Context:
The Astronautical Society of India (ASI), in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and IN-SPACe, conducted a systems validation test in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.
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- The event held on June 14, was a site and systems validation test conducted in preparation for the upcoming IN-SPACe CANSAT and Model Rocketry India Student Competition 2024–25.
- The competition provides undergraduate students across India with hands-on experience in designing and launching miniature satellites called CANSATs.
- These CANSATs, about the size of a soft drink can, help students gain practical exposure to developing space projects.
- The competition is being jointly organized by the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), ISRO, and IN-SPACe, with the aim of offering undergraduate students across India practical, hands-on experience in model rocketry and satellite systems.
- This initial launch was conducted to assess the site’s suitability and to validate key technical parameters, including safety margins, communication range, and recovery conditions in the area.
- Two test trial launches were conducted to qualify the private company to deliver the rockets and motors; the 15 kg model rocket reached approximately 1.0 km altitude in both flights and successfully deployed a 1 kg CAN-sized satellite (CANSAT).
- The rocket body and CANSAT were safely recovered using parachutes, and all launcher parameters met the competition requirements.
- This launch is part of the preparatory phase for the upcoming student competition scheduled for October–November 2025, where more than 900 student-designed models and CANSATs are expected to be showcased.
- The model rocket launcher was developed by the private company Thrust Tech India Pvt. Ltd, under the expert guidance of IN-SPACe and ISRO.
- This recent rocket launch test in Uttar Pradesh marked the first successful direct satellite launch using a rocket in the state.