The Institute of Space Technology has opened its 10th Space Summer School, bringing together more than 70 students from over 30 schools across Pakistan for a five-day programme designed to cultivate scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and practical skills in space science, technology, and engineering among learners from Grades 6 to 12.
The programme is organised by the Space Education Research Lab under the National Center of GIS and Space Applications and is structured around five thematic pathways: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Earth and Atmosphere, Aviation, Rocketry, and Satellite Technology. Across these tracks, participants will attend lectures on topics spanning the creation of the Universe and the Solar System, telescopy and astronomical observation, solar physics, radio astronomy, Earth observation from space, satellite imagery, climate science, principles of flight, helicopter aerodynamics, unmanned aerial vehicles, life in space, planetary habitability, principles of rocketry, satellite navigation, Artificial Intelligence-driven urban aerial mobility, and Artificial Intelligence-based satellite tasking.
Practical learning activities form a core component of the programme alongside the lecture curriculum, with participants engaging in solar observation, radio-controlled aircraft design and flight, Aqua Rocket design and launch, and CanSat design, development, and launch, alongside a screening of Jahan Aur Bhi Hain, described as Pakistan’s first space-themed telefilm. Students will also visit the Institute of Space Technology Astronomical Observatory and the Propulsion Engineering, Research and Launch Laboratory to gain direct exposure to the facilities where active space research and engineering are being conducted.
Dr. Najam Abbas Naqvi, Chairman of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications and Programme Director of the Space Summer School, said empowering young learners through quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education is essential for developing the scientific talent needed to drive Pakistan’s future space ambitions and technological progress. He said initiatives like the Space Summer School not only inspire curiosity but equip students with the knowledge, skills, and innovative mindset required to address national and global challenges through space science. Since its launch in 2017, the Space Summer School has conducted 59 programme days, engaged more than 2,750 students from over 546 schools and colleges, delivered 173 interactive teaching hours, and brought together more than 228 national and international experts, establishing it as one of Pakistan’s most sustained and substantive school-level space education initiatives over the past decade.
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