Past screening

Indian Space Dreams

Directed by: Sue Sudbury
Runtime: 1hr 17min Year: 2019
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Details

Directed by: Sue Sudbury
Runtime: 1hr 17min Year: 2019
Country: United Kingdom, India
Last Screened: Thu 5th Dec 2019

Meet the movers and shakers behind India’s space programme as their dream of launching a research laboratory into space looks set to become a reality.

Scientists at Mumbai’s Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have been working since 2001 to build and launch the Astrosat. If successful, it will allow astronomers to study black holes as never before and get closer to discovering how our universe is formed. But with a budget a tenth of NASA’s, and struggling to overcome a range of challenging issues – including monsoon season – can they succeed?

Vinita is more excited about her lab work than about the prospect of an arranged marriage. When he’s not building the Astrosat, Professor Rao often visits Geeta Nagar, the slum next door, where children like Sanjana, inspired by the rocket launch, dream of a better life.

The stakes are big for everyone – but so are the obstacles in a country constantly struggling against the odds.