Events

Summer Space Camp 2023

10 May,2023

Commencing with the aim of fostering interest in the field of STEMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Space), the University of Calicut jointly with the UL Space Club and University IEDC(Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Centre), organized the "Summer Space Camp 2023" at the University campus, starting from 09 May.

Dr. M.K. Jayaraj, Vice-Chancellor of the University, inaugurated the event. Dr. Y V N Krishnamurthy, Registrar of IIST Thiruvananthapuram, was the chief guest. Sri E K Kutty, Former Director of ISRO, Dr. Bijju G. Nair, Associate Professor at NIT Calicut, Mr. Ajayan Kavungal, Mentor of Kerala Start-up Mission, Professor Ravikumar C.D., Head of the Department of Physics at University of Calicut, and Professor M. Shahin Tayyil, University of Calicut, Dr Sandesh EPA, UL Education Director, addressed the gathering. Following the inauguration, under the leadership of Dr. Y V N Krishnamurthyi, who served as the chief guest for the students, discussions and classes were held on topics related to Space technology and the responsibilities of ISRO. Later, Dr. Ravikumar conducted a class on astronomy in association with the Department of Physics at Kozhikode University for the students. Then, the documentary "Nilaavinte Nerariyan" based on the life of former ISRO Chairman Dr G. Madhavan Nair was screened. The renowned amateur astronomer and astrocolumnist Sri Surendran Punnassery and Sri. Sukumar Edappal led the students during the night sky observation, marking the conclusion of the camp's first day.

The activities for the second day began with a presentation on space debris management by camp participants. The panel discussion on “Opportunities for Students and Startups in Space Sector” featured ISRO's Former Director, Sri E K Kutty, Sri K Jayaram, Former Deputy Director, ISRO, Dr. Vinish, Dr. Sudeep, Arun Perulil (founder of Qkopy), and Ajayan Kavungal. The session was moderated by Dr. Shahin, a professor at Calicut University. Following lunch, students had the opportunity to visit various labs and the botanical garden in the university campus. The Valedictory function of the five-day seminar started with a gathering of around 800 participants. In the presence of the Chief Guest, Legal Societies Sub-Judge, and Secretary, Shaijal MP.

Over the past eight years, with the collaboration of institutions such as NIT Calicut, VSSC, and Calicut University, ULS Space Club has been organizing camps for students. Under the leadership of ISRO's Former Director, Sri E K Kutty, a group of students conducts the club's activities. A student panel is formed and working under the leadership of Student Fellow Sri Varun K.  Sri K Jayaram, the former Deputy Director, ISRO and Sri Shajil UK, Teacher, GGHSS Balussery, Sri T Damodaran, Dr Sandesh E P A are the advisors of the club's activities. They are working behind all the nurturing activities conducted under the umbrella of UL Space Club.