Bengaluru - 'SPARK' a virtual space tech park was unveiled by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Wednesday, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commemorating India's 75th year of Independence. The beta version of the museum launched by ISRO Chairman S Somanath, hosts several documents, images and videos related to ISRO launch vehicles, satellites, scientific missions as well pioneers of India's space sector.
"Chairman, ISRO and Directors of the various ISRO centres appreciated the initiative taken and suggested more non-sensitive digital content to be brought on this platform for use by different stakeholders", the agency said in an official statement. "While the country is celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – the 75th year of Independence, ISRO has come up with an innovative idea of showcasing digital content pertaining to various ISRO missions in an interactive manner".
ISRO's first-ever 3D virtual space tech park
The three-dimensional virtual space tech park features a museum, theatre, an observatory, a garden with life-sized rockets, a lakeside cafe area and a children's play area along with several other interactions. Inside the main museum building, one can navigate through the virtual facility to explore various exhibits on ISRO's achievements, satellites and launch vehicles.
There is a Solar System Park in which the sizes of the different planets, from Mercury to Neptune, and that of Earth's Moon have been displayed.
The visitors can also access documents related to top scientists who contributed to the success story of the ISRO. The agency said that the beta version of the application can be accessed through its official website or through the link spacepark.isro.gov.in
The beta version of the platform provides a virtual tour of SPARK. One can virtually board a bus called Space on Wheels, portraying an exhibition of 75 Indian satellites as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. The documentary also highlights ISRO's upcoming missions including the Gaganyaan Programme and Chandrayaan-3 mission.