The IN-SPACe and ISRO concluded their 2024–25 Model Rocketry and CANSAT competition in Kushinagar, featuring 37 successful rocket launches. This four-day event gathered around 600 students from 67 institutions, emphasizing India”s burgeoning interest in space science and innovation.
Located along the serene banks of the Narayani River, Kushinagar became a hub of activity as students transformed theoretical classroom concepts into practical launches. The IN-SPACe Model Rocketry and CANSAT India Student Competition 2024–25 ended this week, showcasing thrilling experiments, collaborative efforts, and significant scientific determination. The event, jointly organized by IN-SPACe, ISRO, and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), featured 67 teams from universities across the nation.
Participants from cities ranging from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad presented their models, launched rockets, and tested miniature satellites known as CANSATs in front of a panel of experts from ISRO and IN-SPACe. The competition achieved 37 successful launches, comprising 13 in the Model Rocketry category and 24 in CANSAT.
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, noted that the initiative reflects the Prime Minister”s vision of nurturing young talent within India”s expanding space ecosystem. “For the 67 teams and nearly 600 young minds who participated, this was less about winning and more about building India”s future missions, one ignition point at a time,” Goenka remarked. He emphasized how IN-SPACe will continue to support students and entrepreneurs, striving towards a developed, science-driven India.
After rigorous testing and analysis, the jury revealed the winners in both the Model Rocketry and CANSAT categories, recognizing each team”s project for its innovation, precision, and scientific execution. The successful participants received accolades for their technical prowess and problem-solving capabilities.
Local leaders expressed pride in hosting such a significant event. Member of Parliament Shashank Mani stated, “It is a matter of immense pride for Deoria Lok Sabha and Kushinagar district to host this national-level competition.” He added that witnessing students from across India innovate and launch rockets aligns with their vision of “Amrit Prayas,” a ten-year plan aimed at transforming the constituency through knowledge and innovation.
Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director of Promotion at IN-SPACe and Executive Secretary of ASI, highlighted that events like this demonstrate that space exploration is no longer confined to major cities. “We”ve witnessed that electric energy by the banks of Narayani River in Tumkuhi Raj, Deoria, a remote area that had never dreamed of something like this before,” he commented.
The competition also featured a space exhibition that attracted over 650 students from surrounding districts. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with teams, witness rocket launches, and explore displays on satellite systems. Prior to the event, ASI conducted “Art-in-Space” and “Space Quiz 20:20” contests across seven districts in Uttar Pradesh, engaging nearly 75,000 students. Selected artworks were displayed at the venue.
In an exciting addition, AAKA Space established an Analog Astronaut Training Habitat, where students participated in 24-hour simulated space missions, marking a groundbreaking experience for many.
For further updates and news from India and around the globe, visit News9.
