ISRO successfully carries out model rocket launch test in UP’s Kushinagar; details here
The event held on June 14 in Tamkuhi Raj, Kushinagar, Uttarpradesh was not a full-fledged rocket launch carrying a payload, but a site and systems validation test conducted ahead of the upcoming IN-SPACe CANSAT and Model Rocketry India Student Competition 2024–25. The competition is being jointly organised by the Astronautical Society of India (ASI) along with ISRO and IN-SPACe, with the objective of providing hands-on learning experiences in model rocketry and satellite systems to undergraduate students across India.
This preliminary launch was meant to test the suitability of the site and validate technical parameters, such as safety margins, communication range, and area recovery conditions. It forms part of the preparatory phase for the student competition to be held later this year (October–November 2025), where over 900 student-built models and CANSATs will be showcased.
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Please find below context for the same:
Model Rocketry Launch Trials for *IN-SPACe Model Rocketry and CANSAT Student India Competition 2024-25* at Sevarahi Tamkuhi Kushinagar by ASI
Astronautical Society of India (ASI) in association with Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), conducted successful test trials for launcher systems validation test for a model rocket on June 14-15, 2025 at Rakaba Jangal Patti Sevrahi in Tamkuhi Raj, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. This model rocket launcher is developed by a private company, namely Thrust Tech India Pvt. Ltd under the guidance of the experts from IN-SPACe and ISRO. These launchers and solid motor engines shall be used for the upcoming *IN-SPACe CANSAT and Model Rocketry India Student Competition 2024–25.*
The *rockets* and *CANSATs* 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.
To qualify the private company to deliver the rockets and motor, two test trial launches are conducted. The weight of the model rocket was 15 kg, which soared to ~1.0 km for both the flights and successfully deployed a CANsized 1.0 Kg satellite. The rocket body and CANSAT were successfully brought down with the help of a parachute and recovered. The parameters of the launcher met the competition requirement.
These trial launches were also meant to test the suitability of the launch site and other requirements such as safety margins, communication range, area recovery conditions, etc. It forms part of the preparatory phase for the student competition to be held later this year (October–November 2025), where student-built models and CANSATs will be launched.
Shri Shashank Mani Ji Hon’ble MP Deoria is instrumental in bringing the model rocketry and CANSAT competition to a small village, Rakaba Jangal Patti SevrahiTamkuhi Raj, Kushinagar.
Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe, along with Shri Shashank Ji, Hon’ble MP, and Shri Mahender Singh Tawar, DM Kushinagar was present among other invited dignitaries during the test launch.
This is in line with IN-SPACe’s collaborative vision to nurture young scientific minds, driving innovation, and enabling broader participation in India’s growing space ecosystem.
An MoU was signed between ASI , IN-SPACe and District Science Club of Kushinagar/District Magistrate, Kushinagar, for providing local/administrative support during the course of this event.
