A three-day residential camp held in Mysuru helped expose students from
disadvantaged backgrounds to space science, covering rocketry, satellites, and
astronomy.
Page 1 of 4The residential space science camp organised jointly by the Indian Institute of
Space Science and Technology (IIST) and Arsha Space School on the V-LEAD
campus in Mysuru in commemoration of the 1550th birth anniversary of
Aryabhata, concluded on Monday.
Designed to ignite scientific curiosity and foster a passion for STEM, the
initiative brought together 115 students from government, rural, and tribal
schools from Classes VII–IX.
The experience culminated in the live launches of water and solid rockets,
along with a static fire test that vividly demonstrated the working and
performance of rocket motors. “This experiential approach not only deepened
technical understanding but also sparked excitement and aspiration towards
aerospace engineering,” said a statement from the organisers.
A major highlight of the camp was the immersive module on model rocketry.
“Students were introduced to fundamental principles through a powerful
blend of theory and hands-on experience. They designed and built both solid-
fuel and water rockets, transforming abstract concepts into tangible learning,”
the statement said.
Spread across three days, the academic sessions offered a rich,
multidimensional learning experience. Students journeyed through India’s
space exploration milestones, explored optics and chemistry through hands-
on demonstrations, and connected science with real-world applications, the
organisers said.
“Sessions on Vedic Mathematics introduced them to powerful indigenous
techniques for rapid computation, while interactive modules in mechanical
engineering brought concepts to life through models and experiments. A
guided Sky Watch session, led by expert astronomers, offered students a
breathtaking glimpse into the night sky, transforming curiosity into wonder
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/residerivileged-students-to-space-science/article70885291.ece 21/04/26, 9:18 AM
Page 2 of 4and learning into inspiration,” the statement said.
The camp was inaugurated by renowned space scientist and Padma Bhushan
awardee B.N. Suresh, who pointed out that democratising access to space
education, especially for the underprivileged students, was a national priority.
Dr. Suresh, who is also the Chancellor of IIST, commended the government’s
sustained outreach efforts aimed at enhancing access, equity, and quality in
science education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Chairman of Arsha Space School Denny Amrithagiri, in his welcome address,
highlighted the urgent need to harmonise scientific advancement with
human values to ensure global prosperity and lasting peace.
Vice-Chancellor of IIST Dipankar Banerjee, in his presidential address, spoke
on India’s solar mission Aditya-L1. He also stressed that meaningful outreach
and community engagement are critical to nurturing a culture of inquiry,
innovation, and scientific temper among students.
Pro-Vice Chancellor of IIST Kuruvilla Joseph provided an overview of the
IIST@Schools initiative by tracing its evolution into a nationally impactful
programme, enriched over time by the presence of stalwarts of India’s space
programme.
Adding a unique dimension to the programme was Prashanth Balakrishnan
Nair, the designated astronaut for the Gaganyaan programme, who interacted
virtually with the students, offering insights into satellites, human
spaceflight, and the expanding frontiers of India’s space sector.
Associate dean of IIST Lekshmi V. Nair proposed a vote of thanks while D.
Udayakumar, Mysuru DDPI, delivered the felicitation address during the
function.