From Mars to Milky Way, astral models continue to inspire

Bulletproof, waterproof jackets on display on second day of Space Fair at PAF Museum

KARACHI: The model of a spaceship supposed to explore planet Mars was the centre of attention on the second day of the two-day Space Fair at PAF Museum, Karachi, on Sunday.

The fair was part of the World Space Week being observed internationally to celebrate the contributions of science and technology, and the way these have brought about ease in human life. It is being organised by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) in Pakistan.

The spaceship was displayed at the stall set up by the Zainab Rehabilitation Centre. An aurally impaired student and an intellectually-disabled student had made the model. "This is used to collect sand from Mars," said one of the students. "Its other function is that of taking and sending pictures of Mars." The model had been made in just five weeks.

With the aim of sharing knowledge about the scientific world, students from different schools of Karachi presented their models on the universe and space units, and the way they operate and control life in the cities. The projects were covered under the theme, 'Discovery'.

A student of Al-Murtaza Academy, Murtaza Kazmi, had prepared a model of the planets, Milky Way, and satellites. He explained the use of satellites and their use in weather monitoring, global positioning system and telecommunication to the visitors.

Another student, Maaz Alam, had prepared a model of an extrasolar planet called Kepler 22b, located about 600 light years from the Earth. According to him, Kepler 22b is considered Earth's older cousin and the surface of this planet is sandy and rocky.

Planes and aircraft

A model of Boeing 777 airplane was made by two students, Amna Wasim and Anoushey Azam, of St Laurent's Grammar School. The Boeing 777 are known for their wide bodies and are commercial aircraft, the students told the visitors, adding that they used metal sheets and a 4.1-watt battery, two motors and LED lights to make the model.

Students of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology also prepared models of surveillance and solar planes. A special stall was set up by the Suparco Institute of Technical Training, where a replica of a clinostat was presented. One clinostat was donated to Pakistan by the United Nations for the purpose of research in the field of science and education, explained Suparco representative Wasiq Anwar.

Arms

A law enforcer carries 19 kilogrammes (kg) of extra weight when he wears a bulletproof jacket, helmet and boots while carrying a rifle.

Students and families learnt this while visiting the stall of Multi-Dimensional Innovation Systems and Technology (MDIST). "These bulletproof jackets are also waterproof," said Alamgir Anwar, a representative of MDIST, as he demonstrated a bulletproof jacket before the students and families. He added that the jacket's weight is 8kg. According to him, the helmet of a medium size weighs 1.4kg, and the weight of a large size bulletproof helmet is 1.8kg. Commonly used rifles weigh about 5kg and the military boots carry a weight of 2kg. He told the visitors proudly that the same are supplied to the Pakistan Army officers.

Skits and creativity

Different skits under the theme 'Sky Theatre' were performed by the students. A student of Falcon House Grammar School performed one, imagining himself on earth, moon and other planets. He explained the impact of less and more gravity. The first Pakistani woman to travel in space, Namira Salim, also visited different stalls and appreciated the efforts and interest of students in the field of space science.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2015.