SPAN
An artist’s rendering of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR).
SPAN
Editor in Chief
Nicole S. Holler
Editor
Deepanjali Kakati
English Associate Editor
Charvi Arora
Hindi Associate Editor
Giriraj Agarwal
Urdu Associate Editor
Syed Sulaiman Akhtar
English Copy Editor
Krittika Sharma
Urdu Copy Editor
Zahoor Hussain Bhat
Art Director/ Production Chief
Hemant Bhatnagar
Deputy Art Directors/ Production Assistants
Qasim Raza, Shah Faisal Khan
Front cover: Photograph courtesy NASA / JPL-Caltech
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Sanghamitra Dutta speaks about her role in the NISAR project, her journey from Kolkata to NASA and empowering women in STEM.
Collaboration for a Better Planet
BY GIRIRAJ AGARWAL
Sanghamitra Dutta is a member of the project management team for NISAR—a joint Earth-observing mission by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). She has been working with NASA for over three decades and now serves as the program executive in the Earth Science division at Science Mission Directorate, NASA HQ in Washington, D.C. Dutta visited India in January 2024 on a U.S. State Department-sponsored trip and engaged with school students in the National Capital Region. Excerpts from an interview.
Please tell us about the NISAR project.
I am excited about the NISAR project and have been involved with it since its early conceptual phase. We have completed the design and development work and are now in the final stages of integration and testing. Our goal is to launch the satellite and gather valuable scientific data from it. We will distribute the data to the science community, which will analyze it and use it for societal benefit.
NISAR will provide us with comprehensive insights into changes occurring on the Earth’s surface, sea levels, and ice coverage, utilizing its remarkable sensitivity. Understanding these changes will help us explore the root cause of many issues related to climate change and natural disasters. We can then leverage this understanding and effectively influence policymakers and make the planet a better place to live for our future generations.
What are the opportunities to take U.S.-India
collaborations in space science to the next level?
This is the first large collaboration between NASA and ISRO, and it is progressing very well. We will use the lessons learned from this collaboration to ensure that future collaborations proceed even more smoothly. Over the course of more than 10 years working together on NISAR, we have learned from each other what works best and how to optimize the partnership for mutual benefit. We all have limited budgets. So, the more we collaborate in areas of mutual interest, the better we can use our resources to achieve our respective goals.
When did you realize that you had an interest in space science and what inspired you to take it up as a career?
I was born in India and grew up in Kolkata. My elder brother was studying science, which may have influenced my interests. The Moon landing was a significant event during my school years and served as an early inspiration for me to pursue a career in space science.
Please tell us about your experiences at NASA.
My entry into NASA was coincidental. After finishing my higher studies in the United States, I began teaching at a university and wanted to find a job in the same city as my husband. Consequently, we moved to the Washington, D.C., area, and I searched for jobs in national laboratories. Fortunately, NASA presented itself with promising opportunities that aligned well with my background and interests.
I have been working at NASA for 30 years in different capacities. I worked on technology development
for different space science programs and managed the development of two new technologies for the James Webb Space Telescope project. Later, I moved from pure science and technology development to technical management and took on a leadership role.
Please tell us about your masterclass at the American Center New Delhi in 2023.
I have come a long way in my career, and I’m eager to share my story with students in India to inspire them to pursue careers in science, technology, or space programs. I want them to understand that it is not as daunting as it may seem.
I also wanted to emphasize the importance of doing good, sharing happiness and helping others. It comes from my experience of what we do at NASA. If you can use your knowledge and experience to do good for humankind, it brings you a different level of satisfaction.
What would you say to young girls and women who want to pursue a career in space science or STEM fields?
I would strongly encourage them to go for it. Now we see so many girls and women in science and technology education. Many women engineers work with ISRO. That is inspiring and encouraging.
Earlier, pictures of women scientists were somewhat nerdy. But now these images are changing. With such positive changes and abundance of role models, I am confident that young girls will feel inspired and empowered to pursue their passions in STEM.
Above / The NISAR satellite at an ISRO facility. / Above right / Sanghamitra Dutta (center) at a Youth Circle Dialogue on Peace and Space Exploration at the American Center New Delhi.
Rakesh Malhotra
An American Center New Delhi workshop sparks curiosity about space technology through a series of workshops designed for students.
Inspiring Space Enthusiasts
BY CHARVI ARORA
Launching a dynamic partnership, SPACE India and the American Center New Delhi are igniting a cosmic spark in young minds through a monthly astronomy and space science workshop series. Aimed at fueling the passion for space exploration, this series kicked off in May 2024 with the inaugural workshop titled, “Get Set, Make Hydraulic Systems for Space Applications,” hosted at the American Center New Delhi.
Tailored for students aged 13 to 18, the two-hour workshop offered a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Sachin Bahmba, founder and
chairman of SPACE India, says the vision of the workshop is “to popularize hands-on science, astronomy and space science through fun-filled concepts, services and programs.”
Interactive demonstrations
The theoretical segment of the workshop covered the fundamentals of hydraulics, including Pascal’s law and the concept of force multiplication in hydraulic systems. Mentors showcased how hydraulics work alongside their real-world applications using simple
Rakesh
Above / Participants engage in hands-on activities, including constructing a model of a robotic arm controlled by a hydraulic system.
yet effective models. The visual approach helped students grasp complex concepts with ease.
Following a robust foundation in theory, the second segment challenged participants to construct functional models of space-inspired systems employing hydraulic principles. They were tasked with building a model of a robotic arm controlled by a hydraulic system and a mockup of a spacecraft landing gear deployment mechanism.
Beyond theory
By combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, participants delved deeper into the realm of space technology, gaining a better understanding of hydraulics and its relevance in space missions. “The most enjoyable part was definitely constructing the different machines,” says Serene Aman, a participant. “Compared to my classroom experience, I found it easier to grasp concepts today because we focused on the practical aspects of hydraulics.”
Teamwork was essential as students collaborated to brainstorm solutions and troubleshoot issues encountered during the construction process.
Bahmba says the partnership with the American Center New Delhi has two primary goals. “First, to instill in students the belief that big problems can be solved, and one can apply the knowledge gained in books to real-life situations.” Second, he emphasizes the importance of fostering early-stage design thinking without the need for expensive equipment or facilities.
Learning by doing
The workshop offered hands-on engineering experiences, with participants delving into the world of flu-
id mechanics, a foundational principle in many space technologies.
Compared to my classroom experience, I found it easier to grasp concepts because we focused on the practical aspects of hydraulics.
“The engaging activity not only helped in learning but also introduced me to new students who are also aspiring astrophysicists,” says Narayani Bhardwaj. Similarly, for Preeti Jaswal, this workshop gave her a taste of what it takes to be a space engineer. She is already part of the astronomy club at school, “but learning to tilt a rocket at different angles and what it takes to make different components of the rocket” were new and enriching pieces of information that were not taught in class.
Parents also joined their children in this learning experience. “The ease with which the complicated science of fluid mechanics, hydraulics and mechanical advantage was so lucidly explained to the students intrigued them with the more challenging task of logging data for the same through a working model demonstration,” says Ritu Dogra. “That’s the beauty of experiential learning.”
Above and top / The workshop covered fundamentals of hydraulics and practical construction of space-inspired models.
Rakesh Malhotra
Charvi Arora
Indian American aerospace engineer Swati Mohan talks about the Perseverance rover and future Mars missions during her U.S. State Department-sponsored visit to India.
A Woman With a Mission
BY KRITTIKA SHARMA
The roots of U.S.-India ties in the field of space exploration run deep, beyond strategic partnerships and diplomatic initiatives. The two countries are bound by a strong human bond, which is illustrated by the number of Indian Americans who have chosen to pursue careers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
“Americans of Indian descent are taking over the country!” observed President Joe Biden while speaking with Indian American aerospace engineer Swati Mohan, whose team successfully landed the Perseverance rover on Mars in 2021. Mohan visited New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Puducherry in early 2024 to participate in a series of U.S. State Department-sponsored programs on women in STEM and space exploration.
She played a key role in leading the guidance, navigation and control operations of the Perseverance rover. “Our team’s job was to design the ‘eyes and ears’ of the mission,” says Mohan. “We made sure Perseverance could figure out where it was, where it needed to go and how to get there.”
For her, the greatest gift has been the payoff. “The most exciting part of being an operations lead was working in mission control and seeing the spacecraft work in space,” she says.
Upward and onward
Mohan says the Perseverance rover has demonstrated
the possibility of future missions to Mars. “Two specific examples are MOXIE and Ingenuity,” she says. “MOXIE is an instrument that makes oxygen out of the Martian atmosphere. This is critical for eventual human missions to Mars. Ingenuity is a helicopter, the first ever to fly outside of Earth. The demonstration of the helicopter on Mars opens up an entirely new way of exploring planets that could enable a whole new suite of scientific missions,” adds Mohan.
She is also working on the Mars Sample Return program, a proposed mission to return samples from the surface of Mars to Earth. “While Perseverance is the first leg of the Mars Sample Return relay, we are planning for the next leg,” Mohan explains. “The next step is to land a rocket capable of launching the samples off of the surface of Mars. I am working on the Mars Launch System, which will hopefully be the first rocket to ever launch off of the surface of another planet, carrying with it the samples Perseverance collected.”
What about others who want to make a career in science and technology, like her?
Build your confidence, advocate for yourself, let people know what you want and show that you are capable of achieving it, she advises.
“Above all, keep trying,” she adds. “There are many paths that can lead to the same goal. As long as we keep walking, we can eventually get there.”
Below / Swati Mohan interacts with visitors at an event at the American Center New Delhi.
Rakesh Malhotra
Indian space industry professionals engage with U.S. public and private counterparts through an International Visitor Leadership Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
Shooting for the Stars
BY DEEPANJALI KAKATI
Nine leaders from the Indian space industry traveled to the United States in March 2024 for an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focusing on U.S.-India Commercial Space Collaboration. The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program.
The group met with American space counterparts in the private and public sectors, including Axiom Space, Viasat, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The program aimed to create opportunities for Indian and U.S. private space firms to network and identify areas for partnership. Meet three of the participants and learn about their work and experiences during the IVLP.
I am: Naga Bharath Daka, co-founder and chief operating officer of Skyroot Aerospace.
I got interested in the space sector when: I was working with my now partner, Pawan Chandana, on some exciting space-related projects at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
Skyroot is: one of India’s leading private space-tech companies, distinguished by its groundbreaking achievements since its establishment in 2018, including launching India’s first private rocket.
I launched Skyroot because: the emergence of a vibrant Indian space sector, particularly the rapidly growing global market for small satellite launches, presented a compelling opportunity.
The impact of my work that I am most proud of is: without a doubt, the launch of India’s first private
Above / The IVLP participants, including Skyroot Aerospace co-founder Naga Bharath Daka (center, back row), at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. / Above right / The IVLP cohort at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.
Tabatha
Luskey / NASA
rocket, the Vikram-S, in November 2022. It was a major validation of Skyroot’s capabilities and demonstrated the potential of the private sector to play a significant role in India’s space endeavors.
My latest project is: achieving India’s first private orbital launch, which will be spearheaded by our Vikram-1 rocket. We’re incredibly excited about this next big milestone for Skyroot.
The IVLP program provided: a comprehensive understanding of how enabling policies, both regulatory and financial, can impact the development of a private space technology ecosystem. Visiting the NASA HQ and learning about policy frameworks, like fixed-price contracts and Space Act Agreements, demonstrated how strategic government support can drive substantial progress in the sector. The program underscored the importance of public-private partnerships and offered valuable insights that can be adapted to enhance the space ecosystem in India.
One thing that surprised me during the IVLP was: the scale and efficiency of operations at the SpaceX factory in Hawthorne, Los Angeles. As a co-founder of a small-satellite launch start-up, witnessing the production activities of Falcon 9 rockets up close was incredibly inspirational. It showcases what is possible when there is a robust support system for private industry in the space sector.
My most memorable moment from the IVLP program is: visiting Cape Canaveral in Florida and learning about the new initiatives being undertaken at the Kennedy Space Center. The efforts to accommodate new-age launch companies and establish spaceports highlighted the forward-thinking approach of the U.S. space program. This visit, combined with the inspirational experience at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where I saw the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope being built, reinforced the potential of a well-supported space industry to achieve remarkable feats.
I got interested in the space sector when: I was part of a student satellite team during my undergrad years. Digantara is: a Bengaluru-based space situational awareness company. We are developing an end-toend infrastructure to address the difficulties of space operations and space traffic management through our Space-Mission Assurance Platform a.k.a. Space-MAP. This platform will be as powerful and sophisticated as Google Maps, serving as a foundational layer for space operations and astrodynamics research.
The impact of my work that I am most proud of is: starting Digantara as a student and growing it into a company committed to creating a sustainable space environment.
My latest project is: the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into SpaceMAP. This will improve predictive analytics and real-time decision-making capabilities for space traffic management.
The IVLP program underscored the importance of publicprivate partnerships.
The IVLP program taught me: how the U.S. government has been instrumental in building the capacity of the space industry through strategic investments, regulatory support, and fostering a robust ecosystem of innovation. Programs and policies designed to encourage public-private partnerships have significantly contributed to the rapid advancement of space technologies. The IVLP also highlighted the importance of international collaboration.
I am: Anirudh Sharma, founder and chief executive officer of Digantara.
Below / Anirudh Sharma believes that by combining expertise and strategic partnerships, the United States and India can lead the way in addressing global challenges in space operations.
Courtesy Anirudh Sharma
One thing that surprised me during the IVLP was: the incredible scale and ambition of the space industry in the United States. My most memorable visits were to NASA’s JPL and the SpaceX rocket factory. Witnessing firsthand the massive scale at which SpaceX is constructing rockets left me in awe.
My most memorable moment from the IVLP program: was the opportunity to visit multiple NASA centers, where I engaged with policymakers and experts who are at the forefront of space exploration and innovation. A standout experience was witnessing the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral. The thrill of seeing a live rocket launch, combined with insightful discussions on space policy and cutting-edge technologies, provided a comprehensive and inspiring view of the current and future landscape of the space industry.
My thoughts about the future of U.S.-India collaboration in the space sector are: extremely positive. Both nations have a rich history of space exploration and innovation. By combining resources, expertise and strategic partnerships, the United States and India can lead the way in addressing global challenges in space operations, driving technological advancements for the benefit of the global community.
I am: Sanjay Nekkanti, chief executive officer and co-founder of Dhruva Space.
I got interested in the space sector when: I helped lead the first student nanosatellite SRMSat mission, supported and launched by Indian Space Research Organisation onboard the PSLV-C18 in 2011.
Dhruva Space is: a full-stack space technology provider based in Hyderabad. It is active across space, launch and ground segments and supports civilian and defense clients worldwide.
I founded Dhruva Space because: I believed in India’s potential to become the satellite-making capital of the world. In 2012, I noticed there were no private space companies that were launching anything. Once the government started showing support for the private sector, I knew this could pave the way for a new era.
The impact of my work that I am most proud of: is seeing how Dhruva Space’s contribution to the privatization of the Indian space sector has impacted the global population.
My latest project is: Dhruva Space’s upcoming LEAP1 mission on our P-30 nanosatellite platform set to launch later this year, which will be India’s first hosted payload mission.
The IVLP program taught me: that there is a need for more awareness among U.S. non-governmental entities about the abilities of their Indian counterparts. More awareness will lead to better bilateral cooperation.
One thing that surprised me during the IVLP: and pleasantly so, was the focus on innovation throughout the program. It highlighted the importance of investing in research and development to maintain a competitive stance in the global market.
My most memorable moment from the IVLP program: is the visit to the Goddard Space Flight Center, which featured a tour of the assembly, integration and testing facility of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The engineer in me reveled in this experience, especially as Dhruva Space is setting up a 280,000 square-foot facility for the design, engineering, assembly, integration and testing of various spacecraft.
My thoughts about the future of U.S.-India collaboration in the space sector: The potential is immense. Consistent and transparent dialogue between all key stakeholders, private and government, is imperative for true collaboration, shared innovation and sustained development.
Above / Sanjay Nekkanti got interested in the space sector when he helped lead a student nanosatellite mission in 2011.
Courtesy Sanjay Nekkanti
Aumsat Technologies, a Nexus-trained start-up, uses satellite data to detect pipeline leaks and find groundwater sources.
Smart Water Solutions
BY GIRIRAJ AGARWAL
Clean water is vital for public health, communities and the economy. Water is also an essential resource for agricultural production, including irrigation, livestock and farm management and the preservation of produce. Unfortunately, leakages in water supply pipes result in the daily loss of millions of liters of water and facilitate the entry of potentially harmful contaminants into our drinking water. A Mumbai-based start-up, Aumsat Technologies, uses satellite-based data to detect and predict leakages in water pipeline networks, while also identifying potential groundwater sources.
The idea of utilizing satellite scans came to the founder Riddhish Soni during his tenure as a scientist on the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission with the Indian Space Research Organisation. Soni’s primary responsibility on Chandrayaan-2 was to focus on the exploration of essential resources on the moon. This included the search for water, helium-3 radioisotopes, as well as deposits of iron and titanium—elements critical for prospective future lunar exploration and potential colonization efforts.
“While working on this mission,” he says, “I realized that if we can detect water on the moon, why not harness this technology to locate groundwater resources on Earth, especially in regions plagued by drought.”
Left / Aumsat has detected 2,600 leakages and digitized approximately 15,000 km of pipeline networks, helping conserve water and reducing the economic and environmental costs associated with water loss.
This idea was the cornerstone of what would evolve into Aumsat. Together with his co-founder, Chetan, Soni began to harness satellite data to create systems aimed at targeting, monitoring and prospecting water resources. The start-up’s initial focus was on developing the technology for farmers, to improve irrigation efficiency and crop yield. This technology was further refined and hyperlocalized to detect leakages in pipelines. “Our focus has especially been on alleviating water scarcity in drought-stricken areas across India,” says Soni.
Nexus training
Aumsat was part of the 15th cohort at the Nexus Startup Hub at the American Center New Delhi. A partnership between the U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the Alliance for Commercialization and Innovation Research (ACIR), Nexus connects start-ups, innovators and investors.
Speaking about the training at Nexus, Soni says it provided a wealth of knowledge that has been instrumental in shaping Aumsat’s trajectory. Key areas included financial management for long-term viability, effective storytelling to communicate the start-up’s mission, and body language and fundraising techniques to build
confidence and credibility, particularly when pitching to potential investors and partners.
“Problem-solving sessions enhanced our ability to tackle complex challenges, while understanding intellectual property strategy was essential for protecting our innovations and maintaining a competitive edge,” says Soni. “Overall, the training equipped us with essential skills, significantly enhancing our competitive positioning in satellite technology applications.”
Technology and its impact
Aumsat uses the cutting-edge capabilities of Japan’s L Band satellite, which allows it to penetrate up to 10 meters in concrete and 60 meters in dry soil, and detect underground features with great precision.
The principal technologies employed are radar polarimetry for identifying groundwater and radar interferometry for detecting changes below the Earth’s surface. “Radar polarimetry allows us to differentiate between water and other substances, providing accurate insights into groundwater resources,” explains Soni.
“Radar interferometry allows us to detect changes over time in the environment below the surface. By comparing multiple radar images taken at different times, we can identify subtle changes indicative of pipeline leakages, ground subsidence, or other alterations in the landscape. This technology plays a crucial role in our pipeline leak detection efforts,” he adds.
Since its inception in 2019, Aumsat has scanned over 44,000 hectares of land, created 3,800 water points, and positively impacted the lives of thousands of smallholder farming families across rural India. “These farmers now have better access to water for irrigation, significantly improving their agricultural productivity and sustainability,” says Soni.
Aumsat has also detected 2,600 leakages and digitized approximately 15,000 km of pipeline networks, which has resulted in saving approximately 17,000 kiloliters of water every month. This effort not only helped conserve water but also reduced the economic and environmental costs associated with water loss.
“Our technology and services have attracted a diverse client base, including smart cities like Udaipur, Indore and Gandhinagar,” says Soni, adding that Aumsat is working in 29 districts across India. “In our recent project in Udaipur, we successfully detected 47 leaks,” he says. “This not only resulted in savings of $200,000 in revenue water but also conserved 38,000 kiloliters of water.”
Aumsat’s technology can also be instrumental in detecting carbon dioxide and trace gas emissions. This is becoming increasingly important as countries around the world strive to reduce their carbon footprints in response to global climate change. “By accurately identifying and quantifying these emissions, we can provide data that supports informed policy-making and compliance with international environmental standards,” says Soni.
The start-up has implemented a diverse range of projects that leverage its advanced satellite technology for various practical applications. These include collaborating with the Indian Army to identify underground tunnels for national security, and supporting the Indian Navy in submarine detection.
Next steps
Soni’s goal is to digitize all pipeline networks throughout India, which will help augment the government’s ability to significantly upgrade the infrastructure. “By converting lost water into an economic asset, we aim to support the provision of at least 55 liters of water daily to each rural household by 2030, aligning with sustainable development goals,” he says. His company is also venturing into new technological fields, developing a meteorological rocket for cloud seeding and expanding into robotics and Internet of Things.
“These endeavors are part of our broader mission to utilize technology for societal benefit,” says Soni, “ensuring that our advancements in satellite and radar technology directly boost the quality of life and promote environmental stewardship.”
Above / Aumsat Technologies founder Riddhish Soni (second from left), with ACIR director Erik Azulay (center).
Courtesy Riddhish Soni
Meet the two teams from India whose compelling visuals received honorable mentions at the Pale Blue Dot: Visualization Challenge organized by NASA, UNVIE and UNOOSA.
Developing Solutions Through Space Data
BY DEEPANJALI KAKATI
The world is facing urgent challenges like climate change, water scarcity and food shortages. Earth observation data, collected from outer space, is a vital tool to tackle these issues. This data, which includes satellite imagery, offers accurate and publicly accessible information on the atmosphere, oceans, ecosystems, land cover and urban areas.
In November 2023, an international competition was launched to help a more diverse audience learn how to tackle real-world problems with space-generated data. The Pale Blue Dot: Visualization Challenge was developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna (UNVIE) in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer
Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
The virtual challenge, which ended in January 2024, drew nearly 1,600 participants from 100 countries, with 70 percent having no prior experience with Earth observation data. They created visualizations to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like zero hunger, clean water and climate action. Each entry included a visualization image and an explanation of its real-world and ethical implications. Expert judges selected winners based on impact, integrity, technical rigor, usability and interpretability.
Two teams from India received honorable mentions for their compelling visuals. The Ravenshaw University team with assistant professor Jajnaseni Rout and Ph.D. research scholar Dibya Jyoti Mohanty studied
hydro-climatic variability hotspots in the Brahmani-Baitarani river basin in eastern India.
Starmap Navigator, with Naushin Fatima Khan, Manhvi Yadav and Abhijeet Kumar, produced a 3D visualization of Earth that shows the rise in temperature, rainfall and carbon dioxide emissions in the last 40 years. They also created a 2D graph illustrating the same data for each year between 1981 and 2022 for approximately 75 countries.
Khan, Yadav and Kumar are pursuing undergraduate degrees in computer science at IILM University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Ravenshaw University
Hydro-climatic variability refers to the changes in water-related climate patterns over time. This includes variations in rainfall, river flows and other aspects of the water cycle influenced by climate factors. Understanding these variations is crucial for managing environmental resources and addressing the impacts of climate change.
“Our project determines the month-wise hotspot regions from 2000 to 2022 in the Brahmani-Baitarani river basin, highlighting areas with the most significant climatic deviations from mean values. We used longterm monthly data of parameters like temperature, vapor pressure and precipitation,” say Rout and Mohanty.
Rout and Mohanty’s pilot literature review suggests that this river basin has witnessed strong changes in its environment due to human activities, mainly mining, industrialization and agriculture. “This has led to over-extraction of water resources, causing depletion of groundwater levels and reduced river flows,” they say. “These challenges are compounded by climate variability, which results in irregular rainfall patterns and extreme weather events, affecting the livelihoods of communities dependent on the river basin.”
The team says it was thrilled to participate in the Pale Blue Dot: Visualization Challenge, which helped enhance their spatial data analysis skills. “We gained insights into how NASA operates as an organization, understanding its priorities and methodologies. The competition encouraged us to use innovative thinking for problem-solving,” they say.
Rout and Mohanty say that space data offers numerous benefits, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, climate change research, agricultural optimization and urban planning. They cite the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)
Photographs courtesy Dibya Jyoti Mohanty
Above and top / The Ravenshaw University team with Jajnaseni Rout (above left) and Dibya Jyoti Mohanty (above right) studied hydro-climatic variability hotspots in the Brahmani-Baitarani river basin in eastern India (top).
mission as an example.
“NISAR’s high-resolution imagery will aid in precise monitoring of Earth’s surface changes, facilitating disaster prediction and response, climate research and agricultural planning,” they say. “Overall, space-based data enhances our understanding of Earth’s systems, supporting sustainable development and resilience to environmental challenges.”
Starmap Navigator
“During our research on the SDGs,” say Khan, Yadav and Kumar, “we discovered a significant finding by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, which stated that global action to reduce short-lived climate pollutants could prevent 0.6°C of warming by 2050. This highlighted that cutting carbon dioxide emissions and climate pollutants is essential to slowing global warming and achieving the 2°C target set by the Paris Agreement.”
The team’s goal was to gain insight into the carbon dioxide emissions produced by almost 75 countries on a yearly basis between 1981 and 2022, analyze how these emissions have affected temperature and precipitation changes so that necessary steps can be taken to reduce the emissions, and ultimately, maintain the temperature and precipitation levels.
Through the Pale Blue Dot challenge, the team learned about significant global issues and the initiatives people are undertaking to achieve the SDGs.
“Exploring NASA’s datasets is particularly enlightening, revealing the vast array of opportunities available for students worldwide,” they say. “Witnessing the
efforts of people working to mitigate climate impact left a profound impression on us and inspired a strong determination to contribute to this cause ourselves.”
The team believes data collected from space can have a huge impact on improving the outcomes for future generations on Earth. “Space-based observations are crucial for understanding and predicting climate change, aiding in the development of strategies to protect future generations from extreme weather and global warming,” they say.
Satellites monitor natural disasters, enabling early warnings and effective emergency responses, while also tracking deforestation, desertification and pollution to help protect ecosystems. They observe water bodies and ice caps, essential for managing water resources and addressing water scarcity.
Additionally, satellites monitor air quality, radiation and disease vectors, supporting public health initiatives. “These efforts often involve international cooperation,” says team Starmap Navigator, “fostering global partnerships to address global issues for the benefit of future generations.”
Above / The Starmap Navigator team, with Abhijeet Kumar (from left), Manhvi Yadav and Naushin Fatima Khan produced a 3D visualization of Earth (left) that shows the rise in temperature, rainfall and carbon dioxide emissions in the last 40 years.
A groundbreaking program by the U.S. Consulate General Chennai and RELO helped IIST’s future space scientists and engineers improve their English skills for scientific writing and communication.
Helping Space Scientists Level Up
BY KRITTIKA SHARMA
The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is dedicated to the study and research of space science. Established in 2007 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), IIST offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs, designed with a special focus on space science, technology, and their myriad applications, nurturing the next generation of space scientists and engineers.
The U.S. Consulate General Chennai and the Regional English Language Office (RELO) in New Delhi conducted a short-term program on developing and
implementing English for Academic Purposes for the students enrolled at IIST. This was the first program of its kind for scientific writing or communication skills in English. It included a component to train faculty to run similar courses for future scientists. The program aimed to improve basic communication skills, technical writing, and communication skills for employment, as well as research writing skills for more than 60 undergraduate and doctoral students at the institute.
Language specialists Mackenzie Bristow and Wendy McBride implemented the program virtually and in person.
This was the first program of its kind at IIST for scientific writing or communication skills in English.
Drafting the curriculum
Bristow, who has a background in applied linguistics and user experience (UX) research, previously directed Emory University’s graduate English as a Second Language program. There she worked with scholars to improve their research and presentation skills.
Bristow visited IIST in early 2023 and encouraged her students to understand the purpose and the audience when communicating, whether in writing or through presentations. “For example, let’s think about email,” explains Bristow. “It’s such a simple thing that we do all the time. But taking a moment to think about what my reader expects from me, or why I’m writing this email, and having that moment to analyze the audience and purpose makes it so much easier to write.”
By the end of her six-week course, Bristow says, students became adept at quickly planning their commu-
nications. “I could throw anything at the scholars and they would just know the level of formality and how to organize their thoughts,” she says. “They would create a mental outline and it just made the writing so much easier. And that is the real power of thinking about audience and purpose.”
Before arriving in Thiruvananthapuram, Bristow held several virtual sessions, scanned the IIST’s course offerings and engaged closely with professors and graduate students to understand their needs. She reviewed professors’ published articles and analyzed research publications, particularly scientific research, to help students navigate their academic journey effectively.
As part of the training, Bristow held several in-person speaking and writing classes for undergraduates. “They each had learning objectives toward increasing fluency and proficiency,” she explains. She also created a language research article writing class for graduate students. “At least once a week, I had a two-hour session with a group of graduate students where we went through the pieces of the research article,” she says. “Part of my role there was to share with faculty the kind of methods I use to create the curriculum.”
“Our conversations were very much an exchange of knowledge,” she says. “I was learning so much from them about how they wanted the students to express themselves, and I was providing them tricks and tips from linguistics on how to analyze language. We were able to blend our styles together and, I think what was left with them were some new, exciting lessons that could be integrated into their curriculum.”
Photographs courtesy Mackenzie Bristow
Left / Mackenzie Bristow (center) hosted several sessions, assessed IIST’s courses and engaged with professors and students to understand their needs. / Below left / Bristow worked with scholars over six weeks to help them improve their communication skills.
Teaching at IIST
McBride has been teaching English as a second language at the University of Arkansas for over a decade. Her career has revolved around teaching English to undergraduates, graduates and Ph.D. students.
She visited IIST for three weeks in October 2023, where she helped train students in academic and formal writing. Most of her classes were held remotely, with a few in-person visits to the institute. “Everyone spoke English very well. But when it translated to writing, it was a very conversational style of writing,” says McBride.
Her focus was on graduate students aiming to get published and competing with English speakers from around the world. “A large percentage of them are native speakers with strong writing skills, and possibly more experience with research writing. So, I was addressing some basic tenets of research writing at IIST,” explains McBride.
Her key areas included presenting ideas in a formal way, aligning with the standards of the scholarly community, identifying and eliminating slang and idiomatic expressions, and learning vocabulary and phraseology. “I noticed significant progress in formal writing, with stronger grammar and fewer conversational elements like idioms, contractions, and personal emotional content,” she adds.
The contrast between American and Indian students’ learning styles significantly influenced McBride’s teaching approach. While American education emphasizes interactive participation, with students expected to engage actively in class discussions and group work, the students McBride worked with in India were more
accustomed to listening attentively and taking notes. As a highly interactive teacher, McBride found herself pushing harder to encourage participation among her students, striving to create a more engaging classroom environment.
“For me, education is personal and there’s not a huge power distance between the instructor and the student. It’s a more equal relationship and we are learning from each other,” she explains. “That was not what this audience was expecting or familiar with. So, both in-person and virtually, I had to work hard.”
What impressed McBride was the dedication and hard work her students put into showing up for her classes. “The students didn’t shed any of their existing workload to attend my classes. My classes were added to it.” One student who attended most of the classes left a mark on McBride.
“The student was married and had two children, and I thought it was incredible that she was able to make space for my program with her already hugely demanding home life and school life,” she says.
“Good science is not enough if you can’t convey it well in a written form,” explains McBride. “You are going to end up at a dead end, and someone else who communicates more effectively will secure the funding, get published, or advance their knowledge more easily,” she adds, emphasizing the need for language skills among space scientists.
And she agrees with Bristow when it comes to the purpose of writing. “It’s important to think about the audience and be able to meet the audience where they are at.”
Photographs
Wendy McBride
Above and above right / Wendy McBride visited IIST in October 2023 to train students in academic and formal writing.
Astrophysicist Priya Hasan Shah talks about her IVLP experience and how to engage young minds in the fields of astronomy and STEM.
Shaping Young Stars
BY ZAHOOR HUSSAIN BHAT
Astrophysicist Priya Hasan Shah values the interactions she had with astronomers during her formative years. “It convinced me that exposure at the right time is crucial in shaping the future of children,” she says.
This led Shah to co-found Shristi Astronomy in 2006 with her husband, Syed Najamul Hasan, a mathematician and astronomer, to promote the subject among children. “The aim is not to make everyone an astronomer,” explains Shah, “but rather to broaden their horizons to the possibilities, and hopefully, instill a scientific temperament in them.”
Shah teaches physics at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad and serves as the co-chair of the International Astronomical Union working group called Women in Astronomy. In 2011, she visited the United States as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. During her visit, Shah engaged with fellow astronomers at universities and research centers. Additionally, she participates as a speaker at programs and panels focusing on astronomy and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topics, which are sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad.
Excerpts from an interview with Shah.
What sparked your interest in astronomy?
At the age of 12 or 13, I knew I wanted to pursue astronomy. Like many children, stars fascinated me and I was keen to learn more. Around the same time, the “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” series by Carl Sagan was aired on Indian television. I loved the way Sagan described the planets, stars and galaxies and showed how they were so closely related to human lives, traditions and the development of science. My father, noticing my interest, bought me the book by the same name. I started visiting the planetarium in Mumbai and attending lectures by leading astrophysicists. Narayan Chandra Rana, a professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, was as an excellent mentor in those early days.
What are your areas of expertise? Please tell us about any exciting new discoveries in your field. I am an observational astronomer—I observe stars, star clusters and galaxies using optical, near-infrared and radio telescopes. I also use data from space telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, Gaia and now the James Webb Space Telescope. I am very interested in star formation, given it is closely linked to planet formation and the origin of life. In recent times, astronomy has become a data-rich science, and various tools in big data analysis and machine learning have grown in importance. I have been studying various aspects of these domains, and they are the most intriguing and exciting areas of research for me.
Please tell us about your IVLP experience. How did it influence your perspective on astronomy and astrophysics?
The IVLP program provides professionals with a unique opportunity to interact with other professionals in their field in the United States. Such interactions not only broaden horizons but also foster global perspectives. It was both interesting and enlightening to connect with people who share similar interests, to witness minds connect irrespective of backgrounds. The program was well planned and coordinated, and had a good balance of professional, cultural and social activities. I came to understand that regardless of location, people in the same profession confront similar questions, challenges and potential solutions; they simply navigate them within distinct environments.
What is your advice to students aspiring to pursue a career in astronomy and astrophysics, particularly women?
I believe that we only have one life to live, and thus it’s essential to pursue our interests, whatever they may be. In my case, astronomy has been very close to my heart and I can’t imagine myself doing anything but this.
I would strongly encourage my women friends and students to go ahead, reach for the stars (literally!), be willing to work hard and face whatever hurdles may come their way. The journey is as beautiful as the destination.
Left and far left / Priya Hasan Shah at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh.
Photographs courtesy
Priya Hasan Shah
