Unveiling of Sarabhai’s bust at the Isro headquarters in Bengaluru. (TOI photo)

BENGALURU: The lander on the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which is scheduled to be launched early next year, will be named ‘Vikram’ after Vikram Sarabhai, the father of Indian space programme. The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has got clearance from the space commission, its chairman Sivan K said on Sunday.

This mission, unlike Chandrayaan-1 which only orbited the Moon, involves a Lander soft-landing on the lunar surface and unloading a Rover to study and take measurements from the Moon, while the orbiter will go around the Earth’s satellite.

“We’ve got the permission and this will be part of a series of things planned as part of the centenary celebrations of Vikram Sarabhai next year,” Sivan said, after unveiling Sarabhai’s bust at the Isro headquarters here.

Among other things planned are a series of lectures at the national and international level, an international innovation award named after Sarabhai and a tentative budget of Rs 50 crore has been earmarked for this.

“We are also going to set up Sarabhai chairs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge University and Gujarat University, where he studied,” Sivan said.

Isro TV channel soon

As part of its science outreach programme, Isro is planning to launch its own television channel, which will broadcast customised science programmes in multiple regional languages across the country.

“The aim is to take science, including Isro’s societal applications to the villages of India. I am today the chairman but my own village (Tarakkanvilai), which is just three kilometres from Nagercoil town doesn’t know what Isro does,” Sivan said.

The agency also plans to hold a series of programmes for students, including a 25-30 training programme for select students in batches beginning next year. Students will not only get to interact and learn from scientists but they will also be visiting several Isro facilities and even get to work on projects.

Spaceport for public

Further, taking inspiration from the US’ Nasa, Isro will soon open its spaceport in Sriharikota to public, who will be able to see live launches from inside the facility.

“Apart from this we are also planning space galleries and museums across country and even have an exclusive magazine that we wish to produce,” Sivan said.

