Model rocket launch trials in Kushinagar inspire students ahead of national competition

Lucknow: It was a distinctive experience for locals, particularly kids, in a Kushinagar village this weekend when the skies witnessed successful test trials of model rocket launch systems.
The launch forms the part of the preparatory phase for a national competition to be held in Kushinagar in Oct-Nov, where over 100 student-built rocket models will be launched, said officials.
Conducted by the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and the
Indian Space Research Organisation
(Isro), these tests were designed to validate the rocket launcher developed by a private company-- Thrust Tech India Pvt Ltd.
According to Isro scientist Abhishek Singh, the trials were conducted to qualify the above private company to deliver the rockets and motor. The weight of the model rocket was 15 kg and it soared to 1km.
"The trial launches were aimed to test the suitability of the launch site and other requirements such as safety margins, communication range, area recovery conditions, etc. The parameters of the launcher have met the competition requirement," Singh said.
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He added that the rockets for the finals are being designed and developed by the student teams from across the country. A team of experts from IN-SPACe and ISRO is reviewing the design.
Kushinagar district magistrate Mahendra Singh Tawar said an MoU was signed between ASI, IN-SPACe, and the district administration, Kushinagar, for providing local/administrative support during this event.
"The model rocket launch ahead of the national contest will definitely add wings to the imagination of young minds who are in the field of space sciences," he told TOI.
The competition is aligned with IN-SPACe's mission to promote private sector involvement, public awareness and STEM education in India's space sector. They provide hands-on experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills, and prepare students for careers in aerospace.
Deoria MP Shashank Mani Tripathi has been instrumental in bringing the model rocketry competition to a small village, Rakba Jangal Patti Sevrahi, Tamkuhi Raj, Kushinagar.

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