ISRO, IN-SPACe, and ASI Conduct Successful Model Rocket Launch Trials in Kushinagar Ahead of National Student Competition
In a significant step towards promoting hands-on space science learning among students across India, the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), conducted a systems validation test for model rocketry in Tamkuhi Raj, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh on June 14–15, 2025.
This preliminary launch is part of the preparatory phase for the much-anticipated IN-SPACe CANSAT and Model Rocketry India Student Competition 2024–25, scheduled to take place in October–November 2025. The primary goal of the initiative is to give undergraduate students across India a hands-on learning experience in the fields of model rocketry and satellite systems.
What Was the Objective of the Test Launch?
While it wasn’t a full-fledged payload rocket launch, this site and systems validation test was crucial. The objective was to assess and validate multiple technical and operational parameters, including:
- Suitability of the launch site
- Safety margins and protocols
- Communication range
- Area recovery conditions
- Launcher system reliability
This step is essential before the actual competition takes place, ensuring a safe and effective environment for over 900 student-built models and CANSATs that will be launched later this year.
About the Launcher and Technical Details
The model rocket launcher used in the test has been developed by Thrust Tech India Pvt. Ltd., a private space technology company, under the guidance of experts from IN-SPACe and ISRO. The launcher was tested in two separate trial launches to qualify for use in the upcoming student competition.
Key specs of the model rocket trials:
- Weight of the rocket: 15 kg
- Altitude reached: Approximately 1.0 km
- Payload: 1.0 kg CANSAT (CAN-sized satellite)
- Recovery system: Successfully deployed parachute for both rocket body and CANSAT
- Outcome: All system parameters met the required competition standards
These successful trial launches confirm the capability of the launcher and motor system, qualifying Thrust Tech India Pvt. Ltd. to deliver rockets and engines for the student teams’ final competition.
Empowering Students and the Local Community
The upcoming IN-SPACe CANSAT and Model Rocketry India Student Competition aims to involve student teams from across the country in designing, building, and launching their own model rockets and CANSATs. As part of this initiative, a team of IN-SPACe and ISRO experts is closely reviewing the student projects to ensure technical soundness and feasibility.
This marks a pivotal moment for students, offering real-world exposure to aerospace engineering, systems validation, and scientific research—while also contributing to India’s broader goal of nurturing the next generation of space scientists and engineers.
Kushinagar as a Launch Hub: A Rural Technological Leap
One of the most notable aspects of the event is the location itself. The trial launches were conducted in the small village of Rakaba Jangal Patti Sevrahi, Tamkuhi Raj, in Kushinagar. Thanks to the instrumental efforts of Shri Shashank Mani, Hon’ble MP of Deoria, this remote village has become a launchpad—literally and metaphorically—for scientific education and space awareness.
The presence of Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director of Promotion at IN-SPACe, Shri Mahender Singh Tawar, DM Kushinagar, and other dignitaries underscores the event’s importance. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between ASI, IN-SPACe, and the District Science Club of Kushinagar/District Magistrate for ongoing administrative and local support during the course of this event.
IN-SPACe’s Vision: Nurturing Scientific Talent
This initiative reflects IN-SPACe’s larger vision—to democratize access to space by encouraging innovation, promoting public-private partnerships, and offering inclusive opportunities for students from all backgrounds. By conducting this trial in a non-urban setting, the organisers aim to decentralize science and innovation and bring it to the grassroots level.
The successful model rocket launcher validation tests in Kushinagar mark a crucial milestone in preparing for the IN-SPACe CANSAT and Model Rocketry India Student Competition 2024–25. As India continues to push boundaries in space research and development, empowering the youth through practical experience and national-level exposure is key to sustaining and expanding the country’s space legacy.
With over 900 student teams gearing up for the competition and local communities getting actively involved, this is not just a technological event—it’s a celebration of India’s scientific spirit, inclusivity, and future vision.
क्रेडिट स्कोर के आधार पर मिल रही नौकरी: जानें क्यों खराब स्कोर बना सकता है बेरोजगारी की वजह
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