Aug 09 2025 to Aug 09 2025 6:30 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

India’s celestial aspirations continue to reach new heights! In the wake of the successful AXIOM-4 mission, the nation takes yet another bold step toward securing its place among the global leaders in space exploration. This engaging discussion delves deep into the implications of the AXIOM-4 mission and its role in India’s broader space ambitions.

With esteemed space scientist Dr. B R Guruprasad and senior aerospace journalist Chethan Kumar, we decode this mission’s strategic significance, technological challenges, and its potential impact on India’s growing commercial and scientific presence in space. Moderated by veteran journalist and writer Vijay Mruthyunjaya, the session hopes to bring sharp insights, grounded analysis, and an inspiring look at the future trajectory of India’s space odyssey.

From private-sector participation to international collaborations, and from orbital missions to deep space dreams, this discussion is your gateway to understanding how India is not just reaching for the stars, but preparing to stand among them.

Speakers

B R Guruprasad
Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
A scientist, Science Administrator, Academic Science Cummunicator and Public Relations Professional, Dr Guruprasad is an ISRO veteran with 37 years of selfless service with the premier Indian space organisation before superannuating in 2020 as Scientist ’SG’/ Associate Director, Office of Media and Public Relations, ISRO Headquarters. As a satellite scientist, he has a rich experience in Satellite Mission Planning, Analysis and Operation and worked for over 25 Indian Satellite Missions at ISRO Satellite Centre (now UR Rao Satellite Centre).

He has written 13 books on Astronomy and Space in English and Kannada and contributed to many Encyclopedias and Compediums (one of his book has been translated into 11 other Indian languages). He is presently serving as Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore.

Chethan Kumar
Senior Assistant Editor, Times of India
Chethan is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections too. He alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers.

In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few. He is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO headquarters. He was also an expert consultant on two award-winning space films that were aired on Discovery.

Vijay Mruthyunjaya
Veteran Sports Journalist, Writer