Peskov opens Russian space history exhibition

* 57 rare photographs on display, IST VC says Russians evolving a common language for those going into space

By Imran Naeem Ahmad

ISLAMABAD: An exhibition of photographs on Russian space history that opened here on Monday features a string of interesting images, among them Laika the dog on board the second satellite launched from earth in 1957.

Russian Ambassador Sergey Peskov inaugurated the five-day exhibition at the Institute of Space Technology (IST).

The 57 photographs put up for display document Russian space history with images that include the maiden earth orbiting satellite, Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space and cosmonaut Yuruy Romanenko seen on a treadmill aboard the Mir Space Station.

Also among the photographs, some of which are in black and white, is that of the Souyz TM 32 spacecraft crew along with the first space tourist Dennis Tito.

IST Vice Chancellor Imran Rahman told Daily Times that Russians had done really well in space programmes and that it was important that Pakistani students learnt from them. “As far as I am concerned, the Russians could come and teach at our institute,” he said.

He said that the Russians were working towards evolving a common language, which would eventually facilitate those going into space, regardless of their nationality. “Since more and more people are now going into space, such a language will definitely be of great help,” Rahman said.

IST Academics Director Ayaz Aziz, explaining the reason for holding the exhibition said it was because the Russians were the front-runners in the space programme. “This event is being held in collaboration with the Russian government to highlight their achievements in boosting space programmes around the world,” he said.

Rahman pointed out that another purpose of the exhibition was to create awareness on space-related activities among the youth. “It is an effort to impress upon them to strive for the very best so that Pakistan may stand proud in the comity of space faring nations,” he said.

Pakistan, he said, was fast becoming self-reliant in the realm of space education and associated technological programmes.

“The past few decades have seen a considerable increase in our reliance on these modern technologies,” he said and added that the success of space education and progress relied greatly on public understanding and support.

He stressed that it was important to regularly communicate to the public the knowledge and benefits of space.

The students at the exhibition took a keen interest in the photographs and were unanimous in their view that such events should be organised on a regular basis.

“It helps when you have photos that take you back into history. Because learning is a continuous process one tends to learn quite a bit through these exhibits,” said one of the students.

Meanwhile, some of the people interested in the exhibition complained of the show being organised way out of town. The IST is located next to the Rawat Toll Plaza, which is about 25 kilometres from the town centre.

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