The Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, operated under the Council of Science & Technology, Uttar Pradesh (CSTUP), has been officially recognized as an Outreach Nodal Network Institute of the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), a unit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dehradun. With this recognition, the Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, is now formally connected to the ISRO–IIRS Outreach Programme Network. It is a major milestone in advancing science, technology, and space education in Uttar Pradesh

This achievement marks a significant step forward in strengthening science, technology, and space education in Uttar Pradesh. As part of this network, the Planetarium will now conduct academic and training programmes in Astrophysics, Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Photometry, and their related applications.

Dr. Sumit Kumar Shrivastava, Scientific Officer, Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, has been appointed as the Institutional Coordinator, while Mr. Sandeep Yadav, Technical Assistant, has been designated as the Institutional Co-Coordinator. Dr. Shrivastava will coordinate and manage all educational courses and online training programmes offered by IIRS–ISRO through the Planetarium.

The ISRO–IIRS Outreach Programme is one of ISRO’s flagship initiatives aimed at connecting educational and research institutions across India in the fields of Remote Sensing, GIS, and Space Technology while providing students with access to advanced training resources.

The Planetarium also operates the Uttar Pradesh Amateur Astronomers Club (UPAAC), which currently has more than 1500 registered members actively participating in various astronomical outreach activities.

Speaking on this achievement, Dr. Sumit Kumar Shrivastava said, “It is a matter of great pride for the Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, to become a part of ISRO’s prestigious IIRS Outreach Network. This association will help our students and researchers gain exposure to advanced technologies such as Remote Sensing and GIS, enabling them to contribute to India’s space and Earth science missions. Those who wish to participate in IIRS–ISRO online courses and training programmes free of cost may contact the Planetarium or join our official WhatsApp group for further details.”

Sri Pandhari Yadav, Director General, Council of Science & Technology, Uttar Pradesh, congratulated the Planetarium team and said, “This recognition of the Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, is a reflection of the growing scientific environment in Uttar Pradesh. It will inspire students to take a deeper interest in space science and research, thereby fostering scientific innovation in the state.”

Sri Shildhar Singh Yadav, Director & Secretary, Council of Science & Technology, Uttar Pradesh, added, “The inclusion of Indira Gandhi Planetarium in the IIRS Outreach Network is a proud achievement. It aligns perfectly with the Council’s mission to promote science, innovation, and scientific awareness throughout the state.”

The Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, has already started registration for students and educators for upcoming IIRS–ISRO online training programmes. Participants who successfully complete the courses will receive E-Certificates from IIRS–ISRO. Any technical or registration-related assistance will be provided directly by the Planetarium team.

This collaboration represents a crucial step toward strengthening space-based education, Remote Sensing, and GIS applications in Uttar Pradesh, creating a bridge between education, research, and technological advancement.