- Over 600 students from 70 institutions showcase innovation and teamwork in a four-day national space challenge
- Real-time launches, telemetry analysis, and satellite recovery tests mirror true mission dynamics
- IN-SPACe, ISRO, and ASI experts mentor next-generation engineers driving India’s space vision
NE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BUREAU
KUSHINAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, OCT 27
The serene banks of the Narayani River in Tumkuhiraj, Kushinagar, erupted with excitement and innovation as the IN-SPACe Model Rocketry and CANSAT India Student Competition 2024–25 lifted off to a spectacular start. Over 600 students from 70 institutions across India gathered for four days of real-world rocketry, engineering, and collaboration — turning Kushinagar into India’s latest launchpad for the next generation of space innovators.
The CANSAT launch segment drew roaring cheers as four student teams prepared to test their miniature satellites and launch vehicles. Each CANSAT — a compact satellite weighing about 1 kg — was integrated into a Thrust Tech-designed model rocket capable of soaring up to 1 km altitude, before safely deploying and recovering its payload.
After precise setup and countdown procedures, four rockets lifted off in near-perfect succession, their telemetry streaming live data on altitude, pressure, temperature, and velocity. Students monitored pitch, yaw, and roll dynamics in real time — translating classroom concepts into sky-high practical learning.
Senior scientists and jury members from IN-SPACe, ISRO, and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI) supervised the launches, guiding participants through debrief sessions on flight performance, data validation, and design improvement.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe, and Executive Secretary, ASI, said:
“What we witnessed today is the spark of India’s space future. These young innovators aren’t just learning rocketry — they’re living it. This competition helps build the discipline, teamwork, and technical curiosity that define India’s evolving space ecosystem.”
The competition began on October 27 with technical reviews, payload qualifications, and flight-readiness checks. Teams presented their rockets, telemetry systems, and recovery mechanisms to an expert jury for evaluation before launch day.
As the week unfolds, the Kushinagar launch field continues to echo with countdowns, data analyses, and youthful energy — marking a true celebration of India’s growing prominence in global space innovation.
