• Activities included a keynote address, a popular science talk, a panel discussion, an exhibition by space-related companies, and a poster presentation session

Kanpur, 27 August, 2024: Marking National Space Day, the Department of Space, Planetary & Astronomical Sciences & Engineering (SPASE) and the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur co-hosted AntarikX’24, which aimed to inspire curiosity and foster a scientific mindset among participants. This first-of-its-kind landmark event attracted approximately 450 participants, including IIT Kanpur students, researchers, and students from local schools and colleges.

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 compelling keynote address on the “Indian Space Science Program,” discussing India's science missions, technological challenges, achievements, and future endeavors. 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 latter part of the day included a panel discussion on “India's Contribution to Advancements in Space Science.” The discussion featured panelists such as Prof. Ajit Khembhavi from IUCAA, Pune; Prof. M.C. Uttam from Savitribai Phule Pune University; Mr. Tushar Jadhav, Co-Founder & CEO of Manastu Space; and Prof. Amitesh Omar from SPASE, IIT Kanpur. The panel delved into topics such as innovations in space technology, educational initiatives, and the collaboration between ISRO and the private sector.

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.

Students and scholars presented their work through a vibrant poster session, with research topics spanning various areas of space science and technology. Prizes for the poster presentations and Q&A session were sponsored by Springer Nature.

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

About IIT Kanpur:

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur was established in 1959 and declared to be an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. IIT Kanpur is best known for the highest standard of its education in science and engineering and seminal R&D contributions over the years. The institute has a sprawling lush green campus spread over 1050 acres with large pool of academic and research resources spanning across 19 departments, 25 centers and 3 interdisciplinary programs in engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines with more than 580 full-time faculty members and approximately 9000 students.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.