A TIMELINE OF REAL-WORLD DISCOVERY

From Tamil Nadu to Russia.

Explore the programme’s documented visits, selection milestones and overseas experience through a chronological journey.

MAJOR PROGRAMME MOMENTS

An expedition, years in the making.

Filter the milestones to follow the learning, India-based visits, final selections or Russia expedition.

2022—2023
26 JAN 2022

Learning begins

Online programme

The first classes began during the pandemic, followed by quizzes, tests and project work.

02 APR 2022

Anna University & Birla Planetarium

Chennai

A felicitation event was held at Anna University Auditorium; students also visited the Birla Planetarium and Science Centre.

30 JUN 2022

PSLV-C53 launch experience

Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

Students visited the rocket launch centre to witness the PSLV-C53 launch.

23 OCT 2022

GSLV Mk III launch experience

Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

A further study visit to see a launch of the rocket described as GSLV Mk III in the programme records.

02–05 NOV 2022

Bengaluru aerospace exposure

Bengaluru, Karnataka

Visits included U R Rao Satellite Centre (2 Nov), New Tech Aerospace (3 Nov), Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (4 Nov), and a Gandhi Bhavan function (5 Nov).

04 FEB 2023

Student project presentations

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

KPIRT project presentation and display, reviewed by a panel of thirteen members, according to the June 2024 programme summary.

16–18 FEB 2023

Campus & industry science visits

Chennai and nearby

Visits listed include IIT Madras, an industrial innovation centre, Salcomp India, MGR University, Data Patterns and a pico-satellite workshop.

19 FEB 2023

Pico-satellite launch visit

Near Mahabalipuram

The programme summary records a visit for a pico-satellite launch.

07 APR 2023

Final selection results

Tamil Nadu

Final winners were announced after an extended assessment process.

28 JUL 2023

Felicitation programme

Russian Chamber of Commerce

An archived note refers to an AUSSAI felicitation programme at the Russian Chamber of Commerce.

30 SEP–07 OCT 2023

Russia educational expedition

Moscow and St. Petersburg

A group of 49 students, mentors and coordinators traveled under the guidance of Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai.

THE 2023 RUSSIA EXPEDITION

Science without borders.

The overseas visit combined exposure to aerospace history, research environments, cultural institutions and international perspectives.

Programme students and mentors visiting Russia in 2023
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Cosmonaut training

The programme records a visit to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and its spaceflight heritage.

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Space history

Visits to space museums and scientific exhibits helped connect classroom concepts with real space exploration history.

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Culture & exchange

Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Indian Embassy visit provided new social, cultural and educational experiences.

TRAVEL JOURNAL

Moments from the journey.

Photographs reproduced from the 52-page draft Russia trip book.

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Group at Moscow International Airport
Arrival and first experiences
Students at Red Square
Learning through the heritage of Moscow
Space-science exhibits and group
Inside space and science learning environments
Russia cultural exploration
Exploring Russian history and culture
The 17 June 2024 summary records 49 students, with mentors and approximately one coordinator for every eight students, travelling from 30 September to 7 October 2023. Some press clippings refer to 50 selected students; these counts describe different stages of the programme.