A Giant Leap for Mankind

Consul General Andrew Simkin and the children from Nalanda Way Foundation watch an interactive computer program at the Birla Planetarium on July 31.

July 31: The U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, in partnership with Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre hosted a program on July 31 at the Birla Planetarium to mark the 40th Anniversary of NASA’s moon mission. Children from the Nalanda Way Foundation participated in the program to celebrate the historic achievement of the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969. Consul General Andrew Simkin, who was also the chief guest at the event, inaugurated the poster exhibit on space exploration created by the Consulate. The exhibit titled, “U.S. Space Program – New Era of Discovery”, will be on display through August 9th.      

Visitors to the planetarium can also experience simulations of past and future space missions through an interactive computer program and watch the film 50 years of Exploration – The Golden Anniversary of NASA with Neil Armstrong which will be screened on all days from July 31 - August 9.

The United Nations and the International Council on Science has declared 2009 the International Year of Astronomy to encourage scientific advancement through multinational collaboration. As NASA celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will be celebrating its 40th anniversary on August 15, 2009. Both events signify the long term success of space exploration in the US and in India.


To receive information about future Consulate programs e-mail ChennaiPASprograms@state.gov