ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri

ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri

Indian Space Research Organisation, Department of Space
National emblem logo

इसरो प्रोपल्शन कॉम्प्लेक्स (आईपीआरसी), महेंद्रगिरि

भारतीय अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान संगठन, अंतरिक्ष विभाग
Page last updated on : 24-Apr-2026 12:18
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World Space Week
World Space Week (WSW) is an annual international celebration of science and technology held from 4th to 10th October. Officially declared by the United Nations in 1999, it commemorates the launch of Sputnik 1 (4th October 1957) and the signing of the Outer Space Treaty (10th October 1967). As the largest annual space event in the world, it aims to educate the public about the benefits of space exploration and foster a global interest in science.

At the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), World Space Week serves as a critical platform to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by showcasing India’s advancements in liquid propulsion and space technology.

I. Annual Themes and Strategic Outreach
Each year, IPRC aligns its celebrations with global themes, such as "Living in Space" (2025), "Space & Climate Change" (2024), and "Space and Sustainability" (2022).
• Massive Educational Engagement: During the 2025 celebrations, IPRC scientists and engineers conducted a wide-reaching campaign, visiting 35 educational institutions across five districts.
• Impact: These direct interactions reached more than 10,000 students, delivering technical lectures and demonstrations that connected classroom science to real-world space missions.

II. Mega Space Expo: "A Universe on Earth"
A cornerstone of IPRC’s outreach is the Mega Space Expo, often organized in collaboration with prominent academic partners.
• Immersive Exhibits: The Expo features a comprehensive display of rocket models, real propulsion engine artifacts, and interactive displays.
• Public Participation: These events have historically drawn extraordinary responses, with over 20000 visitors—including students, teachers, and families—attending to learn about the "propulsion backbone" of India’s space programme.
• Scientific Guidance: Visitors are guided by IPRC-trained volunteers and scientists who explain the complexities of rocket stages and engine working cycles.

III. Competitions and Talent Nurturing
IPRC hosts a variety of competitions designed to challenge and engage young minds across the state.
• State-Level Essay Competitions: Students from classes VII to IX compete in English and Tamil on themes derived based on the WSW theme of respective year.
• Diverse Talent Search: District-level events include quizzes, drawing, and elocution, focusing on topics derived based on the WSW theme of respective year.
• Internal Excellence: The "Star of Space Week" competition at the IPRC campus encourages staff and apprentices to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and teamwork.

IV. Specialized Interactive Events
To provide a holistic view of space science, IPRC organizes unique experiences that go beyond traditional exhibits:
• Sky Watch: Experts guide students and the public in using telescopes to observe the Moon, Saturn’s rings, and distant planets turning theoretical astronomy into a lived experience.
• Video Documentaries: Detailed visual narrations including mission footage and interviews are used to explain the objectives of landmark missions like Chandrayaan-3 and the Gaganyaan programme.
• Technical Lectures: Senior scientists deliver sessions on various topics in space development and research and career opportunities to motivate the future workforce.