Celebrating India’s Young Innovators Who Outshined at Spaceport America Cup 2024
India’s space journey continues to break new ground, and this time, it’s the next generation of innovators leading the charge. India’s spirit of innovation and scientific excellence continues to reach new heights, as students from the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) proudly represented the nation at the prestigious Spaceport America Cup 2024, held in New Mexico, USA from 17-22 June’24. The MIT Rocketry team, thrustMIT, competed in the 30k COTS category, demonstrating the strength of India’s next-generation engineers and innovators on the global stage.
A Historic Achievement: India’s First Sounding Rocket at 30,000 Feet
In a stellar accomplishment, thrustMIT designed and built ‘AgniAstra’, India’s first-ever sounding rocket approved by Spaceport America to fly at 30,000 feet. Not only did the rocket reach an impressive altitude, but it also crossed the sound barrier, attaining a maximum velocity of 1.8 Mach. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the rocket was entirely developed within the college laboratory using indigenous design and technology—a testament to the innovation and expertise of the student team.
The impact of thrustMIT’s efforts resonated globally, as the team ranked 1st in Asia in the 30k category and 7th Globally—a proud moment for India. This demonstrated the world-class quality and innovation of this student-driven project.
AI-Powered Innovation
AgniAstra was not only a feat of engineering but also a display of cutting-edge technology. The rocket was equipped with an AI-based infrared payload designed to maintain its apogee, a crucial component that contributed to the team’s strong performance in the competition. This payload also formed part of thrustMIT’s entry in the Space Dynamics Laboratory Challenge 2024, highlighting the advanced level of research and experimentation conducted by the students.
This year’s triumph builds on the team’s prior success at the Spaceport America Cup 2023, where they flew *Altair*, a 10k COTS rocket that was recovered flawlessly using a parachute system. These achievements not only reflect the students’ dedication and technical expertise but also significantly enhance India’s standing in the international rocketry and space technology community.
Inspiring India’s Future Innovators
“The Youth of the Country have also benefited immensely from Space Sector Reforms,” as noted by PM Shri Narendra Modi in the 113th Episode of Mann Ki Baat. This statement finds a powerful embodiment in the remarkable achievements of the thrustMIT rocketry team from MIT, who have exemplified how these reforms are driving innovation and excellence in India’s space sector. As India recently celebrated its growing prominence in the global space sector with National Space Day 2024, the accomplishments of thrustMIT serve as a beacon of inspiration for young minds across the nation. The achievements of these students embody the spirit of self-reliance and innovation that is driving India’s space program to new heights.
Let’s encourage all aspiring engineers and space enthusiasts to become global leaders in the space sector.
