DARBHANGA, Nov. 1 -- A new state-of-the-art Space Gallery and Space Innovation Centre is planned for the Darbhanga Planetarium-cum-Science Museum complex, with an estimated budget of Rs.61 crore, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) assuring technical guidance and a team of its scientists visiting the proposed site to assess the project's feasibility, officials said on Saturday. Around two acres of land have been identified for the proposed facility, which aims to bring space science, innovation and research closer to students, particularly those from Mithila and neighbouring regions, officials said . However, a final decision on the project's feasibility and ISRO's role in its implementation is awaited. The project was reviewed at a meeting held on Friday under the chairmanship of local BJP MP Gopal Jee Thakur. A team from ISRO along with technical experts and representatives of educational institutions, inspected the proposed site at the planetarium complex. Talking to Hindustan Times, scientist of ISRO M Vamshidhar Reddy said the team had visited the proposed location to assess the feasibility of establishing the space gallery and innovation centre. We will assess and come back again, he said. The review meeting discussed the project's technical blueprint, availability of land, basic infrastructure and implementation schedule. The scientists and technical experts assessed the site and deliberated on the requirements for taking the proposal forward. Earlier, the proposal had received a positive response from the country's premier space agency. In a letter dated August 11, 2026, addressed to MP Gopal Jee Thakur, ISRO chairman and Department of Space secretary Dr V Narayanan welcomed the proposed establishment of a modern Space Gallery and Space Innovation Centre at the Darbhanga Planetarium. Referring to Thakur's letter dated July 27, 2026, seeking ISRO's support for the project, Narayanan said the initiative would benefit rural youth by helping them understand space science and technology and their applications in everyday life. The ISRO chairman assured that all necessary technical guidance for implementing the gallery and innovation centre would be extended. He identified G Harikrishnan, director of the Capacity Building and Public Outreach (CBPO), ISRO headquarters, as the point of contact for further coordination and guidance. Thakur said the initiative was being pursued to connect the younger generation of Mithila with space science and modern scientific research. The total estimated project cost is Rs.61 crore, he added. The proposed Space Gallery will showcase India's achievements in space exploration through interactive and educational exhibits. These will include three-dimensional models of ISRO launch vehicles and replicas of landmark missions such as Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1 and Gaganyaan. The facility is also proposed to feature virtual reality and augmented reality experiences, space-walk simulations and digital interactive displays, enabling visitors to understand space technology and missions through immersive learning. A dedicated Space Innovation Lab is proposed as part of the project to encourage scientific thinking among school students and college-going youths, Thakur stated....