Sally Ride EarthKAM is an international outreach program initiated by NASA, allowing students and professionals alike to capture breath-taking images of Earth from a camera setup installed on the International Space Station (ISS). It’s a revolutionary project that not only provides an incredible opportunity to observe our planet from space but also serves as a homage to Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. The program is designed to inspire students, particularly girls, to cultivate an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Named after Sally Ride, who ardently believed in providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, EarthKAM is more than just a platform for taking captivating space photographs. It’s a means to ignite the passion for space exploration and scientific inquiry in the minds of the next generation. Sally Ride’s legacy lives on through this program, encouraging young minds to embrace the wonders of STEM. Sally Ride EarthKAM was launched in 1995 as part of NASA’s efforts to engage students in hands-on learning experiences related to space. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to interact with the International Space Station (ISS) and conduct Earth observation experiments.
This citizen science project is organised by SPACE India as an extraordinary opportunity to school students across the country. With 23 years of experience in fostering astronomy, space science, and STEM education, SPACE India has become a leading organization in the field. Their mission is to revolutionize the education and tourism sectors by making astronomy and space science accessible to all. Over 1.5 million students have already been inspired through experiential educational sessions at more than 1,000 schools in India through astronomy and space science-based curriculum and workshops.
The Sally Ride EarthKAM 87 mission, organized by Space India, unfolded through both offline and online modes. In offline events, students from various schools underwent training on how to request images from the ISS. SPACE India educators conducted these training sessions during different missions of the Sally Ride EarthKAM program, reaching schools across India. The recent mission, held from January 23rd to 29th, 2024, saw the participation of over 1500 students who seized the opportunity to request images of their chosen locations.
One such offline event took place on 25th January, 2024 at Shree Narayana Central School, Ahmedabad, in collaboration with Space India. Over 15 schools from different parts of Gujarat, including major cities like Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Maninagar, Vartrapur, participated in this unique experience. Teams from these 15 schools were awarded certificates and had the chance to perceive Earth from the extraordinary perspective of space.
Another event, hosted by BCM Arya Model School in Ludhiana, Punjab, on 24th January, 2024, witnessed the participation of more than 20 teams. The students in Ludhiana experienced a one-of-a-kind opportunity, exploring the universe through the lens of the EarthKAM program.
In the Delhi/NCR region, Space India’s Universe in the School (UITS) program trained students from various schools. Experts from Space India guided over 500 students on using the codes provided by the organization to access the camera setup on the ISS. These students actively participated in the 87th mission of EarthKAM, sparking interest and enthusiasm for astronomy and space science.
The online component of the Sally Ride EarthKAM event has played a crucial role in expanding its reach across India. More than 1000 students from Delhi to remote locations engaged in the online event, overcoming the challenges of virtual training. Space India’s educators successfully guided students through the training process, ensuring they could access codes and request images on the EarthKAM portal.
The impact of Sally Ride EarthKAM goes beyond the stunning images captured from space. It serves as a catalyst for curiosity, scientific exploration, and a deeper understanding of our planet and beyond. By combining education, experiences, and innovation, Space India continues to pave the way for a future where astronomy and space science are accessible to all. Through programs like EarthKAM, the organization is leaving an indelible mark on the minds of students, inspiring the next generation of scientists and space enthusiasts.
As we look towards the future, Sally Ride EarthKAM remains a beacon of inspiration, lighting the path for countless students to embark on their own journeys of discovery in the vast expanse of space. The collaboration between NASA, Space India, and educational institutions across the country ensures that the legacy of Sally Ride lives on, encouraging students to reach for the stars and explore the wonders of the universe.
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