Mysuru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has described the newly inaugurated COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium as a major milestone for the city, saying the facility would strengthen Karnataka’s scientific and educational landscape while encouraging young people to explore astronomy and space science.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Centre for Higher Learning of the University of Mysore, near the foothills of Chamundi Hill, Shivakumar highlighted Karnataka’s contribution to India’s space programme and outlined the State Government’s plans to expand science education infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the planetarium on November 13, 2026. It is India’s first LED dome planetarium and is expected to become an important centre for science education, research awareness and tourism in Mysuru.
Karnataka’s contribution to space research
In his address, Shivakumar recalled Karnataka’s contribution to India’s space programme, from the development of the country’s first satellite, Aryabhata, to major missions such as Chandrayaan and Aditya-L1, as well as the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
He said Bengaluru had emerged as a major centre for India’s space activities, with institutions such as the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) and the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) playing important roles in the country’s space missions.
The Chief Minister noted that Karnataka had contributed significantly to the growth of India’s scientific and technological capabilities. He said the new planetarium would add another important institution to Mysuru’s established tradition of education, knowledge and culture.
Science centres planned in four districts
Shivakumar also highlighted the State Government’s efforts to strengthen science education by establishing science centres in different parts of Karnataka.
According to him, science centres were being established in Shivamogga, Raichur, Yadgir and Chikkamagaluru at a combined estimated cost of around ₹59 crore.
Work on the Shivamogga science centre was nearing completion, while construction was progressing in Raichur.
He also referred to the proposed Bengaluru Science City at Hosahalli in Doddaballapur, which was announced in the 2024-25 State Budget at an estimated cost of ₹230 crore.
The initiatives, he said, were intended to provide students with greater access to scientific learning facilities and encourage interest in research and innovation.
Planetariums expanding across Karnataka
The Chief Minister said planetariums were already functioning in Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Gadag. The facility at Chittapur was ready for inauguration, while planetariums were under construction in Dharwad, Madikeri, Belagavi and Bagalkote.
He also referred to the Karnataka Space Technology Policy 2025-30, which aims to encourage startups, strengthen research, develop skilled manpower and promote collaboration between industry and academic institutions.
Karnataka has also established India’s first State Government-led Space Technology Centre of Excellence to support innovation and commercial opportunities in the space sector.
Shivakumar commended the Indian Institute of Astrophysics for its contribution to astronomy and solar science, including the development of an important payload for the Aditya-L1 mission.
Nirmala Sitharaman calls for outreach to 10,000 institutions
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who also addressed the gathering, said the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium should reach nearly 10,000 educational and research institutions across Karnataka.
She said the facility could provide students with opportunities to understand science, astronomy and space-related subjects through modern educational technology.
Recalling Mysuru’s rich educational and scientific heritage, Sitharaman said the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore had made significant contributions to education and scientific development. The new planetarium would carry forward that legacy by encouraging children and young people to develop an interest in science.
Describing the facility as another feather in Karnataka’s cap, she said it would benefit students as well as strengthen Mysuru’s tourism potential.
She observed that visitors coming to see the planetarium could also explore other attractions in the city, potentially benefiting local businesses.
COSMOS Planetarium to encourage scientific curiosity
The COSMOS Planetarium, short for Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre, has been established at the Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Centre for Higher Learning of the University of Mysore.
The facility features an LED dome designed to provide immersive astronomical experiences. It is intended to help students and visitors understand celestial objects, astronomical phenomena and the wider universe through visual presentations.
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said planetariums and science centres played an important role in nurturing scientific curiosity among young people. He urged the authorities to regularly bring school and college students from across the region to the facility.
Modi also recalled the contributions of Indian astronomers Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Bhaskaracharya and Nilakantha Somayaji, noting that they made significant discoveries and performed complex calculations despite not having access to modern scientific instruments.
He said the planetarium could help inspire a new generation of researchers and scientists.
The inauguration marks an important addition to Mysuru’s educational and scientific infrastructure, with the facility expected to serve students, researchers and visitors while strengthening the city’s position as a centre for knowledge and tourism.