KOZHIKODE: Eleven rockets were launched, one after another, from the ‘launching station’ at Regional Science Centre (RSC) and Planetarium, in Kozhikode, on Tuesday. Though some were unsuccessful, this is the first time rockets are ascending from the Centre using ‘indigenous technology’, developed by the Regional Science Centre.
A total of 11 schools launched the rockets developed by their high school students. Wait, this is not a probable story which you could read after many decades. This happened during the model rocket launching programme, organised by the RSC, as a part of World Space Week celebrations.
A total of 33 students from City Schools designed and launched their water rockets during the programme. The rockets were made using water bottles (2 litre capacity), cardboards for fins and papers to make nose cone and to cover the bottle. At the nose cone, maida flour mixture is used to give balance weight for the rocket.
Before making, the students were given a detailed class on water rocket principle, how to make it and what are the factors to keep in mind while launching the rockets. “Our aim is to create awareness among students about basic principles in launching water rockets and also to inspire innovation,” said RSCP Education Officer, K.M Sunil.
This is the second time; the Science Centre is launching water rockets. However, this year the Centre has developed its own launch pad. “Last year we used Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre’s launch pad. This year we had developed our own ‘launch pad with control room’,” he added.
“This is a very good experience for us. We understood how water rocket is functioning and also how to make it. It is fun as well as interesting to participate in such a programme,” said Seetha P, Thejasree K T and Resmi K.P of St Vincent Colony Girls’ HSS.
“Such programmes would be motivational for students and also help us to identify the talent in students,” opined Akhisha P, teacher of MSS Public School, Malikkadavu.
