Mumbai Metropolitan Region to Welcome First Space Education Lab in Thane
Amber International School and Vyomika Space Academy have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s first ‘Space Education Lab’ under the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ‘Space Tutor Program’. The announcement was made during a press conference held on Saturday.
The Space Education Lab will be set up at Amber International School, Thane, under the guidance and mentorship of Shri Laxman Kadam. The initiative aims to introduce students from Thane and surrounding areas to the fascinating world of space research.
The MoU was signed in the presence of space research expert Dr. Pratik Mungekar; Mr. Govind Yadav from Vyomika Space Academy; senior ISRO scientist Dr. T. N. Suresh Kumar (who joined via video conference); Shri Laxman Kadam of Amber International School; Prof. Dr. Pradeep Dhawal, Secretary of Sharda Education Society; President Vilas Thuse; Mr. Kalpesh Jadhav (Program & Admin Head); Shri Dilip Tripathi (Director, Public Relations, Vyomika); along with teachers, non-teaching staff, parents, students, and other dignitaries.
Shri Laxman Kadam, known for his visionary approach to education, stated that the lab would use experiential and gamified learning techniques to actively engage students, nurturing the next generation of astronauts, space scientists, and engineers.
Mr. Govind Yadav of Vyomika Space Academy emphasized that the facility will provide students with foundational knowledge of space research and inspire them to explore this field further.
Dr. Pratik Mungekar, who spearheaded the initiative, highlighted that education is a powerful driver of social progress and career creation. He noted that despite Maharashtra’s vast talent pool, its participation in space research remains limited due to a lack of infrastructure. He expressed confidence that early exposure through dedicated facilities like this lab will change that. Dr. Mungekar also stressed that Maharashtra, with its strong educational and industrial base, holds immense potential to contribute significantly to India’s space mission. He added that establishing Space Science and Innovation Labs across schools can help bridge the gap between rural and urban students, connecting them with the global tech landscape.
Prof. Dr. Pradeep Dhawal of Sharda Education Society remarked that the lab aims to make learning more engaging and inspiring. He referenced Maharashtra’s rich legacy of scientific excellence, citing luminaries like Dr. Jayant Narlikar, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, and Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar. Inspired by such pioneers, the decision to establish the region’s first Space Education Lab at Amber International School was a natural one. The lab will meet ISRO standards and provide mentorship from esteemed experts in the field.
On this occasion, Dr. T. N. Suresh Kumar congratulated all stakeholders via video conferencing. He praised the initiative and stated that such labs are essential for nurturing curiosity and creativity in young learners, ultimately shaping the future of India’s space research landscape.
