First successful rocket launching test conducted with payload in UP 

A successful model rocket launching test was conducted in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district, marking the first time a payload was launched via a rocket from the state, officials said.

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The test conducted on Saturday by the Astronautical Society of India in association with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) saw the model rocket ascend 1.12 km at 5:14:33 pm, a complete success.

ISRO scientist Abhishek Singh, who was present at the test site, said, "The rocket was launched at 5:14 pm and 33 seconds, which went up to a height of 1.1 km. After this, a small satellite (payload) came out. As soon as it fell down to 5 metres, its parachute activated and the satellite landed within 400 metres on the ground."

The 15 kg rocket also descended safely.

This test was part of IN-SPACe Model Rocketry/CANSAT India Student Competition 2024-25 and a prelude to a larger event in October-November, where around 900 youth-built satellites will be tested.

Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe, confirmed the test was a success.

"This event is being organised to generate interest in space technology among children across the region and the whole of India," he said.

This was the first time a satellite was directly launched by a rocket in Uttar Pradesh, proving entirely successful, Kumar said.

IN-SPACe is an autonomous body operating under the Department of Space (DoS). It acts as a single-window agency to facilitate, promote, authorise, and oversee the involvement of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in a wide range of space-related endeavours.