World Space Week & Foundation Day Celebrations 2024

The UL Space Club, in collaboration with the University of Calicut, organized an inspiring two-day event on October 5th and 6th, 2024, to mark World Space Week and the club’s Foundation Day. Themed “Space & Climate Change,” the celebration aimed to bridge the gap between space science and its real-world applications in addressing global challenges. With over 200 participants, including students, experts, and space enthusiasts, the event showcased an enriching blend of scientific exploration, technical innovation, and cultural expressions.

Expert Talks

The event featured a series of enlightening talks by distinguished experts in space science and climate studies:

Day 1:
- Antarctica - A Natural Lab to Study Climate Change: Dr. M R Ramesh Kumar, Retired Chief Scientist & Head, POD, NIO, Goa, shared insights into how Antarctica serves as a vital hub for climate research.
- Fundamentals of Climate Change and Rockets and Satellites: Dr. A K Ashraf, Deputy Director, Structures Entity, VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram, explained the science behind climate change and the basics of rocket and satellite technology.
Day 2:
- Cannibals from Cosmos: The Story of Galaxy Evolution: Prof. C D Ravikumar, Director of the Center for Distance and Online Education, delivered a captivating session on galaxy evolution and cosmic phenomena.

Technical Sessions

The technical sessions highlighted innovative projects and the application of space technology across various fields:

Day 1:
Parallel sessions led by student leads from UL Space Club included:
- Robotics in Space: Sayooj R S.
- Space in Everyday Life: Varun K.
- Experiments in Space: Abhinand P S.
Day 2:
Presentations by the R&D team of UL Space Club included:
- Lunar Lava Tube Explorations: A senior team’s project exploring the potential of lava tubes on the Moon for research and habitation.
- Pipeline Exploration Robotic Mechanism: A junior team’s innovative robotic solution for pipeline monitoring and maintenance.
Special Presentation:
A standout session was the presentation of the Horizon Rover by CUSAT students, whose project secured a place in the finals of the European Rover Challenge. This achievement showcased India’s growing competence in global space technology competitions.

The Space Drama

The cultural highlight of the event was the drama “Chandrayaan Odyssey,” performed by students of Balussery Girls High School. Written by acclaimed playwright Surendan Punnassery, the play celebrated India’s lunar missions, bringing to life the challenges, triumphs, and emotional depth of space exploration.

The performance captivated the audience with its compelling narrative, evocative dialogues, and stellar performances, leaving a lasting impression. This artistic tribute to space exploration underscored the role of creative expression in inspiring a passion for science and innovation.

The World Space Week and Foundation Day celebrations were a resounding success, blending education, innovation, and cultural enrichment. Expert talks broadened perspectives on space science, technical sessions showcased groundbreaking projects, and the cultural segments brought the human element to space exploration.

The event exemplified UL Space Club’s commitment to fostering a passion for STEM and space exploration while celebrating the achievements of students and professionals alike. It reaffirmed the club’s vision to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts to dream big and contribute to shaping the future of space exploration.