Odisha’s YATS 2024 winners visit ISRO to explore the World of Space Science
By Payal Banarjee
Bhubaneswar, May 30 : Winners of the Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2024 from Odisha returned after an inspiring five-day educational tour to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bengaluru.
During the visit, the students explored premier ISRO facilities including the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), gaining deep insights into satellite systems, mission planning, and space technology.
Organised by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Odisha, YATS aims to ignite scientific curiosity and a love for space exploration among young minds.
The students had enriching interactions with senior ISRO scientists such as Shri Raghavendra M R, Associate Director, and Shri B Sankar Madaswamy, Division Head, HRLD. They also visited the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, further deepening their understanding of science and innovation.
“Meeting scientists, seeing mission control, and experiencing real space tech has inspired us to dream big,” said Aurojyoti Pradhan of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Ranibhol in Mayurbhanj.
Preetika Priyadarshini from Angul added, “We’re thankful to Tata Steel and Pathani Samanta Planetarium for giving us this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“This trip helped our students connect textbook science with real-world applications,” said teacher Alok Kumar Sahoo, who accompanied the group.
This year’s YATS theme, “Will Space Be Your Next Travel Destination?”, drew over 71,000 student entries from across Odisha. Winners were selected for their originality, creativity, and scientific insight.
Flagged off on May 23, 2025, by Smt. Chithra Arumugam, IAS, Principal Secretary, Science and Technology Department, the visit marked another milestone in YATS’ 18-year journey. Over the years, YATS has engaged more than 4.71 lakh students and taken 230 winners to ISRO centres to witness India’s achievements in space exploration.
