THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thumba, will mark this year’s World Space Week (WSW) celebrations with various programmes, including
special launches of sounding rockets and high-altitude balloons.
WSW 2014 is being observed internationally from October 4 to 10 on the theme ‘Space: Guiding Your Way’. The VSSC is organising various events for schoolchildren in the state in connection with the celebrations.
One of the big events is an essay competition for high school students with ‘Space - Guiding your Way’ as the theme. The entries can either be in English, Malayalam or Hindi. Handwritten essays not exceeding 2,000 words, along with a certificate from the head of the institution should reach the WSW office of VSSC on or before September 26.
The envelope should be superscribed ‘WSW-2014 Essay Competition.’ The best essay will win the GSLV Gold Medal.
The VSSC is also planning to conduct lectures in schools as part of the event. Resource persons from VSSC will visit educational institutions in the state and give lectures on space-related topics. The programme will be conducted in high schools, higher secondary schools, teachers’ training institutions and polytechnics. Interested institutions can register online on or before September 19.
A ‘Space Quiz’ will be conducted for school students on October 4. Students of classes 9 to 12 can register online before September 24 through
wswquiz@vssc.gov.in or by post. Applications should be certified by the head of the educational institution. Only one team consisting of two students from each school can participate.
For details, visit wsw.vssc.gov.in or contact, WSW-2014 Office, TDAD, VSSC, T’Puram-695022, Ph: 0471-2564271/2564272