Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition (VSSE)

Space Applications Centre, ISRO

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition (VSSE) is a non-commercial exhibition located in the
premises of Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, and has been functioning for the
past 13 years. Recently the exhibition was completely renovated and opened for public
viewing on 4th Oct, 2015. It aims to impart knowledge to its visitors on the significant
advancements and achievements made by SAC and Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) in the development of state-of-the-art satellites, communication/remote sensing
instruments, launch vehicles, planetary missions and applications. The exhibition is also
aimed at inculcating scientific temper in young minds and inspires them to make a career in
space industry.

The exhibition comprises two floors and an auditorium. On these floors there are themebased exhibits which enable the visitors to learn through a series of entertaining, interactive
and educational experiences. The exhibits are divided into various themes which are
arranged in a specific sequence so as to help the visitors gain a better understanding of the
exhibits.

1) Space/Universe/Solar System/ISRO (Reception Area)

The Reception Area is a modern, aesthetically pleasing area on the ground floor where the
place where the visitors get their first impression of the exhibition,. We have a special light
and sound show showcasing the birth of universe (Big-Bang theory), galaxies (Milky-Way),
solar system & orbits, planets & their satellites (Earth & Moon) and a brief introduction
about role of space agencies (ISRO) as a bridge between earth and space.
An animated model of ISROs latest lauch vehicle the GSLV is also placed here. One can
explore the various features of the vehicle in an interactive manner.
2) About ISRO: Past, Present & Future
Looking out, looking back. Before man could travel in space, satellites explored the
unknown frontier, testing for possible fatal effects of space travel. After entering into the
first exhibition hall, first displays will have a brief introduction of ISRO with focus on the
past, present and future prospects. These will be displayed in LEDs and static display panels.
3) About Rockets/Launch Vehicles
Rockets! Launch Vehicles! This theme summarizes the historical development of rocketry
and honours many pioneers in the field. Significant artefacts fill the gallery like PSLV, GSLV,
model of Mark-III, etc. which makes the understanding more interesting.
4) Spacecraft Engineering
Engineering Excellence. This part of the gallery gives an overview of spacecraft engineering
like details of solar panels, spacecraft bus, payload sensors, etc.
5) Remote Sensing Satellites and Applications
Today, satellites help to conserve & manage resources and support the Global Positioning
System (GPS), crop forecast, weather forecast, national defence, etc. This gallery tells the
story of the remarkable technology of the satellite which is catering to the needs of all
sections of the community.
This part of the exhibition enlightens the broad role played by the remote sensing satellites
like RESOURSESAT, CARTOSAT, KALPANA, RISAT, etc. in various fields, their concepts,
technology and their applications.
6) Communication Satellites and Applications
This gallery tells the story of the remarkable technology of the satellite which is catering to
the communication needs of all sections of the community. There are models of various
communication and navigation satellites here. LED and Static panels describe these in
details.
7) Ground Facilities
Ground tracking system, control room. This part of the exhibition explains about the ground
tracking systems.

8) State-of-the-art Space Technology (SOA)

This portion of gallery will throw light on the components developments and their
criticality.
9) Scientific Missions/Interplanetary Missions
This gallery is all about the scientific and interplanetary missions which were carried out by
ISRO and the future pathway which includes Chandrayaan, Mars Mission, etc. which are
carried out for the development of space science.
10) International Space Agency/Programme
The brief information regarding other international space agencies and their developments
will be displayed.
11) About Space Stations/Tourism
Relevant information about Space Station, its development, maintenance, etc. will be
provided along with the prospects of space tourism. Cut-outs of few astronauts are kept
here and one cut-one has a opening in the face are allowing visitors to take a photo of
themselves around famous astronauts like Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams.
12) Human Space Programme
Living and Working in Space demonstrates how mankind has adapted to the extreme
environmental challenges of space travel. The programme which is under progress and
information regarding till date developments like space suit will be displayed with relevant
details.
13) Area for Quiz/Interaction
Active mind lives in an active body. An interactive session with the visitors of the gallery will
be conducted to let them recollect the information which they have gathered during the
exhibition visit.
14) Kids Special Attractions
This part of the gallery is dedicated to the kids. The section will house 3D models of nanosatellites which were developed by youngsters, weigh machine which will provide weight of
an individual over different planets and their comparison, etc.
15) Area dedicated for Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
This display area will be dedicated to father of ISRO Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, which will
describe his journey and his achievements.

A few special elements

3D Theatre
Inside the exhibition hall, there is an oval shaped 3D auditorium having 70 persons seating
capacity where visitors can see 3D/2D movies based on ISRO activities. This is the first of its
kind among all the ISRO campuses.

Interactive Touch Panels

This touch panel is mounted on a table inclined at an angle to provide a good view and
accessibility. The touch panel has interactive content like games related to
building/assembling of rockets, satellites, etc. Such panels are used to demonstrate the
various websites of ISRO.
Rocket Ride with Photography
This is only for kids item which would allow them to take their pictures inside a rocket. A
PSLV/GSLV type rocket model is placed with a cut-out to make the kids face visible for
taking photographs. To add to the fun of riding a rocket, the rocket model has stairs on one
side and a slide at the same or the other side.
Souvenir Shop
A souvenir shop having several items like paper, wooden, plastic rocket and satellite models,
inflatable models, rocket shaped pen drives, key chains, t-shirts, calendars, CDs, books,
distribution materials (brochures of latest launch, stickers), etc.
Virtual Presenter
ISRO Chairman virtually welcomes all visitors using this state of the art presentation
technology.
Holograph in Free Space
In this various 3D holographic models are displayed on the tabletop arrangement.
QR codes
QR codes are used to represent URL of a website presenting the detailed information (text,
sound, video, etc.) of a particular theme. So, if one is interested to know more about a
particular theme than what is already displayed, one can use a supported mobile device;
scan the QR code put at the theme installation and view relevant information on our
dedicated website.