The National Science Centre (NSC) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, will inaugurate a cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) Theatre and open a panel exhibition titled “From Earth to Orbit: Exploring Space Together” on 17 January 2026 at 11:00 AM.

The VR Theatre, designed to offer immersive and experiential science learning, will be inaugurated by Shri D. K. Singh, Director of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, Indian astronaut and Mission Pilot of the AXIOM-4 Mission, will attend as Guest of Honour in the presence of Dr Rama Jayasunder, Professor & Head, Department of NMR at AIIMS, New Delhi, and Chairperson of the Executive Committee, NSC Delhi.

On the same occasion, the panel exhibition showcasing global and Indian advancements in space exploration will be opened to the public.

As part of the programme, nearly 400 school students will participate in an exclusive interactive session titled “Meet the Astronaut”, where Group Captain Shukla will share insights from his experience in human spaceflight and international missions. The initiative aims to inspire young learners by highlighting India’s expanding role in space research, astronautics and international scientific collaboration.

Group Captain Shukla’s participation in AXIOM-4 marked a major milestone for India’s space programme, as he conducted pioneering microgravity experiments alongside an international crew, strengthening global cooperation in space science.

The interaction will offer students first-hand perspectives on life in space, the physical and technical challenges astronauts face, future mission opportunities and career pathways in space and science, encouraging curiosity and scientific temper through experiential engagement.