Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in collaboration with Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) conducted a ‘Meet and Greet an Astronaut’ program today at NAST conference hall, Lalitpur. Dr. Sandra Magnus who was welcomed and honored today is a NASA Astronaut and Former Executive Director at American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Participants having photo session with Astronaut Dr. Sandra Magnus
Dr. Magnus is on her two months trip to Nepal and she has already spent four and half months in the space. So, the main objective of the program today was to share her experience and expertise to the young aeronautics and astronautics enthusiasts.
The event today was attended by the students from various schools around the country, delegates from Tribhuvan University (TU), officials from NAST, chief of Civil Aviation Academy and media personnel.
Dr. Magnus shared her feelings, experiences on how is life on space through a power point presentation. She showed many photographs that depicted lifestyle, food, relaxation, sleeping and exercises required in space. Besides, there was a questions and answers session in which the students from primary level to the university level asked various space technology related questions to Dr. Magnus who gave excellent replies that were valuable to the aspiring students.
Astronaut Dr. Sandra Magnus giving presentation on ‘Life On International Space Station (ISS)’
Similarly, Senior Director of Nepal Telecom Authority Mr. Anand Raj Khanal gave a presentation on ‘Nepal’s First Communication Satellite’ and informed that the process of dispatching Nepal’s first satellite is going on as the authority has been asking government to take necessary steps. The confirmation on deploying the satellite in the orbital slot by government itself or through a satellite service provider company is yet to be made, he added.
Likewise, another presentation was about ‘Civil Aviation Academy (CAA) in Nepal’ presented by Mr. Debendra K.C., Academy Chief and Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Mr. KC provided detail information on various courses provided at CAA Nepal and requested students to visit and learn more about the academy so that the young aviation enthusiasts can find themselves easier in achieving their goal.
Chief of Civil Aviation Academy, Nepal Mr. Debendra K.C. giving presentation about the academy
Prize Distribution of the 4th National Astronomy Olympiad 2017, 1st National Space Art Competition 2017 and 2nd NASO women in Science Award 2018 was also conducted in the program today. Students from various schools and colleges who won the competition got rewarded with cash prize, medals and certificates.
Dr. Sandra Magnus was announced the honorable member of NASO at the end of the session. She was too much delighted to receive such honor and share her experience to the astronautics enthusiasts from Nepal. She said Nepal is a naturally beautiful and amazing country and also gifted some photographs of Nepal clicked from space to NAST.
