In 1988 a 17-year-old Ba student had a first-hand look at space technology when he attended a program at a Rotary-sponsored space academy in the US.
According to an article published by this newspaper on July 4 that year, Divesh Singh, a seventh former of Xavier College, took part in a 10-day mission at the Space and Rocket Center at Huntsville in Alabama, US.
A Rotary spokesman said the space camp was first started by the Rotary Club of Huntsville to motivate youths on space technology.
Singh’s study tour was arranged by the Ba Rotary Club, with costs paid for by his family. He was the president of the Interect Club of Xavier College.
Interect clubs were sponsored by Rotary to introduce students and youths to community service and leadership development.
In a speech to Ba Rotary after his return, Singh spoke of his visit and the activities he participated in with a group of 20 students.
The group had two students from Alabama state, one from France and one each from other states.
Singh said he took part in an engineering program in which they simulated conditions experienced by astronauts in space flights.
They also took part in diving exercises for simulated space missions. The team also dived as safety companions for people testing new space suits.
According to the article, during the 24 hours spent in the simulated space shuttle, they ate only “astronaut food” and also repaired a “satellite” and telescope after wearing a space suit.
The program ended with graduation on the 10th day.
Singh described the trip as “wonderful” and said it was made possible because of his involvement with the Interect Club.
