Three-day Space Expo begins in Coimbatore

A three-day Space Expo organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, in association with Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, began in Coimbatore on Monday as part of the World Space Week celebrations 2026.

IPRC Director Narayanan Appu said ISRO was preparing to send humans into space by 2028. He said the space sector was witnessing rapid changes, with increasing demand for rocket launches and a growing role for private organisations.

“India has emerged as a major space power, with ISRO earning global recognition through missions such as Chandrayaan and preparing to send humans into space by 2028,” he said.

Mr. Appu said human resources were ISRO’s greatest strength and urged students to pursue science and technology and consider careers with ISRO.

Former Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), ISRO, R. Hutton said India had made significant progress in space science and technology and that opportunities in the sector were expanding. He urged students to develop scientific and technological capabilities and explore careers in science, engineering and space technology.

Coimbatore Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar said such expos could help kindle curiosity among students and provide them exposure to opportunities in the space sector.

The expo features technical lectures, video screenings on the Indian space programme, space exhibitions, career guidance sessions, drawing and elocution competitions, and sky-watching sessions through telescopes.

The expo was inaugurated in the presence of S. Malarvizhi, chairperson and managing trustee, Sri Krishna Institutions; S.S. Murugan, Deputy Director, IPRC; P. Gowthaman, Group Head, IPRC; and Dr. K. Porkumaran, principal, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology.