IIIT-Bangalore Celebrates National Space Day with Insightful Workshop
Bangalore : The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) is proud to announce a half-day workshop, “Space is the Limit, Powered by Science & Technology,” on the occasion of National Space Day.
Prof. Jaya Sreevalsan Nair, IIIT-Bangalore said, “Understanding space is truly an interdisciplinary pursuit that involves all of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Space is where the eye that looks at Earth is. Studying space has benefited humanity beyond what one can imagine.”
The workshop features an exciting lineup of speakers – Mr. S. Chandrashekar, Visiting Professor, NIAS, on “India and the World Space Order” – Prof. Spenta Wadia, Professor, ICTS-TIFR, Bangalore, on “A Brief History of Time” – Mr. HR Madhusudana, Educator, JN Planetarium, on the life and legacy of Prof. Vishveshwara and the founding of the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, – Mr. Pranit Mehta, Founding Member & VP Business, Galaxeye, on industry perspectives. The workshop aims to inspire and educate participants about the latest developments and innovations in space technology and exploration.
Prof. S Chandrashekar, Honorary Visiting Professor, NIAS, pointing out at on the evolution in technology of space said, “While space activities can drive economic development, they also play a crucial role in national defense, particularly against potential threats like China and the political value of space achievements, such as launching satellites or manned missions, in establishing India as a global power. There also should be on the balance between economic, military, and knowledge-based investments in space.”
Mr. H R Madhusudana, an educator at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, shared insights with the attendees about Mr. C V Vishweshwara, the Founding Director of the Planetarium. He highlighted Mr. Vishweshwara’s initiatives in fostering a passion for science and research among young people. Renowned for his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas, Mr. Vishweshwara used creative cartoons to make research and science accessible. He firmly believed that the best way to dispel superstitions was through clear and scientific explanations.
Prof. Septa Wadia, a Professor at ICTS-TIFR, Bangalore, delivered a talk on “A Brief History of Time,” where he discussed humanity’s early understanding of time. He said, “In the early history of our species, awareness of a year’s duration was closely tied to the changing seasons, marked by shifts in weather, the appearance of fruits and flowers, the migratory patterns of birds and animals, and, with the advent of agriculture, the cycles of sowing and harvesting.
Mr. Pranit Mehta, Founding Member and VP of Business at Galaxeye, a space tech startup, addressed the audience on the future of satellite imaging enhanced by generative AI. He discussed the potential of this cutting-edge technology to transform satellite imaging into a highly accurate and reliable data source. Mr. Mehta emphasized that as generative AI continues to advance, it could significantly improve the precision and detail of satellite imagery, making it an indispensable tool for various applications such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management. He highlighted the ongoing developments at Galaxeye and how these innovations are paving the way for a new era of data accuracy and utility in the space industry.