National Space Day

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Context:

• India will celebrate its maiden National Space Day on August 23, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The landing site was named as 'Shiv Shakti' point (Statio Shiv Shakti) and August 23 was declared as the "National Space Day".

Details:

• India became the fourth country to land on the moon and the first to reach its southern polar region on August 23, 2023.
• To honour this landmark achievement, Hon'ble Prime Minister announced August 23 as "National Space Day".

India is celebrating its maiden National Space Day [NSpD-2024] on August 23, 2024 with the theme "Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga."

Key Objectives

The celebration of National Space Day aims to:

• Promote Awareness: Educating the public about India's space program and its contributions to science and technology.
• Inspire Youth: Encouraging young minds to pursue careers in space science and technology.
• Highlight Achievements: Showcasing India's milestones and future missions in space exploration.

Major Events and Activities

• In 2024, National Space Day spans a series of events throughout the month of August, aiming to engage and inspire citizens.

Key highlights include:

• Exhibitions and Science Fairs: Various exhibitions will be set up in major cities, displaying models of satellites, rockets, and other space technology developed by ISRO.
• Public Lectures and Seminars: Renowned scientists and experts will deliver talks on topics such as space missions, satellite technology, and the future of space exploration.
• Student Competitions: National-level quizzes, essay writing, and model-making competitions will be held to stimulate interest in space science among school and college students.
• Workshops and Webinars: Interactive sessions will provide hands-on learning experiences about satellite technology, space missions, and the scientific principles behind them.

Significance of National Space Day 2024

• This year's theme, "Embracing India’s Space Saga," highlights the nation's journey and future endeavors in space.
• The celebration serves as a reminder of India's technological advancements and the strategic importance of space exploration.
• It also emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in future space missions.

India's Achievements in Space	Upcoming ISRO Missions
Aryabhata (1975): India's first satellite, marking the country's entry into space technology.	Gaganyaan: India's first manned space mission aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space.
Chandrayaan Missions: Lunar missions that discovered water on the moon, enhancing global understanding of lunar science.	Aditya-L1: A mission focused on studying the sun and its effects on the space environment.
Mangalyaan (2013): India's first interplanetary mission, making ISRO the fourth space agency to reach Mars and the first to do so in its maiden attempt.	Chandrayaan-3: A follow-up to the previous lunar missions, aiming for a successful soft landing on the moon.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2048379

PRACTICE QUESTION Consider the following statements about National Space Day: The day was established in the United States to commemorate the launch of the first American astronaut into space. National Space Day aims to encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields related to space and astronomy. Which of the above-given statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: B