PATNA: The Shri Krishna Science Centre (SKSC), Patna , has planned to develop a ‘space and astronomy ’ gallery on its premises. It has sent a proposal in this regard to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for approval.

According to SKSC curator Ram Swarup, around 35 models will be exhibited in the proposed gallery, which will be self-explanatory. “Some of the exhibits would be models of rockets, celestial objects, polar satellites, telescopes and vehicles used for travelling to space. All the models will be self-explanatory and a few of them would have audiovisual to explain the space science,” he told this newspaper.

“The visitors will be briefed about space science and its old and latest technologies. Children and visitors often are curious about things like the galaxy, stars, planets, black holes, universe and other such astronomical aspects, but their curiosity never get satisfied. The gallery will have information on all such topics,” said Swarup.

The curator further said few people opt for rocket science and space as career. “The idea behind developing such gallery is to make people aware about space and astronomy. First, the visitors will know the career prospects through this gallery and then will know the facts about the space and astronomy. ISRO experts will teach them how to make rockets,” said Swarup.

According to sources, the space science gallery is part of the second phase of SKSC expansion on its eastern side. As per the rough draft of the proposed gallery, the estimated cost of the project is around Rs2.2.5 crore.

The SKSC will soon invite bid for its infrastructure and architectural design after ISRO’s approval.

Earlier this year, a ‘Children Gallery’ was opened there with six separate sections — assembly zone, ride zone, fairyland, farmland, play zone and learning zone. The gallery has 32 exhibits such as geometrical things, pyramid, virtual cars and bikes, robots and tubes among others for learning purposes.

