Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Knowledge Centre & Space Museum
Context :
Thiruvananthapuram’s Kowdiar neighbourhood will soon be home to the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Knowledge Centre and Space Museum.
India’s first space tech park in Thiruvananthapuram
- Location: Thiruvananthapuram’s Knowledge City, in the Indian state of Kerala, is where the space tech park will be built.
- Initiating Organization: The development of the space tech park will be carried out by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a significant space research facility run by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Objectives: The main goal of the space technology park is to turn Thiruvananthapuram into a centre for the production of space technology. It intends to make use of the chances offered by Space 2.0 and create high-tech employment possibilities in the area.
- Infrastructure Elements: The following infrastructure elements will be present in the space tech park:
A)Manufacturing Hub: The integrated complex’s primary use will be as a manufacturing hub for businesses that use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other data systems related to space technology.
B) Start-up Incubator: The park will have a start-up incubator to help and develop start-ups in the field of space technology.
C)Skill Training Systems: To improve the technical proficiency of the workforce in the space technology industry, the park will incorporate skill training systems.
D)Production Units: To facilitate the production and assembly of space-related technologies, production units will be created within the space tech park.
- Space Museum: The facility will include a space museum that will be dedicated to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former Indian president. Space science and technology-related exhibits will be on display at the museum.
- The necessary land has been allotted by the Keralan government to build the space tech park. The Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL) would receive a 20.01-acre lease from the government to build the park. Out of this, KSITIL will de-notify 16.07 acres that are now designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Knowledge Centre and Space Museum
- Location: Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, would be the site of the information centre and museum.
- Joint Initiatives: The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Kerala State government are working together on the project.
- Tribute: In honour of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a former Indian president and distinguished scientist, a knowledge centre and museum bearing his name. This endeavour is thought to be a suitable homage to him.
- Objective: The project’s goal is to help the state realise its objective of becoming a “knowledge society.” The younger generation will gain from it.
- Timeline for construction: The project is anticipated to be finished in less than 18 months, indicating that it will be ready quickly.
- Significance of Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram has significance in Dr Kalam’s life because that is where he spent his first years working for the Indian space programme. Therefore, it has a unique significance that the information centre and museum were established in this city.
What is the significance of the Space Museum?
- Economic: The companies that will be launched in this SEZ area will bring in a lot of money. The space museums will generate a considerable amount of revenue from a tourism standpoint.
- Educational: The Museum will be constructed close to Kowdiar Palace for educational purposes. This location offers the exceptional capacity to offer background information and instruction on both the historical significance of the location and the development of space exploration over time.
- Scientific Advancement: Numerous nations have shown that space is a promising area for investment and expansion. In these sectors, there are also a lot of private research organisations. These investments could help the nation advance scientifically more quickly than other nations.
