Chhattisgarh’s First Space Centre Opens in Raipur, Aims to Shape Next-Gen Scientists
Raipur (Economy India): Chhattisgarh has taken a decisive step toward positioning itself in India’s rapidly expanding space and knowledge economy with the launch of its first Space Centre under the Antariksh Sangwari initiative. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Nava Raipur’s Rakhi campus, the centre is envisioned as a hub for nurturing scientific curiosity, innovation, and future-ready skills among school students and youth.
Calling the facility a “laboratory where young dreams will turn into reality,” the Chief Minister announced a statewide expansion of the Antariksh Sangwari initiative, with similar space centres to be established in all districts of Chhattisgarh.
From Classrooms to Laboratories of Innovation
The space centre has been launched under Project Antariksh, an initiative of the district administration aimed at taking science education beyond textbooks. According to CM Sai, the objective is to enable children to experience science through hands-on learning, experimentation, and research.
“This is not merely an infrastructure project. It is the foundation of Chhattisgarh’s scientific future. Our children’s sky has become wider today,” the Chief Minister said while interacting with students at the event.
The centre will provide exposure to rocket science, satellite technology, space observation, weather systems, and data-driven applications, allowing students to engage with cutting-edge scientific concepts at an early stage.
Space Science as a Career and Economic Opportunity
Highlighting the economic relevance of space science, CM Sai noted that the sector is no longer confined to academic curiosity. With India’s growing leadership in space missions, driven by ISRO’s global credibility, space science has emerged as a major employment and entrepreneurship domain.
He explained that future training at the centre would include satellite construction basics, satellite tracking, weather forecasting, cloud mapping, and geospatial applications—skills increasingly in demand across agriculture, defence, disaster management, and climate research.
Importantly, the Chief Minister underlined the centre’s potential to deliver direct benefits to farmers, particularly through accurate weather predictions and crop advisory systems, thereby linking space technology with rural economic growth.
Expansion Across All Districts
In a major policy announcement, CM Sai declared that the Antariksh Sangwari initiative will be scaled across all districts of the state. The expansion is expected to democratise access to advanced science education, especially for students in tribal, rural, and semi-urban regions.
Officials believe this decentralised approach could play a crucial role in reducing migration of young talent to metro cities, while strengthening Chhattisgarh’s local innovation ecosystem.
Inspiration from India’s Astronaut
The event was marked by the presence of Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla, whose interaction with students became a highlight of the programme.
Sharing his space mission experiences, Dr. Shukla described the intense physical and mental preparation required for space travel. He explained how a rocket reaches speeds of nearly 30,000 km per hour within minutes, and how discipline and trust in preparation become critical during moments of extreme pressure.
Drawing a parallel with examinations, he said, “Even after full preparation, when the question paper comes, there is a moment of blankness. Space missions feel the same. What matters then is belief in your hard work—because hard work never goes waste.”
Dr. Shukla revealed that during his 20-day stay in space, he orbited Earth 320 times and travelled approximately 14 million kilometres, describing the mission as not just a personal journey, but a collective achievement of the entire nation.
A Vision Backed by Leadership
Dr. Shukla also praised the Chief Minister’s personal interest in scientific initiatives, recalling an instance where CM Sai followed safety protocols meticulously during a separate inauguration. “When a state leader personally shows such commitment, it sends a powerful message about priorities for the future,” he said.
The astronaut noted that Chhattisgarh’s youth display immense curiosity and energy, and initiatives like Antariksh Sangwari can channel that potential into meaningful scientific careers.
Strengthening India’s Space Ecosystem from the Ground Up
CM Sai also referred to the increasing role of satellite technology in national security and defence, stating that future conflicts and strategic preparedness will rely heavily on space-based systems. He emphasized that early exposure to space science will prepare the next generation for leadership roles in these critical sectors.
Ministers, MLAs, senior bureaucrats, educators, and a large number of school students attended the programme, underscoring the government’s commitment to embedding science and technology into the state’s long-term development strategy.
A Strategic Shift in Chhattisgarh’s Growth Model
The launch of the space centre represents a broader transformation in Chhattisgarh’s policy outlook—one that places education, innovation, youth empowerment, and technology-driven growth at the core of economic planning.
As India’s space economy is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade, Chhattisgarh’s early investment in talent creation could prove decisive. The Antariksh Sangwari initiative signals not just an educational reform, but a strategic move to integrate the state into India’s future space-led growth story.
(Economy India)
