ISRO to promote awareness of space science and technology among students

Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced today that ISRO will be adopting 100 Atal Tinkering Labs across the country to promote education in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), space education and space technology related innovations for school students.

An Atal Tinkering Lab provides a makerspace where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode; and learn innovation skills. To foster entrepreneurship and innovation, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog has established over 7000 ATLs across the country so far enabling over three million plus students between Grade VI to Grade XII acquire a problem solving, tinkering and innovative mindset.

Through this collaboration, ISRO will facilitate coaching and mentoring of students in advanced cutting-edge technologies of the 21st century including those related to space. The students will not only gain only theoretical but also practical and application-based knowledge of STEM and Space Education related concepts such as Electronics, Physics, Optics, Space Technology, Material sciences and many more.

"I am extremely elated that different departments and ministries of the Government of India are working in synergy to create an <em>Aatmanirbhar Bharat</em>. The collaboration between NITI Aayog and Indian Space Research Organization is one of the prime examples of such effort," said NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar while addressing a virtual event.

This, he said, is a great opportunity for India's young space researchers and astronauts to learn from the best minds of our country and become living inspirations for their school, families and local communities.

ISRO Chairman Dr K. Sivan expressed hope that the step shall help promoting innovation and the spirit of experiential learning among the school kids compared to traditional learning. He also opined that this project-based learning will improve the attitude towards research right from the school days.

With today’s adoption of 100 ATLs, distributed geographically in line with ISRO’s presence across the country, the organisation is taking a small step in engaging with the students, towards giving them direction in pursuing their space dreams. Scientists and engineers from ISRO centers, in close coordination with Capacity Building Program Office at the ISRO Headquarters, shall actively mentor the kids as well as interact with teachers in these ATLs for encouraging experiments, brainstorming ideas and spreading awareness in space activities.

Dr. Sivan also announced invitation to the students associated with these Atal Tinkering Labs, to one of the launches as guests, to witness the launch from Sriharikota.

Atal Innovation Mission had earlier collaborated with ISRO for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC Initiative along with four other ministries to spur applied research and innovation in Indian MSMEs and start-ups..