#Twists in my Life - 2 My trip to space stations

 It was a technical trip to Bangalore, but I feel like I've been transported to a different world all together. The science and the buildings we visited, the people and the memories we created I'm sure that the rocket has just taken off.

With a clear mission objective and able support, 86 children from different parts of the state gathered to learn about our satellite - Agasthiya Satellite. After a 2 phased screening of over 500 students, we were in a state of readiness to learn the new skill. The places we visited and the opportunities we were offered was a dream each of us are working towards achieving. 

The journey began in Chennai Central station where the students gathered with their teams. There are 9 teams named after the Indian communication and remote sensing satellites. The rains were shattering the roofs of the station but our excitement and unbounded happiness were shattering the barriers towards attaining our goal. The 8hr long journey flew by as we reached the majestic station in Bangalore. It was only a day's journey for most from their home-town to Banglore and a 2-day journey for few others, as they lived in cities and villages away from Chennai itself.

Our stay during the trip was at Gandhi Bhavan, a beautiful and ambient place at the heart of the city. A place with historical significance and the message of Gandhi ji to live a simple and un- hypocritic life. We were provided a safe and comfortable stay and delicious food and lots of place to move around and enjoy that particularly chilling Bangalore weather. We thank the chair-person of Gandhi Bhavan Dr. Uddi Krishan sir. 

The first day was an inauguration with Dr. Vasagam - A veteran space scientist from India and a specialist in space systems including satellites and launch vehicles. He was the Project Director for APPLE— India's first indigenous geostationary communication satellite project. He gave a kick-start from his motivational life story and inspiring words said by him. 

Then we visited ISRO URSC (Indian space research organization - U Rao Satellite Centre). There we understood the process by which a satellite in made an we visited the clean room - a vacuum room free of static energy and dust. It severs as the building site for satellites to maintain its quality. we saw the unity satellite, students' satellite in making. Then we visited the museum where various models and satellite components were displayed. After a detailed study of most of the satellite models we were able to understand how ISRO has developed India's space technology. We saw a 25kg camera that was carried as a payload in a satellite and the present-day cameras which are much light and more precise. As we moved out of the satellite centre the hairs on my hand were still standing up. Astonishing sights and moving steps, ISRO URSC remains one of my favorite places we visited in the trip. 

Although our minds were heavily worked out, we extended our limits and visited the monumental building- Vidhan Choudha. There we had a photo session and reflection time we had with each other. 

The next day we visited NEWTECH AEROSPACE SOLUTIONS, a private space company which builds small satellites in partnership with ISRO. They also had a clean room, even the tiles were static energy conducting. Here we saw the costumes a scientist has to wear before getting to work in the clean room. The power absorbing shoes and completely covering dress. The Mr. Murali was kind enough to explain to us the OBC. PCB and the power components of the satellite. He also answered our questions. 

The evening session was one of everyone's all-time favourite. A speech by Padmashree. Dr.Mylsamy Annadurai sir.  The moon man of India he lit our fire to work up to dreams by saying that each our actions must be towards it. He explained about the latest technologies that the space sector is moving towards in the recent times. the drone satellites and their applications on the farming fields. Where we need to work on was clearly stated through his engaging speech. although he had to run to catch his flight, he stayed to answer our questions. 

The next day we had the former chairman of ISRO - Dr. K Sivan visit our Gandhi Bhavan to shower his blessing to us. He explained about how entrepreneurship could be a more sustainable profession if we have a strong base and experience. we were all surprised by his simplicity and openness in speech. Honored to have seen the man who bought ISRO to Tamil Nādu too. 

Our last visit was to the ISRO LPSC (Indian Space Research Organization - Liquid propulsion systems centre). There we had a session with Dr. M Karthigeya a scientist from a humble background in Tamil Nādu. His session for us was so interesting that no one would forget how a rocket propulsion works. The newtons laws and acute calculation using Keplar's Laws we can get a satellite in the right orbit and receive the telemetry we expect. We visited the centre and saw the highly precise testing equipment that a satellite and its components are tested in for sending to launch. The temperature test, vibrations test and thermos vac testing systems were the systems I admired the most. We also saw the propellent storage tanks of GSLV that will be used for the Gaganyaan mission. The sensor section was equally appealing as the level senores, altitude sensors ect....were felt right in our hands. The equipment is extremely costly and stored separately until they are the mission. 

Our trip maybe has ended with the window shopping on the streets of Bangalore, but I think we had gotten a wide opportunity to not only show-case our talents and use the opening to grow but also meet souls with true friend ship. We earned respect, and honesty was appreciated, trust was gained and loyalty was returned. A teary send-off has only kept me waiting for the next session. 

My heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers, coordinators and my fellow scientists for making this trip a turning point in each of our lives.

- Bharathi Senthilkumar