ISRO Press Release
The Indian Planetary Science Association (IPSA) has organised the 4th Indian Planetary Science Conference 2023 during 22-24th March, 2023 at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad. The conference aimed at highlighting the recent advances, results and studies related to the atmosphere, surface and interior of planetary bodies in the solar system, including planetary processes and early solar system evolution. IPSA was also formally inaugurated during the event.
The event began with an inaugural session on 22nd March at the K.R. Ramanathan Auditorium of Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad. Prof. Anil Bhardwaj, Director PRL welcomed the dignitaries and the participants of IPSC - 2023. Prof. Varun Sheel (Convener IPSC 2023) gave an overview of the conference and IPSA. The conference was inaugurated by the chief guest Shri S. Somanath, Secretary DOS & Chairman ISRO and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman PRL Council of Management. Dignitaries Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai, Shri M. Maheshwar Rao (Additional Secretary, DOS), and Shri Rajesh Khandelwal, Director DECU also graced the occasion. The Key-Note address was delivered by Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar where he emphasized upon generating human resource for efficient utilization of the space science and planetary data. IPSA was then formally inaugurated and its logo and website were unveiled by the dignitaries. Later, Shri S. Somanath addressed the gathering and delivered the inaugural talk on “Indian Accomplishments in Space Science and Planetary Exploration”. Key results from Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan - 2, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), and AstroSat were presented. Shri Somanath also mentioned bout the upcoming missions such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. He also briefed upon missions in discussion and conceptualization phase such as, Venus Mission, Mars Landing Mission, LuPEX, DISHA, and XPOSAT. Prof. D. Pallamraju, Dean PRL, Prof. R. D. Deshpande, Registrar, PRL, Dr. Neeraj Srivastava and Dr. K. Durga Prasad (Co-conveners, IPSC 2023) were present at the occasion. As a prelude to the IPSC 2023, a two days workshop was organized by PRL, where 50 students of M.Sc., M.Tech., and B.Tech. from 50 different institutions were selected and imparted training on different aspects of planetary science and exploration, along with hands-on experience.
The IPSC-2023 was attended by about 225 delegates from different parts of the country representing various institutions both academic and research, as well as universities and colleges. Afew participants from industry as well as outreach were also present during the event. Around 130 research papers covering various domains of planetary science were presented in 9 different sessions during the three-day conference. The topics include the Lunar science and exploration results from misisons, Surface and atmospheric process on Mars and Venus, Payload development and instrumentation, Studies on solar system processes, Meteorites & small bodies, Astrobiology, Astrochemistry and Exoplanets. The deliberations included around 60 oral/invited and 70 poster presentations.
The first general body meeting (GBM) of the Indian Planetary Science Association (IPSA) was held on the second day of the event. Along with the newly joined members, several participants of IPSC-2023 also participated in the GBM. The GBM included a brief description of the objectives of IPSA, its current and planned activities, introduction of the executive council and new members. Four different committees were also formed during the GBM to enhance the visibility of IPSA, to induct new members PAN India and to plan and execute future meetings of IPSA.
IPSC-2023 was concluded with a discussion and feedback session from the participants. Early Career Researcher Awards were presented to seven young researchers during the concluding session.