SIF-Kuwait successfully conducted Sastrayaan, an exclusive educational visit to Indian Space research Organisation (ISRO), National Aerospace laboratories (NAL), Indian Institute of Science and UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.

The Science International Forum-Kuwait (SIF-Kuwait) organized a successful educational trip, Sastrayaan-2024 from 8th July 2024 to 11th July 2024. The winners of various contests organized by SIF-Kuwait (Sastra Pratibha Contest and Kuwait Children’s Science Congress) were selected for this trip, providing them with an extraordinary opportunity to delve into the world of science and research. Over the course of three days, students explored some of India's most esteemed educational and research institutions in Bengaluru.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore is a premier research institution renowned for its cutting-edge work in science and engineering. Established in 1909, it offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. IISc is also recognized for its significant contributions to scientific research and innovation, both nationally and internationally.

The first day of the trip started with a visit to the Indian Institute of Science’s ART-Garage. Students observed the ongoing research work of trainees and had an interaction session discussing about the project and its potential impacts. Following this, they proceeded to the IISc campus for an orientation on Supercomputers. During this session they observed the Param Pravega and gained insights into its working mechanisms. Thereafter, on visiting the Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum, the students had hands-on demonstrations, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

ISTRAC is a crucial component of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), responsible for telemetry, tracking, and command operations for space missions. It manages the tracking and communication with satellites and launch vehicles during their missions. The center plays a vital role in ensuring the success of ISRO's space programs by providing real-time data and operational support. The UR Rao Satellite Center, formerly known as ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), is a major facility within ISRO dedicated to the design, development, and integration of satellite systems. It plays a central role in creating a range of satellites for communication, Earth observation, and scientific research. Named after Dr. Udupi Ramachandra Rao, a prominent space scientist, the center contributes significantly to India's space capabilities and satellite technologies.

On Day 2, the trip continued to ISTRAC – ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking & Command Network. This provided the students with an in-depth understanding of India's space missions and technological advancements. Later, they headed to the U.R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) where the students were familiarized with the processes involved in satellite development and space research.

The Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bangalore is a leading institution focused on aerospace research and development. It is renowned for its contributions to the development of aircraft, aerospace systems, and related technologies. CSIR NAL is instrumental in advancing India's aerospace capabilities through innovative research and collaboration with industry and academia.

On day 3, the trip ended with a visit to Council of Scientific Industrial Research - National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), where the students learned about the intricacies of fighter jets and complexities involved in aerospace engineering and flight testing.

The students also had a unique opportunity to meet and interact with eminent scientists and researchers such as Dr. Shubha Distinguished Scientist, CSIR, Sh. Veeranna Deputy Registrar, IISc, Dr. M.K. Sridhar Chancellor, SVYSA, Dr. Uday Shankar Puranik, Head Cyber Security, Director, MIG, USA, and Dr. Srinivas Bali VC, Nrupatunga University. In these sessions, the dignitaries shared their experiences, discussed their research, and offered guidance on pursuing careers in science.

By exposing students to real-world scientific environments and professionals, Sastrayaan 2024 aimed to ignite their passion for science and encourage more students to pursue opportunities in this field. The experiences gained during the trip were transformative, fostering long interest in scientific inquiry and innovation