SEDS INDIA

Nomination Form

Chair

Ajay Prasad

6/25/2017

Contents

1. Every SEDS member has their own unique set of qualities. Which unique set of qualities do you

think will assist you the most while presiding over the organization as Chair of SEDS India. .............. 1

2. Being able to assess one‟s responsibilities is a mark of a true leader. Name the responsibilities

you are expected to undertake as one of the leaders of the organization. ............................................... 2

3. State a minimum of two experiences from your past which you believe will help in

troubleshooting unforeseen circumstances as Chair of SEDS India. ...................................................... 3

4. Assess the current situation of SEDS India with the help of a SWOT Analysis. a. Which of the

above strengths would you use to realize the true potential of the opportunities that lie before SEDS

India? b. How do you work your way around the above weaknesses and thus, neutralize the threats

that lie before SEDS India? ..................................................................................................................... 4

5. Where do you see SEDS India in 5 years? Provide a timeline for the upcoming year which you

believe will push SEDS India closer in realizing this 5-year dream. ...................................................... 7

6. CASE STUDY SEDS India is a multi-faceted organization with its ability to conduct national

events, develop world-class projects and inspire young students to take up space sciences as a viable

career option. How do you prioritize these objectives of SEDS India while ensuring comparable

progress in all the areas during your term? ............................................................................................. 9

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1. Every SEDS member has their own unique set of qualities. Which unique set of

qualities do you think will assist you the most while presiding over the organization

as Chair of SEDS India.

The Chair of SEDS India has various responsibilities resting on him/her and their skill sets

and hard work, is what helps them be a class apart and head the chapter in a good manner.

According to me these are a few vital aspects of the leadership SEDS India needs at the

moment and my unique set of qualities cater to the needs.

Knowledge about the chapter- My experiences as a Core committee member and

Director of Events and Workshops of SEDS VIT and the Executive Director of

SEDS India, have given me in-depth knowledge about the chapter‟s internal and

external affairs, its strengths and weaknesses, etc which is crucial for establishing a

strong base.

Networking and Contacts – Important for the expansion of SEDS India – my

contacts with SEDS USA board, Advisory members, Indian Space Entrepreneurs,

various astronomy clubs, etc add value to SEDS as a whole.

Planning and Execution - Ability to plan and execute a proper vision and goal for

SEDS India – essential for the holistic growth for all members because it instils a

purpose in them, a direction and drive is created.

Ability to learn – Ever since I joined SEDS as a fresher in college, my knowledge

growth curve has been an exponential rise. With continuous learning and passion,

observational astronomy, astrophotography and aerospace engineering have become

my forte.

Knowledge about the Chapter

Networking and

Contacts

Planning and

Execution

Ability to Learn

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2. Being able to assess one’s responsibilities is a mark of a true leader. Name the

responsibilities you are expected to undertake as one of the leaders of the

organization.

As the leader of the organization, it will be my top priority to ensure overall growth and

success of the team. „With great power comes great responsibility‟, goes a famous quote

and I firmly stand by it. I have hence listed the set of responsibilities I will be expected

to undertake as the leader.

i. Taking new initiatives: It is the duty of a leader to bring innovation and set ideas

into execution, being an example for others to follow.

ii. Encouraging everyone to contribute: The members make the chapter work, so

inputs from everyone will be taken.

iii. Collaboration with other organizations for all 3 divisions: Core, Outreach and

Projects

iv. Allocation of funds to projects and conferences.

v. Member enrichment - development of all members with the help of events,

activities and projects.

vi. Representing SEDS on a global platform - with the aid of conferences and

participation in international competitions

vii. Build Tie-ups with the corporate world -maintain good relations with space

related start-ups and astronomy clubs.

viii. Ensure coordination and collaboration between all SEDS branches in India

ix. Strengthen Outreach base - make it functional in all branches to create a societal

impact.

x. Improve publicity for SEDS India on all platforms

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3. State a minimum of two experiences from your past which you believe will help

in troubleshooting unforeseen circumstances as Chair of SEDS India.

One of the important aspects to leadership is Crisis Management. In dire situations, the

leader should be able to stay calm, prevent a ruckus in the rest of the crowd and provide an

immediate and effective solution to the problem, for the benefit of everyone. These instances

prove to validate my claim that I can troubleshoot unforeseen circumstances:

SINC’16 : There was a lag in the designing section and preparation of brochure,

posters, flexes etc was underway. Hence I took up the responsibility of being the

designer and made all the necessary material for publicity and registrations ready.

European Rover Challenge’16 : I was a part of the management department and

there were issues with the Purchase office regarding our manufacturing of the project

and other permissions work. I successfully managed to solve those issues and help

my team.

Solar Fest’17 : The Outreach team had a small problem with getting the event

approved that was to be conducted at Cluny school in Vellore. I helped them get it

done and the event was held as planned.

Thus, I believe I have the ability to face obstacles and solve the problems as they come.

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4. Assess the current situation of SEDS India with the help of a SWOT Analysis. a.

Which of the above strengths would you use to realize the true potential of the

opportunities that lie before SEDS India? b. How do you work your way around

the above weaknesses and thus, neutralize the threats that lie before SEDS

India?

a. Working around Weaknesses

The issue of lack of membership benefits and chapter members being inactive are

inter-related. It can be solved by revamping the membership benefits and I propose

these ideas for inducing active member participation.

Revamping membership benefits

Providing the Members with a E-Membership Certificate (https://goo.gl/CG9Vao)

Creating a Mailing List of all the Members. Weekly/Bimonthly Newsletter can be

sent through the Mail. Which can include an Infographic which gives an update

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about the Recent happenings about Space and also few information regarding the

Full Moon

/ Apps which can be used for Stargazing etc. (https://goo.gl/wKbK4M)

Request for a workshop/event on a particular topic in their respective chapter.

Preference or Blocking the Seats for events conducted by member chapters.

Giving a Chance for all the members to write Blogs about Space Sciences

which would be published in the SEDS India Blog.

The Newsletter will also contain the information regarding the Events (Outreach

and Core) and Projects which has been done or taken during that week will also

be included.

In Future, Tie Ups with Space related Organizations can ensure Members have a

choice of applying for Internships in their companies. Companies like Dhruva

Space, Bellatrix Aerospace, Team Indus and ARDL etc.,

In Future, Tie Ups with Telescope Vendors and Space Magazines etc., where

all Space Enthusiasts buy their goods. If they provide a discount for us. It

would be a huge added advantage for all the members.

Sponsorship

For any organization to run successfully, availability of monetary funds is a basic

requirement. To that end, these are the ideas I will implement to ensure financial

security:

Plan of Action

Approach these organizations with proper documents, agendas and deliverables.

i. CSR Companies

ii. Start-ups in 5 Major Cities

iii. In kind benefits

a. Forms

b. Goodies

Companies that are majorly involved in CSR in India

a. TATA Group

b. Aditya Birla Group

c. Indian Oil Corporation

d. Bharat Petroleum Corporation

e. Maruthi Suzuki India Limited

f. Mahindra and Mahindra

g. UltraTech Cement

h. Greenply

Once the companies are approached regarding sponsorship, constant tabs will be kept

and follow-up will be done.

b. Neutralising Threats

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The obstacle of chapter becoming dormant and inactive can be solved by accounting

for these factors:

i. Equal contribution by all members and branches

ii. Innovation in everything we do

iii. Maintaining good relations with all SEDS branches and other organizations

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5. Where do you see SEDS India in 5 years? Provide a timeline for the upcoming

year which you believe will push SEDS India closer in realizing this 5-year

dream.

General Ideas to implement immediately as the term begins:

i. A common database of members which will be hosted on the website. Colleges can

choose to fill the form or upload the excel sheet with the required details. This will

help us keep a track on all the members and provide membership benefits for all the

members. We will also be providing unique membership number for all members.

ii. A file/mail numbering system will be incorporated to keep a track on all the

information being sent out from SEDS India and also avoid any fraudulent mails.

iii. Alumni Database will be updated now from each college and their LinkedIn profiles

to be linked in the website so that we will always have their contact information.

iv. Updating the signature of the mail for all SEDS India Board members.

v. We will also add a „Donate‟ button in the SEDS India page as the donations towards

an NPO can be exempted in 80G act.

Changes in the Website:

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• Give a chance to all the members to write Blogs about Space Sciences which would be published in the SEDS India Blog

July

• Indian Space Conclave 2017

• Add a merchandise section were we hike the price a little and publish the same in all chapter social media handles-can generate revenue for SEDS India.( https://goo.gl/Ja5AnX)

August

• Take interviews from renowned people in any field of space sciences and put it up in our Youtube Channel. September

• Do series of Events for World Space Week

• Star Party October

•Collaborate with SEDS USA for Space Talks from our advisory members and vice versa November

• Astrophotography competition December

•Workshop/event on a particular topic in different branches January

• Organize NEAF in any branch February

• Corona Space Quiz March

• Annual Newsletter publication

• NASA Space Apps Challenge

• Do something cool for International Astronomy day April

• Organize Pecha Kucha talks in any branch May

•Participate in SEDS Canada - Young Space Entrepreneurs Competition June

YEAR PLAN:

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6. CASE STUDY SEDS India is a multi-faceted organization with its ability to

conduct national events, develop world-class projects and inspire young students

to take up space sciences as a viable career option. How do you prioritize these

objectives of SEDS India while ensuring comparable progress in all the areas

during your term?

All the members of SEDS India will work together having a common motto in mind.

Though the implementation of ideas for each division may differ due to its nature, the

ultimate goal will be the betterment of SEDS in all facets: Core, Outreach and

Projects.

SEDS India Outreach Plan

1. Organizational Support for the Outreach Division of the Chapter

a. Knowledge based support.

Support will be provided in terms of theoretical knowledge. Timely guidance will be

provided by the organisation.

As most of these are organizations which has its own observatory we can arrange for

a field trip for the students if that can be visited in a day.

b. Event based support.

Support will be provided in terms of the equipment and aid for Observational and

experimental sessions.

Click this link to check all the possible organizations to collaborate

2. Updating the Current modules with activities.

http://www.iiap.res.in/iiaoutreach/sites/default/files/IIA%20Outreach%20kits%20boo

klet%20v6.0.pdf#overlay-

context=http%253A//www.iiap.res.in/School_Outreach%3Fq%3Dhttp%253A//ww

w.iiap.res.in/School_Outreach

https://www.astrosociety.org/education/hands-on-astronomy-activities/

3.Collaborating with External Outreach organizations which spreads awareness

about

OUTREACH

Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project

o http://www.charliebates.org/

o https://www.facebook.com/groups/charliebatessolarastronomyproject/?ref=br_

rs

o They have associated with Chennai Astronomy Club and Tamil Nadu

Astronomers Association. They have provided them with Solar Glasses and

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Coronado PST Telescope. We could associate with them and try to get in

kind benefits from the Organizations.

o We can conduct Solar Astronomy related events. This can be conducted in all

the schools once a semester the components in this event can be

Timeline of Sun (Past, Present and Future)

How does Sun affect our Daily Life (Solar Energy, Goldilock Zone)

How do we know so much about Sun? (We can include about the

missions that are being sent by different countries)

How do we observe Sun? (Different types of Filters, Telescopes)

Astronomers without Borders

o http://astronomerswithoutborders.org/

o They host something known as the Global Astronomy Month which is

celebrated in the month of April,

o If we let them know that we are celebrating the same and conducting an event

our event would be put up in the Global Map so affiliations like this would

increase the publicity of the Outreach Programme as a whole.

o We could possibly be the biggest organization in India to do as we would have

schools/colleges across India.

International Astronomical Union

o https://www.iau.org/public/noc/

o The IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) is a central coordination

point for activities taking place around the world. To support projects at a

national level, OAO is creating a network of IAU National Outreach

Contacts (NOC): volunteers with extensive experience in public outreach,

acting as a single point of contact for a country.

o For India,

Professor Sanjit Mitra

The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)

sanjit@iucaa.in | (+91) 20 2560 4126

Astronomical Society of the Pacific

o https://www.astrosociety.org/get-involved/partner-with-the-asp/

o We can get resources from them which we could use to incorporate in our

modules.

We would also be collaborating Outreach Organizations who would be going to teach

Kids in a rural area such as TCX(The Cosmic Explorers). Or we can collaborate for

a session with other organizations such a MAD, BIF were we would be taking only

the Astronomy Session once a month.

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4. Space Club Curriculum

This is the modified Space Club Curriculum accounting the support from the other agencies.

Even if there is no support the event can be conducted by others.

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5. Revamping the SEDS India Space Club Benefits

All the Space Clubs started by any SEDS India member chapter/individual

member would come under SEDS India. They should be affiliated by

undergoing the procedure for affiliation.

All Space Clubs should have a minimum of one faculty coordinator and also

provide a minimum of 10 hours duration for conducting events along with a

minimum of 30 kids who are interested to sign up for the Space Club.

Memorandum of Understanding has to be signed by the Chair of SEDS

India along with the Representative of the school. All the membership fee has

to be transferred to the SEDS India account at the beginning of the Academic

Year and no further membership can be provided after the maximum limit.

Introducing a One-Time Registration Fee of Rs.250 from the school on which

they shall receive Certificate of Affiliation,

Benefits for registering a Space Club

o Exclusive E-Mail Address for the Space Club

o If SEDS India partners with any company, all Space Clubs also get its

discounts and offers.

o Course Modules along with support from the nearest organization,

which can help them including but not limited to the Local SEDS

Chapter.

o Online Library of Articles /Presentations can be accessed by the Space

Club.

o Advisory help from the SEDS India Advisory Panel.

6. Sponsorship for Space Clubs and Outreach Activities

I. Since all the 50 Rs. collected from the School Students will go through

SEDS India for the Member chapters and other organizations we will have

transparency about all the expenditures of the Space Club,

II. Video should be taken in each session, not only the activity but the

experience the student gets.Video Projects should be taken up such as Day

1 - Day 180 something like that which shows how the knowledge of the kid

has increased.

III. Fundraising from the websites

A. Ketto.org

B. crowdera.in

C. milaap.org

D. Letzchange.org

E. Wishberry.in

IV. It is relatively easier for a company to sponsor outreach programme as

it covers their CSR(Corporate Social Responsibility)

V. We would incorporate a donate option in the website for Outreach

alone as we know that the individuals with Indian Bank Accounts can

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donate. We will be providing them with 80G tax receipt for Indian

taxpayers.

7. Other Ideas which can be incorporated to the Outreach wing of SEDS India

1. We would conduct a ‘Space Camp’ for the kids once a year where we would

bring the kids for a Day and have activities for the entire day. This can be

clubbed for more than one schools. Breaking the monotony we shouldn‟t have

Poster competition, We would have something similar to a science exhibition

or an hands on workshop at the end of workshop they would create something

on their own.

2. We will include a section for Outreach in the SEDS India Newsletter which

has been planned to be sent to all SEDS India members and also to Space

Clubs this will feature a writeup/interview from a kid in the space club.

3. We will encourage our Space Club members to participate in Space

Competition for children such as

a. MOONBOTS - http://moonbots.org/

The MOONBOTS Challenge is an international online

competition encouraging youth 8-17 years old to participate,

form a team and learn about lunar exploration and use STEM

(science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and their

imagination to create their own lunar robotic mission and

present it to others. Teams win robotic toolkits and a great trip.

b. NASA Ames Space Settlement Contest

4. We can conduct online competitions which could be based on voting such as

Ideas for innovating something in Space

5. Running a campaign for Outreach. We can give awards to already recognised

work done in the field of Astronomy. This would give us publicity and also let us

know about the already existing astronomy related outreach organizations.

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SEDS India Core Plan

1. Different Fields in Space in which Event can be conducted in a SEDS Chapter.

Astrodynamics

Extragalactic Astronomy

Forensic Astronomy

Space medicine

Geology and Meteorology in Space

These are relatively new fields in Space Sciences which would grab attention as its booming

field.

Common Fields

Aerospace engineering

o Astronautics

o Aeronautics

o Space Missions - Past,Present and Future

o Rocketry

o Satellites (Orbital Mechanics)

Astrophysics

o Stellar Evolution

o Dark Matter

o Accelerating Universe Inflation

o The Universe before Big Bang

o Quantum Gravity

o Gravitational waves

o Implications of speed of light travel

o Galaxies and Black Holes

o Parallel Universe

Astronomy

o Space debris

o Effects of zero gravity on humans

o Origins of moon: Capture Hypothesis, Fission Hypothesis, Giant Impact

Theory

o Aurora Borealis

o Exoplanets

o Exploration of Solar System

o Exploration of Mars

o Subdivisions of Observational Astronomy: Optical, IR, Radio, High-energy

o Hubble Space Telescope

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Astrobiology

o Existence of Life on other planet

o Exobiology

o Extraterrestrial Life

o SETI

o Habitability:Natural Satellites

o What will life consist of (DNA/Physiology,etc) on other planets?

o Extremophiles

o Co-evolution of life and Construction of habitable environments.

o Exoplanet: Possibility of Life in them.

2. The standards of the Event can be increased by making a resource person give

the lecture or arranging for a video conference.

Since we have our Advisors who are experts in their respective field we can get their

help to host a few events.

A list of Organizations which can help in respective topics

Astrophysics 1. Indian Institute of Astrophysics,Bangalore

http://www.iiap.res.in

2. The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and

Astrophysics, Pune, India

www.iucaa.in

3. The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics

(NCRA-TIFR)

http://www.ncra.tifr.res.in/ncra

Astrobiology 1. Indian Astrobiology Research Centre (IARC)

http://www.iarc.res.in/

Observational

Astronomy

1. Bangalore Astronomy Club

bas.org.in

2. Chennai Astronomy Club

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EVENT IDEAS

1. We can also organize events in association with the SEDS USA/UK. SpaceTalks

is a Google Hangouts On Air series that offers students the opportunity to learn

from and interact with space industry experts as well as their fellow SEDS

members. In a typical episode, you will learn about a mentor‟s career path, the

system design of a particular satellite or space mission, how to create your own

website from scratch, or the basics of orbital mechanics.

2. SEDS Canada - Young Space Entrepreneurs Competition The Young Space

Entrepreneurs 2017 competition challenges university teams to develop a business

plan for a space company of service. The top 5 teams will be invited to pitch to

industry experts at our conference. The top 3 teams will receive a variety of prizes

designed to help them advance their ideas and start a company if they choose to.

3. Online SEDS Quiz Competition can be conducted were in the final round Teams

from all SEDS Chapters across the globe will compete.

4. NASA Space Apps Challenge we can conduct the Hackathon in all our SEDS

Chapters

CONFERENCE IDEAS

1. SpaceUp

SpaceUp is a space unconference, where participants decide the topics, schedule, and

structure of the event. Unconferences have been held about technology, science, transit, and

even cupcakes, but this is the first one focused on space exploration.

2. NEAF

World‟s Largest Astronomy & Space Expo

NEAF is renowned worldwide as the ultimate astronomy and space experience. Nowhere

else can you find so much in one place or at one time.

3. Pecha Kucha Talks

They involve a series of short 5 minute stand up talks , usually 8-15 sessions in

total.Some Pecha Kucha talks are executed soapbox style, with small stand-up audiences

occupying temporary spaces.

It is a great way to see “elevator pitches” by students, researchers or start ups who want

to spread their new innovative ideas.

4. Star Party

We can conduct a 2 Day Star Party in which we can incorporate Talks by Guest

Speakers this can be easily conducted by collaborating with an Astronomy Club as they are

the people who regularly conduct Star Parties.

If we could Theme the Star Party. We can have Astrophotography Exhibition, conduct a

Messier Marathon or a Workshop on Astrophotography.

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Other Ideas for Core:

All the Presentation and Videos of the Events shall be uploaded in the Drive

which is accessible by all members of SEDS India.

We should hold events on important days such as

o Earth Day - 22nd April

o International Astronomy Day - 29th April

o World Space Week : 4th October-10 October

o International Day of Human Spaceflight- 12th April

o Space Exploration Day- 20th July

Holding events on the occasion of Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse:

o 21st August,2017 and August 11, 2018

Lunar Eclipse : 27 July,2018

Supermoon:

` 3 December,2017and 2 January, 2018

SEDS India Projects Plan

1. Collaborating with companies on their research work. So that they will provide us

with the equipment for the research and also get credited with their name in the paper

or patent published. This is something which is out of the regular competitions and

projects as students get to have first-hand experience in a R&D division of a

company.

We have to first list out the potential list of companies that has been already doing this

and approach them

Making a list of emerging start-ups who don‟t have enough man power. We can help

them in their technical aspect such as but not limited to web based applications and

applications for android and iOS too.

Approaching faculties and informing them that our students have specialised

knowledge in this specific software/field as we know that the companies generally

approach faculties than a student chapter directly.

Organizations like Rocketeers which is a consultancy for aerospace companies in

India.

2. Theoretical research papers in the field of Astrophysics and Cosmology. This can be

done by collaborating with organizations such as Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

Since our advisory council consists of Sr.Professor Jayant Murthy Sir. He would be

able to guide us through the entire procedure. Hence a college team will be

specifically allocated to work on the project for the project duration.

3. Robotics Club/Technical Club which does projects can also be converted into a SEDS

Projects if needed. There need not be a compulsory core/outreach to exist in a college.

4. SEDS Projects can also serve as an incubator for startups related to space as we have

people who have sufficient technical knowledge and managerial experience which

would benefit any startup. We will take help from our advisory committee also.

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5. Making all the teams participate in International Competitions. This can be done if

they are guided properly as to how to proceed during different times of the

competition that is PDR,CDR and the competition day.

6. SEDS India can collaborate with other organizations and conduct competitions on a

National Level

ARDL - University Cansat Challenge

IDRL - Drone Racing