Talk to ISRO scientists at Antarctica experience room at BM Birla Science Centre, Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: You can now interact with scientists stationed at the Antarctica Ground Station via the newly-developed, first-of-its-kind Antarctica Experience Room at the BM Birla Science Centre in Hyderabad.

The Antarctica Experience Room was inaugurated in the presence of Nirmala Birla, Chairperson, GP Birla Archaeological, Astronomical and Scientific Research Centre (GPBAASRC) and Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director, NRSC, Hyderabad.

This is India's first facility that allows live interaction with scientists stationed at Antarctica's ground station. The Antartica Experience Room would allow visitors, including students, to have live interactions with ISRO scientists stationed in Antarctica. This would both add to their knowledge and make them appreciate the scientific work done by the ISRO Scientists.

ISRO established the Antarctica Ground Station for Earth Observation Satellites (AGEOS) at Bharati Station in Larsemann Hills, Antarctica, to receive Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) data.

This cutting-edge sophisticated ground station, which was launched in August 2013, receives data from IRS satellites and transmits it to NRSC, Hyderabad. Several institutions employ accurate data for research and decision-making in fields such as disaster management, agriculture, fishing, ocean applications, and climate variables.

The Space Museum at GPBAASRI, Hyderabad was established with the full support of ISRO and NRSC, Hyderabad and was opened on July 26, 2019. It is the first private museum in India to have an association with ISRO. The Museum hits several exciting exhibits contributed by ISRO, including those of GSLV MK III, the launch vehicle of Chandrayan 2; satellites like Rohini, Apple, Chandrayan 1, Mangalyan; international space station and much more.

Speaking on the occasion Nirmala Birla, Chairperson, GPBAASRI said, "I am very excited to announce the addition of this live interaction facility with the ISRO Scientists based out of the ground station at Antarctica, It is very heartening to see the continuous endeavours of GP Birla Archaeological Astronomical and Scientific Research Institute leading to such unique additions. The journey of the new Space Museum started in 2019 with many scientific exhibits contributed by ISRO including the launch vehicle of Chandrayan 2. We are committed to inspire young minds towards scientific discovery and it's a delight to note that more than two lakh visitors are received at our campus every year".

Antartica Space Room

Visitors to the Experience room would be able to interact with the space scientists stationed at the AGEOS in Antarctica once it is operational, and can experience the breathtaking view of the Antarctica region where the ground station is located.

The frequency of live interactions with scientists would be regulated by connection and weather conditions at the Ground Station in Antarctica's website. The Space Room can hold 150 people, and the interactive events would take place on a weekly basis.

The Antarctica Experience Room is another initiative by Nirmala Birla, Chairperson of GPRAASRI, to impart knowledge in a variety of sectors such as science and technology, archaeology, art and culture, and to stimulate young minds to explore new vistas. NRSC, Hyderabad, is responsible for connecting the Space Museum to the Antarctica Ground Station.