Kalpana Chawla Fellowship - Space Education Foundation

ne Village One Telescope by Space Education Foundation aims to donate telescopes to villages in Aspirational Districts of India, fostering scientific curiosity, citizen science, and rural employment through astronomy.

Overview

One Village One Telescope is a flagship initiative by the Space Education Foundation, designed to bring Astronomy and Space Science to India’s remotest villages. By installing telescopes in select rural communities, we empower local youth with hands-on stargazing experiences, scientific learning, and citizen science engagement.

Aligned with Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this initiative also promotes STEM education, rural employment, and scientific temper while dispelling superstitions. Each telescope installation is accompanied by workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs, ensuring the community actively participates in astronomical observations and space exploration.

Supported by NITI Aayog’s – Aspirational Districts program, we aim to create a network of rural astronomers who will contribute to India’s growing space ecosystem.

Objectives

100+ Telescopes in Rural Villages by 2030
Bridging the rural-urban gap in astronomy education and making space science accessible
Scientific Temper & Superstition Eradication
Encouraging a rational mindset among rural communities through practical learning and observation.
STEM Education for Rural Youth
Inspiring young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Citizen Science & Rural Empowerment
Encouraging local communities to participate in astronomical discoveries, sky mapping, and data collection for scientific research.
Employment & Income Generation
Training individuals to become local astronomy guides, educators, and telescope operators, creating entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism, education, and scientific outreach.

Transforming Villages into Astronomy Hubs – Making India a leader in grassroots astronomy and citizen science participation.– 1 Village 1 Telescope