South India Rocketry Challenge–2026 Launched
The summit is being conducted under the theme “Leveraging Space Technology for Viksit Bharat–2047.”
Vijayawada:National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad, director Dr. Prakash Chauhan underlined that start-ups are essential for revolutionising the space sector in India.
He had been addressing the Andhra Pradesh Space Tech Summit–2026, jointly organised by Andhra Pradesh SpaceTech Academy, Amaravati, Vignan’s University, Vadlamudi, and Ananth Technologies, Hyderabad, on Thursday.
The summit is being conducted under the theme “Leveraging Space Technology for Viksit Bharat–2047.” Its objective is to promote research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in the space technology sector in Andhra Pradesh.
The occasion witnessed the launch of “Space Tech Spectrum Journal,” the first publication brought out by the AP SpaceTech Academy. On the day, the “South India Rocketry Challenge–2026” also got inaugurated under the aegis of the Science City of Andhra Pradesh. The challenge included chemical rocketry for college-level students and hydro rocketry for school-level students.
Dr. Prakash Chauhan said that India’s space technology sector is developing rapidly. Due to faster government clearances, around 300 start-ups are now operating in this field. Until three years ago, India had only 3–4 space start-ups.
The NRSC director highlighted the significant role of Telugu states in India’s space journey, with facilities like Sriharikota and strong academia-industry coordination.
Special chief secretary (Infrastructure & Investments) M.T. Krishna Babu said the space sector offers global-level opportunities for youth. He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh contributes 20 per cent to India’s technology talent pool, reflecting the strength of the state’s youth.
Vignan’s educational institutions chairman Dr. Lavu Rathaiah said satellite data helps farmers with crop estimation, water usage decisions, and weather alerts.