Pilikula to Soon Host New ISRO Space Gallery Featuring Satellite and Rocket Models
The upcoming Prof U R Rao Space Gallery will showcase ISRO’s major missions and inspire public interest in space science.
Mangaluru: Visitors to Pilikula will soon get a rare chance to see detailed models of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellites and rockets, thanks to a new initiative aimed at making space science more accessible to the public.
Major preparations are underway at the Regional Science Centre, located near the Dr. Shivaram Karanth Biological Park. A dedicated space gallery is being set up in the building next to Pilikula’s 3D planetarium, designed to offer an engaging introduction to astronomy and space technology.
The new gallery will guide visitors through satellite-based explorations, the planning behind rocket launches, and the scientific achievements of ISRO and other global space agencies. Named the Prof U R Rao Space Gallery, it honours the renowned scientist from the coastal region who served as ISRO Chairman and made significant contributions to India’s space programme. ISRO is expected to support the initiative with expertise and resources.
The project has received a financial sanction of Rs 5.43 crore from Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL). The design and execution will be handled by the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM), Bengaluru. Agreements among MRPL, VITM, and the Regional Science Centre have been finalised, and a portion of the funds has already been released.
At the facility near the Swami Vivekananda Planetarium, models of ISRO’s satellites and launch vehicles will be displayed to give visitors a closer look at the technologies behind India’s space missions. ISRO has already supplied 25 such models to the Centre, and initial work on the gallery has begun. The project is expected to be completed in the coming months. It aims to spark scientific curiosity among students and the public while highlighting ISRO’s achievements.
The gallery will feature images, videos, animations, software, and graphic displays explaining complex space concepts in simple ways. Key milestones—including Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and other landmark missions—will also be showcased, offering an informative and immersive experience for all visitors.
