For a group of young astronomy enthusiasts from Odisha, a dream turned into reality as the winners of Tata Steel’s Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2025 returned from an immersive educational visit to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota, the launch hub of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Organised by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Odisha, the four-day exposure visit provided students with a rare opportunity to witness India’s space programme up close and interact with some of the minds driving the country’s space ambitions.
During the visit, the students engaged with ISRO scientists and engineers, gaining valuable insights into India’s space missions, launch operations and emerging technologies. One of the highlights was learning about Vyommitra, ISRO’s AI-powered humanoid designed for future human spaceflight missions.
The students interacted with Ch Venkata Ramana, Deputy Division Head, ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC-SHAR) and Deputy Project Director (Telemetry), who explained the intricacies of launch vehicle assembly and the extensive preparations that take place before a rocket launch. They also met Amitav Mohanty, Head, EP & FMD, SDSC SHAR, and N Kumar, Library Officer, SDSC SHAR, who offered insights into ISRO’s scientific ecosystem and research activities.
Beyond the technical interactions, the students explored key facilities at the spaceport, including the Mission Control Centre, First Launch Pad and Second Launch Pad. ISRO scientists introduced them to the organisation’s fleet of launch vehicles, including SSLV, PSLV, GSLV and LVM3, as well as the upcoming Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HRLV) being developed for the Gaganyaan Mission. Demonstrations of the launch vehicles and discussions on safety systems planned for India’s human spaceflight programme further enriched the experience.
Reflecting on the visit, Anshika Dash, a student of Vikash Residential School, Bargarh, said, “I am grateful to Tata Steel for giving us the opportunity to visit ISRO. The experience was truly inspiring and strengthened my interest in science and innovation. I also thank the Government of Odisha, Pathani Samanta Planetarium and our mentors for their constant support and guidance.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Rishita Samantaray, a student of KIIT International School, said, “Exploring the launch pads, Mission Control Centre and the ISRO campus was an inspiring and enriching experience that offered valuable insights into India’s remarkable achievements in space science.”
Jyotiranjan Chand, Assistant Teacher, Mallikeswar Government High School, Derabish, Kendrapara, added, “The visit inspired young minds to explore science and space research, and will remain a cherished memory for all of us.”
The exposure visit was flagged off on May 26, 2026, by Shri Krushna Chandra Patra, Hon’ble Minister, Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology, Government of Odisha, in the presence of Smt. Chithra Arumugam, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Science & Technology Department and Chairperson, Pathani Samanta Planetarium; Smt. Urmiprava Maharana, Deputy Secretary, Science & Technology Department and Director In-charge, Pathani Samanta Planetarium; Subhranshu Panda, Chief, Corporate Services, Tata Steel Meramandali, and other dignitaries.
This year’s YATS theme, “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow,” attracted more than 76,700 entries from across Odisha. Over its 19 editions, the programme has reached over 5.4 lakh students, with 260 winners so far earning the opportunity to visit ISRO centres across the country.
Today, YATS stands as one of India’s most impactful science outreach initiatives, inspiring young learners to pursue their curiosity in astronomy, space science and innovation while nurturing the next generation of scientists and explorers.
YATS Winners Begin Educational Visit to ISRO’s Sriharikota Space Centre
