IIT Kanpur Hosts AntarikX’24 for Space Science Enthusiasts; Check Details Here

IIT Kanpur’s SPASE and Aerospace Engineering Departments co-hosted AntarikX’24 on National Space Day to ignite curiosity and promote a scientific mindset. Know details here

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur marked National Space Day by co-hosting AntarikX’24, an event organised by the Department of Space, Planetary & Astronomical Sciences & Engineering (SPASE) and the Department of Aerospace Engineering. The event, designed to inspire curiosity and cultivate a scientific mindset, drew around 450 participants, including IIT Kanpur students, researchers, and students from local schools and colleges.

The event saw participation from 300 students from various schools, including Kendriya Vidyalaya IIT Kanpur and three other government schools from Kanpur Nagar and Kanpur Dehat districts, with support from Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, IITK. AntarikX’24 successfully inspired a new generation of space enthusiasts and innovators.

Prof. Pankaj Jain, Head of the Space, Planetary & Astronomical Sciences & Engineering (SPASE), and Prof. Gopal Kamath, Head of Aerospace Engineering, welcomed all guests, speakers, and attendees, and shared the theme, "India's Role in Space Science: Exploring Regional Growth Opportunities via Industry-Academia Participation," emphasizing the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industry. Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India and Chairman & MD of Ananth Technologies Ltd., was the chief guest for the event and shared his thoughts on the significance of the Indian space science program. Prof. Braj Bhushan, Officiating Director of IIT Kanpur also addressed the audience, encouraging school students to engage more actively in such initiatives.

Smt. Nigar Shaji from the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, delivered a keynote address on the “Indian Space Science Program,” discussing India's science missions, technological challenges, achievements, and future endeavours. Prof. Sandeep Sahijpal from Panjab University, Chandigarh, delivered a popular science talk on “The Realms of Space Sciences and Technology: Our Present Understanding,” which was followed by an engaging Q&A session that was well-received by the students.

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, said, “On the occasion of National Space Day, AntarikX’24 brought together a diverse group of participants to explore and celebrate the vast field of space science. This event highlighted India's growing role in space exploration and reinforced the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in fostering innovation. I would like to acknowledge the SPASE and Aerospace departments for their exceptional efforts in co-hosting this event, which has encouraged students and researchers to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge in space science and technology.”

The Space exhibition showcased models of rockets and satellite payloads, generously sponsored by the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Lucknow. Exhibits from companies such as Dream Aerospace, Manastu Space, Ananth Technologies Ltd., and Scinomat Pvt Ltd., as well as contributions from the NGO Shiksha Sopan and IITK's Rocketry and Space Exploration Team (RaSET), highlighted advancements in space research and education.

Read More

• IIT Kanpur Launches “SATHEE ICAR” for UG Agricultural Exam Preparation
• IIT Kanpur's Kotak School of Sustainability Welcomes Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi for Inaugural Lecture