On Vikram Sarabhai’s birth anniversary, India remembers the scientist who transformed the idea of a space programme from a symbol of prestige into a tool for national development. His vision laid the foundation for ISRO and shaped India’s use of satellites for communication, education, weather forecasting and resource management. Vikram Sarabhai Saw Space Technology as a Tool for Development

Indian spacetech startups have collectively raised $871 million across 285 companies, with Skyroot Aerospace leading the sector after Vikram-1 became the first privately built Indian rocket to reach orbit. The milestone signals growing investor confidence in India’s commercial space industry. Skyroot’s Vikram-1 Marks a Turning Point India’s private space sector reached a major milestone on July 18 when Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-

Kandula Jessie’s Journey From School Lab to Space Mission Kandula Jessie, a Class 10 student from an Andhra Pradesh government school, has been selected among 20 Indian participants for Mission ShakthiSAT. Her journey from a school tinkering lab to an international lunar CubeSat programme highlights the importance of STEM education, teacher support, and consistent effort. A Government School Dream Reaches for the Moon Dowleswaram, Andhra Pradesh, July 23, 2026: Fourteen-year-old Kandula Jessie has secured a place among 20 Indian participants selected for Mission ShakthiSAT, an international all-girls lunar CubeSat initiative. Jessie studies at Zilla Parishad Girls High School in Dowleswaram and is reportedly the only student from Andhra Pradesh included in the final Indian group. She was selected through a programme involving nearly 12,000 girls from 108 countries. How Kandula Jessie Earned Her Place Jessie’s journey began at her school’s Atal Tinkering Lab. Her physical science teacher and laboratory in-charge, Manimala, recognised her interest in science and encouraged her to enrol in the programme. The Mission ShakthiSAT curriculum covers subjects far beyond the regular Class 10 syllabus. Its modules include satellite systems, propulsion, thermodynamics, payload development, and other areas of space technology. Jessie continued attending online classes after school, even when she found the advanced concepts difficult. The programme reportedly included around 550 online sessions across 21 learning modules. Her determination to understand unfamiliar subjects helped her progress through the demanding selection process. Selection Tested Knowledge and Communication Skills The selection process involved online coursework, an interview lasting around one hour, and a short video presentation. Jessie was asked to explain Mission ShakthiSAT and discuss the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The interview was conducted entirely in English with international scientists and programme coordinators. Jessie spent weeks improving her communication skills with the support of her teachers and educational videos. Her selection reflected more than academic knowledge. It also demonstrated her willingness to improve, communicate confidently and continue learning despite the challenges. Family Supported Her Through Financial Difficulties Jessie’s father works as a carpenter. Her parents had earlier moved her from a private school to a government school because of financial difficulties. Her mother, Aruna, described watching Jessie confidently interact with international scientists as one of the family’s proudest moments. The achievement has also brought recognition to her school and the teachers who encouraged her scientific interests. Jessie’s success shows how timely guidance and access to practical learning opportunities can help students from modest backgrounds compete internationally. ShakthiSAT Training to Begin in New Delhi The next stage of Jessie’s programme is scheduled to begin in New Delhi on August 23, 2026. She is expected to work with scientists and other participants on satellite design, payload development, and mission operations. The student-built lunar CubeSat is proposed for launch from Sriharikota on October 11, 2026. The launch schedule may remain subject to technical and operational confirmation. Mission ShakthiSAT aims to give girls from different countries practical exposure to satellite development, space science and STEM education. The programme brings together students from 108 countries for scientific learning and collaborative space projects. Jessie Hopes to Join ISRO Jessie now hopes to build a career in space science and eventually join the Indian Space Research Organisation. Her selection has strengthened her belief that determination and regular effort can help her achieve that goal. She also hopes to support her parents and make her teachers and school proud. Her journey from a government-school laboratory to an international space programme underlines the value of Atal Tinkering Labs, supportive teachers, and accessible STEM opportunities. For students from financially constrained families, Jessie’s achievement offers a powerful message: scientific talent can emerge from any classroom when curiosity receives the right guidance.

ISRO VSSC Apprentice Walk-In 2026 for 460 Posts on July 25 Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre will conduct a walk-in selection drive in Thiruvananthapuram on July 25, 2026, for 460 Graduate and Technician Apprentice training positions. Candidates will be shortlisted on academic marks and eligibility.

Key Role In Tamil Nadu Syllabus Reform Chennai, June 30, 2026: Former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai, best known for his role in India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission, has been appointed chairman of Tamil Nadu’s curriculum design committee. The move is expected to draw attention from students, teachers and parents as Tamil Nadu prepares major changes to its state board syllabus under the State Education Policy 2025. Annadurai replaces State Plan

Pakistan Satellite Push Puts NavIC In Focus Pakistan’s recent launch of multiple Earth-observation satellites has raised fresh concern in India’s strategic circles. At the same time, India’s NavIC system is facing pressure due to ageing satellites, clock failures, and the NVS-02 setback. The situation has brought space security and sovereign navigation back into focus. Pakistan Satellite Build-Up Raises Concern Pakistan

Shubhanshu Shukla Turns Author With The Second Orbit After Historic Space Journey Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is bringing his space journey to readers through his memoir The Second Orbit, a story of belief, pressure, and India’s rising space dreams. From Space Mission To Memoir Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the most inspiring faces of India’s human spa

Blue Origin Blast Explains Rocket Safety Distance   Blue Origin Blast Puts Safety Distance In Focus The Blue Origin New Glenn rocket blast in Florida has again raised a serious question: why are rocket launch pads kept so far from the public? The incident happened during a static fire test at Cape Canaveral, where the rocket’s engines were fired while the vehicle stayed f

Chandrayaan-3 Wins AIAA Honour For Historic Lunar South Pole Mission Global Honour For ISRO India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has won the 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, giving ISRO another major global recognition for its historic lunar success. The award honours Chandrayaan-3’s successful soft landing near the Moon’s south polar region, a first-of-its-kind achievement in space exploration.

India’s space journey began in the most unexpected place — a church in Thumba. Long before becoming a global space power, the foundations of the Indian Space Research Organisation were laid with limited resources but extraord

India’s much-anticipated Gaganyaan mission is facing growing uncertainty, with questions emerging over its ability to meet the revised 2027 crewed launch target. Once seen as a landmark step in India’s space journey, the mission now hinges on the successful completion of critical uncrewed test flights. These tests are vital for validating systems such as cr