Periyar Science and Technology Centre in Chennai is set to display scale models of India’s Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, an atmospheric re-entry crew module and newer PSLV rockets as part of a planned upgrade of its space gallery and other public exhibits.
The centre in Kotturpuram has received approval from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) to display scale models of the missions, according to K Shanmuga Sundaram, executive director of the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre. The exhibits are intended to make the science centre’s galleries more interactive while presenting recent milestones in India’s space programme.
“We are planning to upgrade most of the galleries at Periyar Science and Technology Centre. As part of the initiative, we requested Isro to provide us with scale models to exhibit India’s recent space achievements. Isro has agreed,” Sundaram said, according to the Times of India.
The proposed additions will include models of the Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan missions, along with a crew module designed to represent atmospheric re-entry and models of the latest PSLV rockets. The source report did not specify an opening date for the upgraded space gallery or the exact scale and number of models to be installed.
The National Institute of Ocean Technology is also planning to upgrade a 5,000-square-foot gallery at the centre. The gallery will feature displays on Arctic and Antarctic missions undertaken by NIOT teams, according to Sundaram. The planned changes will expand the science centre’s public-facing coverage from space exploration to ocean and polar research.
Other galleries are also scheduled for improvements. The centre’s heart gallery, which currently includes 135 specimens, including a whale heart, will receive new features and interactive displays. The upgrades are part of a wider effort to modernise the visitor experience across the facility.
The centre has approached companies for support through corporate social responsibility funds to upgrade its exhibits, galleries and play areas. It has also contacted donors to replace equipment in the play area, where several pieces are reported to be broken or not functioning properly.
The planned additions come as the centre seeks to combine new scientific content with repairs and equipment replacement in its existing public facilities. The next steps will involve securing support for the upgrades and completing the installation of the approved exhibits, although the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre has not announced a public completion timeline.
