Miscellaneous Initiatives of ISRO/ Department of Space
Bhuvan Portal
- What is it? → A Geoportal of ISRO.
- Purpose: Provides services and applications related to satellite remote sensing data for public use.
- Operator: Managed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC).
👉 In simple words, Bhuvan is like India’s own Google Earth – offering satellite-based maps and data for planning, disaster management, agriculture, etc.
UNNATI – Unispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training Programme
- Background: Launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first UN Conference on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50).
- Purpose: Provides training and opportunities to developing countries in assembling, integrating, and testing nanosatellites.
👉 Through UNNATI, India is helping other countries build their space capabilities, reflecting ISRO’s role as a global partner in peaceful space exploration.
Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA)
- Aim: To impart basic knowledge of space technology, space science, and its applications to school students.
- Eligibility: Students studying in 9th standard.
- Selection:
- 3 students from each State/UT are chosen every year from CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards.
- Special preference to students from rural areas.
- Tagline: ISRO designed this programme as “Catch them young.”
👉 YUVIKA = ISRO’s way of inspiring the next generation of scientists right from school level.
Samvad with Students
- What is it? → A student outreach programme.
- How it works: ISRO Chairman personally meets students during official visits, interacts with them, clears doubts, and encourages scientific thinking.
👉 This direct interaction inspires confidence and curiosity in young learners about space science.
Sakaar
- What is it? → An Augmented Reality (AR) mobile application designed for Android devices.
- Content:
- 3D models of ISRO’s major missions like Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), RISAT satellites, and indigenous rockets like PSLV and GSLV Mk-III.
- Purpose: To make learning about ISRO’s missions more interactive and engaging for the public, especially students.
👉 Sakaar makes ISRO’s missions come alive in 3D, allowing users to virtually explore India’s space achievements.