Breaking Barriers

Space Kidz India and the Future of Space Education

Interview

With Space Day approaching, it is the perfect time to explore Space Education. In conversation with Smt. Neha Tripathi for Employment News, Dr. Srimathy Kesan, the visionary behind Space Kidz India, an organisation igniting passion for Space Science among young minds speaks about how they have transformed what was once seen as a distant dream into a tangible reality for many young enthusiasts through innovative programmes and hands-on experiences from the conversation:

Q. Space exploration is often seen as a distant dream. How does Space Kidz India bring the cosmos closer to the everyday lives of children?

A. Space exploration often feels distant, but Space Kidz India bridges this gap for children. In 2009, at a tourism expo in Miami, I discovered space camps at Kennedy Space Center, NASA. These camps offered activities like satellite building and experiencing zero gravity, sparking my interest. As an ambassador, I took children to three NASA centers for these camps. Initially met with skepticism, the success of the first camp built trust among schools and parents. Later, as an ambassador to European Space Agency (ESA) and Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC), I expanded these educational journeys.

We then focused on building student satellites, selecting High School students to create and launch a satellite. Despite challenges like securing resources and permissions, we succeeded. Our first NSLV, BalloonSAT, launched in 2015, marking our entry into the space industry and gaining popularity among students. This success inspired confidence, accelerating interest in space exploration. Over the years, I have met nearly a million students globally, nurturing their interest in space.

Q. Given Space Kidz India's impressive track record and being the first organisation in the world to do so with High School and College students, how have you managed to foster such a high level of interest and skill in Space Science among young students?

A. We were in the right place at the right time, and destiny led me into this industry, which I'm passionate about. Our emphasis on cost-effective and successful missions that offer hands-on experience naturally drew more students. Now, we have children from all over the world collaborating with us.

The Government of Rajasthan enlisted us to train students and launch three NSLVs. The Seychelles government invited us to work with their children on an NSLV mission. We've partnered with AVS Academy from the US on a suborbital mission, and they have a payload on our upcoming orbital mission, SR0, set to launch on August 15, 2024. Additionally, students from Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia have worked with us on the FunSAT mission.

Our missions, AzaadiSat.1 and AzaadiSat.2, have significantly boosted female participation in Space Science, encouraging more girls to join is a goal I am committed to achieving.

Q. What are some of the most surprising or unexpected skills children develop through participating in Space Kidz India programmes?

A. Space Kidz India is recognised globally for space education and student satellite building, but our impact goes beyond these fields. Our flagship initiative, Young Scientist India, is a National Innovation Challenge that identifies and mentors talented children from humble backgrounds. Winners receive financial aid, mentorship and opportunities to attend workshops at prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard, NASA and GCTC.

Mr. Rifath Sharook, the first participant of this challenge, is now our CTO and has collaborated with me on 26 space missions. Other passionate participants include Yagna Sai, Gobinath, Keerthan, Clinton, Dhruv Sangal, Siva Soorya, and Uchith, who've stayed connected with us for 12 years.

Rohith, another winner, founded the successful drone startup, RohSpace. Ms. Shaina, the 2021 winner, launched the GroSave app. Ryan is a drone pilot for the TN Police Academy and Shahzeb Khan founded a drone-based medicine and food transport startup. Sathappan works with Rolls Royce, Rachen with a leading US chip manufacturing firm and many others are engaged in global research.

As we mark the 10th edition of the challenge this year, we eagerly anticipate discovering and nurturing more innovators.

Q. How do you think participating in space-related projects helps children in their overall personal development, beyond just academic growth?

A. To fully understand Earth, we must explore space and hands-on experience is key. Space exploration is costly, so we've designed missions that allow children to engage directly. The Near Space Launch Vehicle (NSLV), or "BalloonSAT," is the first significant step, enabling students to build devices that reach the stratosphere, collect data and capture images. This experience often inspires further interest in suborbital and orbital projects.

The FunSAT mission, launched by Skyroot's private rocket, teaches children about payload construction and data interpretation, deepening their understanding of space. Establishing Space Parks, similar to those at NASA and ESA, where children can experience zero gravity and work with rovers and robotics, would greatly boost their curiosity and engagement. I have advocated for such facilities at every opportunity, including presenting the idea to the Honourable Prime Minister, as they are crucial for fostering interest and advancement in Space exploration within the country.

Q. Can you share some unique or unconventional teaching methods you use to make Space Science fascinating for kids?

A. One unique teaching method involved the KalamSAT suborbital mission, our first attempt at sending something into space. We used unconventional testing approaches:

-           My kitchen became our lab.

-           My dining table served as the assembly area.

-           We used a fan for spin tests.

-           The fridge and boiling water were used for thermal vacuum tests.

-           We conducted drop tests from my terrace.

While challenging to apply in orbital missions, these methods highlight our resourcefulness. For the AzaadiSat mission, we experimented with alternative components, resulting in valuable data that reinforced our confidence in thinking beyond the box. Organisations like ISRO, Hexaware Technologies and Ananth Technologies have been instrumental in supporting our missions.

Q. Are there any student-led projects that have gained recognition or have the potential to make a significant impact?

A. KalamSAT, our first suborbital mission, stands as a landmark with the creation of the lightest and first-ever 3D-printed satellite payload. It shifted focus toward space opportunities beyond ISRO, gaining recognition through extensive media coverage. This mission inspired countless students and sparked interest in space, resulting in accolades and fuelling numerous startups.

Another cherished project, AzaadiSat, featured 75 payloads built by 750 rural girls from government schools to celebrate India's 75th Independence. Initially unfamiliar with space, these girls became passionate space ambassadors. Some now aspire to be fighter pilots and Gaganauts, inspiring other countries to engage young girls in space activities.

Hosting renowned figures like Wing Commander (Retd.) Rakesh Sharma, Cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov and NASA Astronaut Marsha Ivins enabled us to inspire 50,000 children, encouraging many to dream of becoming Fighter Pilots and Astronauts.

Q. What career opportunities do you foresee for the youth of the country in the space sector?

A. Space is the future, with young talent set to revolutionise the industry. In 2015, I pioneered an initiative for building student satellites and promoting Space Education. Since then, the growth of numerous Space Education organisations signals industry expansion.

Key future areas include debris mitigation, sample returns from the Moon and Mars and developing re-entry capsules, all crucial for future colonisation. With the success of the Gaganyaan mission, becoming an Astronaut may become a top aspiration for young people.

Space tourism, including zero-gravity flights, is on the rise and space advertising will soon be tested on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform of PSLV C60. Additionally, space could host unique experiences like engagement ceremonies and destination weddings, broadening opportunities for the next generation.

Q. If you could envision Space Kidz India in the year 2047, what would it look like? What futuristic projects do you hope to undertake?

A. By 2047, Space Kidz India envisions a transformative future celebrating 100 years of freedom. More girls from rural and humble backgrounds will lead startups, engage in research, become scientists and even hold top roles like ISRO Chairman and Gaganauts.

Inspired by global gaps in the space ecosystem, I've initiated an ambitious project involving 108 countries. Aligned with India's "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"- the world is one family-we will launch "Mission ShakthiSAT." Each of the 108 countries will select one girl, totalling around 12,000 High School students, to receive online space training. One representative from each country will come to India to collaboratively build a lunar-orbit spacecraft.

I hope to secure the Hon’ble Prime Minister's approval to launch this unprecedented mission from ISRO. This ground-breaking endeavour will mark a unique, historic moment.

As we look ahead, the importance of nurturing young minds in space exploration can not be overstated. The tireless efforts of organisations dedicated to making Space Science accessible and exciting for children ensure that the next generation is well-equipped to push the boundaries of human knowledge. Through innovative programmes, hands-on experiences and a commitment to inclusivity, we are witnessing the creation of a new era of explorers and innovators who will undoubtedly shape our future in profound ways.

(The interviewer is a freelance science writer. Feedback on this interview can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@ gmail.com)

Views expressed are personal.