The “Space and Beyond: Kerala Edition” trip, organized by the Department of International Law at Saveetha School of Law, took place from the 15th to the 19th of September 2024. The purpose of the trip was to provide students with a deeper understanding of space science, along with a cultural exploration of Kerala. Under the expert guidance of faculty coordinators Ms. Fazila Faheem, Mrs. S.P. Vidyassri, Mrs. Sona, and Ms. Jayasarnya, along with the student coordinators RG Gopes Kumar, Raghul P, Shahin Mujeeb, and Bavana Anandan, the students embarked on an exciting journey. The unwavering support from Prof. Dr. Asha Sundaram, Principal of Saveetha School of Law, greatly contributed to the smooth execution of this event.

Day 1: 15th September – Departure from Chennai

The trip began with great enthusiasm as the students gathered at the college on the 15th of September at 7:00 pm. The group departed for Kerala, excited about the days ahead. The overnight journey was filled with anticipation as students prepared themselves for the experiences that awaited them in “God’s Own Country.”

Day 2: 16th September – Exploring Alleppey

The group arrived in Kerala on the afternoon of the 16th of September. The first stop was Alleppey, known for its pristine backwaters and scenic beauty. The students spent the day visiting the famous Alleppey Beach and exploring several nearby tourist spots. The coastal landscape, with its serene beaches and traditional fishing boats, provided a perfect start to the trip.

The beauty of Alleppey allowed students to relax while soaking in Kerala’s unique culture. The day ended with an exploration of the town’s natural surroundings, which made for a peaceful and enriching experience.

Day 3: 17th September – Houseboat Stay and Kovalam Beach

On the 17th of September, the students embarked on a houseboat journey through Alleppey’s enchanting backwaters. They boarded the traditional Kettuvallams and spent the day floating peacefully through Kerala’s famed water channels. The houseboat stay gave students the chance to witness rural life, admire the lush greenery, and appreciate the simplicity of Kerala’s countryside.

After a relaxing day on the houseboat, the group traveled to Kovalam Beach in the evening, where they spent some quiet time by the shoreline before heading to Trivandrum.

Day 4: 18th September – Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre

The 18th of September marked the most educational part of the trip, with visits to two iconic destinations in Trivandrum. The day began with a visit to the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, where the students learned about its cultural and religious significance. The temple’s magnificent architecture left everyone in awe.

The main highlight of the day was the visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), one of India’s most prestigious space research institutions. Upon arrival, the students were taken on a detailed tour of the VSSC space museum, which houses a wide array of model rockets, satellites, and other exhibits related to space exploration.

The students gained an in-depth understanding of India’s advancements in space technology, from its early missions to the most recent achievements. They explored the science behind satellite launches, rocket propulsion systems, and space communications. The museum featured replicas of notable rockets, including those from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) series, which fascinated the students.

The interactive displays and educational sessions allowed the students to understand the complexities of space missions. The guides provided detailed explanations about the building and launching of rockets, the importance of payloads, and the meticulous planning required for space exploration. Additionally, the students had a chance to see prototypes of equipment used in space missions and watch demonstrations of how these technologies function.

The visit to VSSC left a lasting impression on the students, inspiring many to consider careers in space research and engineering. The day was filled with curiosity and enthusiasm as the students interacted with space scientists and learned about India’s future space projects.

Day 5: 19th September – Return to Chennai

After an eventful and educational trip, the group started their journey back to Chennai on the night of the 18th of September. They arrived safely in Chennai on the 19th of September at 11:30 am, concluding the “Space and Beyond: Kerala Edition” trip.

This trip provided the students with an excellent blend of cultural exploration and scientific learning, thanks to the seamless coordination of the faculty and student coordinators and the continued support of Prof. Dr. Asha Sundaram. The exposure to space research at VSSC was especially impactful, making the trip a highly educational experience for all involved.