Space-India, in collaboration with Raman Science Centre, Nagpur, a unit National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), celebrated National Space Day 2026 from 23-08-26 to 25-08-26. The three-day event commemorated India’s historic soft-landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission near the Moon’s south pole in 2023. The event ignited curiosity among young students through hands-on workshops, demonstrations, competitions and an inspiring lecture.
The celebration commenced with the Hydro-Rocketry workshop, where students not only learned the principles of rocket propulsion but also built and launched their own water-powered model rockets. Students explored how science, creativity and engineering come together to make things fly.
The event continues as students from various schools learned the mechanics of telescopes. How the lenses and mirrors reveal the mysteries of the night sky.
On the second day, students explored the universe in an engaging Stellarium workshop. They learned to navigate the digital night sky, identify constellations and planets, and explore Zodiac signs using Stellarium software.
Later on that day, young artists put their creativity and imagination on display during a poster-making competition on ‘India in Space’. They showcased India’s inspiring journey in space exploration and envisioned the possibilities that lie ahead.
Young minds penned imaginative thoughts on ‘India’s first city on Mars – A letter from 2050’ during an exciting science fiction writing competition. Participants imagined a futuristic city on Mars and explored how science, creativity, and storytelling can come together to create fascinating science fiction narratives.
The final day featured an inspiring Popular Science lecture by eminent scientist Dr. Sreenivasan G, Scientist-G and General Manager at ISRO-National Remote Sensing Centre, Nagpur. He highlighted ISRO’s remarkable achievements from its early missions to upcoming missions like the Gaganyaan mission. He also noted the societal benefits of the Indian space programme. His words painted a road map of India’s future in space science.
The three‑day program at Raman Science Centre was more than a celebration — it was a launchpad for imagination. By blending hands‑on science, cultural creativity, and visionary lectures, the event nurtured the next generation of explorers who will carry India’s cosmic journey forward.
