The space centre is being established under “Project Antariksh Sangwari,” an initiative led by the IDYM Foundation with support from Sarda Energy and Minerals Limited, in collaboration with the district administration. Officials said the centre aims to provide hands-on exposure in space science and satellite technology to students from Chhattisgarh for the first time.
According to the administration, the centre will enable students to design, assemble and test student satellites, understand rocket systems, and track satellites orbiting the Earth. It will also allow data collection and analysis from space-based platforms, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications.
The inauguration event will be attended by Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s second astronaut, who will also serve as the brand ambassador of the space centre. During the launch, he is scheduled to interact directly with students and share insights from his journey in space science, with the aim of inspiring young learners to pursue careers in aerospace and related fields.
Raipur Collector Dr Gaurav Kumar Singh said the facility has been developed in line with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) standards. “The centre is equipped with a space-qualified clean room, a student satellite laboratory, and a ground station with a mission control setup. These facilities will allow students to experience the complete lifecycle of a space mission, from concept to operation,” he said.
Officials said the project has been designed to democratise access to space education, especially for students from government schools and underrepresented backgrounds. By providing early exposure to advanced scientific infrastructure, the initiative aims to nurture local talent and strengthen the state’s presence in emerging technology sectors.
The launch of the space centre is expected to have long-term implications for science education in Chhattisgarh, potentially positioning the state as a new hub for student-led space research in central India. Authorities indicated that partnerships with national institutions and future expansion of programmes are also being explored.
With the opening of this centre, Chhattisgarh joins a growing list of states investing in space science education, aligning itself with India’s broader push towards innovation, research and technological self-reliance.
