– In-Space Competition 2024–25: 27 launches so far, Chairman Dr. Pawan Goenka and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will come on Thursday.

Deoria, 29 October (Read). There were definitely clouds in the sky on Wednesday, but the enthusiasm and passion of the students towards science was shining as before. A total of 13 launches took place on the third day of the In-Space Model Rocketry/CanSat India Student Competition 2024–25. These included 8 model rockets and 5 CANSAT satellites. Even amidst the rain, the participating students left no stone unturned to accelerate their mission.

Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director of In-Space, said, “The model rockets cover a distance of about one kilometer and carry a load of up to one kilogram. Their design and preparation has been completely done by the participating students.” He said, “Five CANSATs were successfully launched today, making a total of 19 CANSATs and 5 model rocket launches successful so far.

27 launches so far, three rockets failed

A total of 27 launches have been made so far in this competition which started from October 27. Of these, 24 launches were completely successful, while only three rockets failed due to technical reasons. Dr. Vinod said, “This figure shows the technical ability and preparation of the participating students. Getting so much success at this level is a big achievement in itself.”

Exciting launch schedule

The third day of launches began at 8:19 am with the liftoff of the first model rocket. After this, the model rockets continued to fly in the air till 8:32, 8:34, 8:35, 12:05, 12:07, 12:10 and 12:13. In the afternoon, it was the turn of Cansat—five Cansats were launched at 12:16, 2:25, 2:29, 2:30 and 2:32, which landed safely with the help of parachutes. There were some delays due to rain, but the enthusiasm and teamwork of the participants was amazing.

Children showed curiosity to become scientists

Today students from many schools also visited the competition venue. Children of The President School (Daniyadi Taraya Road), SBD School (Padrauna) and Panna Devi Intermediate College visited the Working Area, Habitat Area and Art and Space Gallery. Tremendous enthusiasm was seen among these children. He asked questions from the participating students, took a closer look at the equipment and expressed keen interest in science. Teachers said this experience would prove to be a “future-defining moment” for the students.

Chairman and astronaut will come on Thursday

Dr. Vinod told that the fourth day of the competition on Thursday (30 October) will be very special. On this day, In-Space Chairman Dr. Pawan Goenka and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will reach the competition venue. He will meet the participating students and tell them inspiring things to space science and career. A job fair will also be organized on the same day, in which efforts will be made to connect students with the industry.

Mission continues despite rain

Due to intermittent rain throughout the day, the launch scheduled at 4.30 pm had to be postponed, but the students’ morale remained intact. Dr. Vinod told that five model rocketry and five CANSAT competitions will be organized on Thursday. Whatever the weather, the energy and commitment of our young scientists outweighs every challenge. This “Space Mahakumbh”, which is going on in the land of Purvanchal in North India, is now moving towards its peak. When the top leadership and astronauts will be on the stage on Thursday, the event will become a historic moment not only for the students but for the entire region.

Shashank Mani, MP Lok Sabha constituency Deoria Sadar said that the land of Deoria Lok Sabha constituency is now becoming a center of innovation and technology. It is a matter of pride to see that our youth now have not just a pen in their hands, but also the technology of the future. Events like CANSAT and rocketry competition will prove to be a milestone in taking India rapidly forward on the path of ‘developed nation’.

(Read) / Jyoti Pathak