week had spread to 15 Nations and on 18th October 1999 the United Nations General Assembly announced its inauguration to educate people around the globe about the benefits they are/can receiving/receive because of space. The U.N General Assembly announced that it should be held from 4th October – 10th October every year.
Importance of the dates
These two dates are special as on 4th October 1957, first human-made satellite was launched into space (The Sputnik 1) paving the way for space exploration and on 10th October 1967, the signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States (countries/members) in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies was signed.
Board of Directors
The World Space Week Association has a board of directors which include prominent influencers such as Elon Musk (SpaceX – CEO), Buzz Aldrin (First human and NASA Astronaut to land on the moon), Max Grimard (An ex-employee of Airbus Defense & Space), etc. Every year, the Board of Directors selects a theme on which the activities could be carried out around the globe. These activities could even include a small activity like going to a classroom and teaching students something related to space. These Space week events can be held/ organized by any individual, group, school, etc.
Theme
The theme for 2018 is ‘Space Unites the World’. This theme also recognizes the UNISPACE+50 (Various topics regarding space are talked about by the U.N member states’ Heads of agencies+ an exhibition) conference that was held in Vienna, Austria in June 2018.
Events in India and other nations
In 2017, World Space week witnessed a record 3700 events being conducted in 82 Nations. We are glad to see that no. of events in India stood at 302 (official data from the World Space Week Association) which is approximately 7.5% of the total events held last year during the World space week. Any individual/Not-for-Profit organization can volunteer activities by the WSWA by either arranging independently or by coordinating with the national coordinator of the particular country.
Isn’t it amazing to see how close we can be with anyone (Use of mobile phones) or enjoy long distance events (Public Speech by any world leader/Sports) by using the Space constructively!
These are just a few examples out of the many uses of Space.
Support
The WSWA is supported voluntarily by (major) companies like Lockheed Martin (An Aerospace company in the U.S), Airbus Defense and Space (An Aerospace company in France), Astrax (A Japanese company) which promotes space and SANWA supply (A leading computer supply company in Japan)
Our small contribution
This year’s Space week, the SSERD is geared up for some cool events and industry visits
- Online competitions such as Space Quiz, Poster making and Quote making starting 4th October 2018
- Space talks by the SSERD volunteers in their nearby college/institution anywhere across the globe (They will be sent a PowerPoint presentation for the support and after completing the talk, the SSERD would send a participation/appreciation certificate)
- Visit
to Team Indus Moonshot Headquarters (Google X prize Participant) in Bengaluru where our volunteers would accompany 25 students. This visit would give students the required exposure to the technology used by an actual aerospace company - A group visit of Students and teachers (50) to one of the Indian Space Research Organizations’ centres in Bengaluru
- A space talk by
Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai (The Padma Shri recipient, Scientist – ISRO) He is known for his contribution in missions like Chandrayaan – 1, Chandrayaan – 2 and Mars Orbiter mission of India. - Space talk by Prof. K. R. Sridhara Murthi (Former Scientific Secretary – ISRO, Mentor – SSERD)
We are excited and pleased to conduct these events which would increase and spread knowledge of Space among future scientists and leaders. This would help them understand how SPACE UNITES THE WORLD!
SSERD is organizing multiple events as part of world space week celebrations.
1. Space Talk by Dr M Annadurai & Dr Sridhara Murthi
SSERD is organizing Space Talk by
Dr Sridhara Murthi (Ex- Scientific Secretary, ISRO) on 10th October 2018. As the number of seats is limited this is an invite-only event. Participants will be selected by SSERD from the registered people.
Event Schedule
Date: 10th October 2018, Wednesday – 04:30 pm – 08:00 pm
Introduction to World Space Week by Mahesh, Propulsion Engineer at GENEX SPACE.
Space Talk 1: Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Former Director -ISAC, ISRO
Topic: Challenges & Opportunities in Space Industry
Space Talk 2: Dr. Sridhara Murthi, Ex- Scientific Secretary, ISRO
Topic: Space Policy
Presentation: Students of Oakridge International School
Topic: Project on Ozone Quantifier & their experience.
World Space Week Competition – Winner Announcements.
Vote of thanks.
Venue: JUiNCUBATOR, Entrepreneurship Factory, #729, 10th Main Rd, 4th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011 – https://goo.gl/maps/2ye1Bj3Q24w
Last date to register: October 4th, 2018
You will be receiving a confirmation email/SMS on October 5th, 2018
2. Space Talk
As a part of world space week celebrations, SSERD is conducting Space Talks Which would bring the latest developments in Space Science and carrier in Space Technology and Astronomy to school/college students. SSERD is calling for volunteers to conduct event nation-wide in different schools and colleges. SSERD will provide you with technical support and necessary permissions. Please fill the form below to register yourself as a speaker for SSERD. All Speakers will be provided with a certificate and featured in SSERD – Space Talk Speakers page.
3. Space Trek – TeamIndus
SSERD Space Trek is a visit to Space Sectors organized by Society for Space Education, Research and Development [SSERD]
On the occasion of World Space Week – 2018, SSERD Space Trek is to TeamIndus, Bangalore. Students from any schools/college can take part in it.
Date: 08-10-2018, Monday 10 am to 12:30 pm.
Venue: TeamIndus
Next to Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd, Survey # 9, Bellary Road, Off, Jakkuru Main Rd, Jakkuru Layout, Byatarayanapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560092 – https://maps.google.com/?cid=14250376723300729189
Admission Free
Only 25 students will be selected.
The process to apply:
- Fill in the Google Form. Last Date to apply – 05th October 2018.
- Selected students will receive the confirmation mail from SSERD.
- The confirmation mail and student ID card has to be shown to the SSERD Volunteer at the Entrance of TeamIndus.
- When all the selected members have reached, we shall move to go inside the Team Indus.
- Soft copy of the Participation certificate will be sent on email.
You should manage your own Transportation. Please try to be present by 09:45 am.
| Session topic | Location |
| Welcome and introduction to TeamIndus’ journey | Multi-Purpose Hall |
| Detailed walkthrough of the Spacecraft and the mission subsystems. This section will include a detailed discussion on the engineering and other hardware of the mission | Assembly, Integration and Testing section |
| Introduction to the Lunar Rover and technology behind the moon surface operations to be conducted by Team Indus. | Simulated Lunar Pit |
| Introduction to our Mission Capabilities and how our mission will unfold in real time. | TeamIndus Command Centre |
4. Space Trek – ISRO
SSERD Space Trek is a visit to Space Sectors organized by Society for Space Education, Research and Development [SSERD]
On the occasion of World Space Week – 2018, SSERD Space Trek is to ISRO, Bangalore. Students from any schools/college can take part in it.
Date: The Dates will be allotted by ISRO once they receive the list of participants
Venue: UR Rao Center, ISRO. Bengaluru
Admission Free
Only 50 students will be selected.
Process to apply:
- Fill in the Google Form. Last Date to apply – 28th September 2018.
- Selected students will be receive confirmation mail from SSERD.
- The confirmation mail and student ID card has to be shown to the SSERD Volunteer at the Entrance of ISRO Entrance.
- When all the selected members have reached, we shall move go inside the ISRO CENTER
- Soft copy of the Participation certificate will be sent on email.
You should manage your own Transportation. Please try to be present by 09:45 am.