Bhubaneswar, May 30, 2025: The winners of Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2024 from Odisha have returned from an inspiring trip to Indian Space Research Organisaion’s (ISRO), Bangalore.
As part of the 5-day long exposure visit, the students explored the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), delving deep into the world of satellites, telemetry and mission planning.
Organised by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Odisha, the initiative aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity and a passion for space exploration among school students.
The young winners had the rare opportunity to interact with ISRO scientists and engineers, gaining first-hand insights into India’s space missions and cutting-edge research. The students interacted with Shri Raghavendra M R, Associate Director and Shri B Sankar Madaswamy, Scientist/ Engineer- (Senior Grade) , Division Head, HRLD, at ISTRAC, Bengaluru.
“Meeting scientists, walking into the Mission Control Room, and seeing cutting-edge space tech firsthand—these are memories I’ll carry with pride and inspiration. We’re returning with not just knowledge, but, unforgettable memories, stronger bonds, a fresh spark to dream bigger” said Aurojyoti Pradhan, a student of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Ranibhol in Mayurbhanj who took part in the exposure visit.
Apart from ISRO’s core centres, the students also visited the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum further enriching their understanding of science and innovation.
“We express our gratitude to Tata Steel and Pathani Samanta Planetarium for organizing the visit to ISRO and Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum. The tour was an enriching experience, filled with learning and enjoyment. It provided us with exposure that would have been difficult to gain otherwise,” echoed another student Preetika Priyadarshini from Anugul. “The interactions with scientists and the visit to the Mission Control Room are memories we will cherish for a lifetime,” added Preetika.
“This experience broadened our students’ horizons. Exposure to such premier institutions leaves a lasting impact,” said Alok Kumar Sahoo, a teacher from Angul, who accompanied the group. Our students now see science as something real and within reach—not just theory in books, he added.
This year’s YATS theme, “Will Space Be Your Next Travel Destination?”, attracted entries from over 71,000 students across Odisha. The winners were chosen for their creativity, scientific thinking, and originality in presenting their ideas.
The educational trip was flagged off on May 23, 2025, by Smt. Chithra Arumugam, IAS, Principal Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha and Chairperson, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, in the presence of Smt. Urmiprava Maharana, Director, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, and Sarvesh Kumar, Chief, Corporate Communications, Tata Steel.
Now in its 18th year, YATS has reached more than 4.71 lakh students across Odisha. With this visit, a total of 230 selected winners have had the unique opportunity to witness India’s strides in space research by visiting various ISRO centres.
