The Atal Satellite Competition (ASC) 2025 is the first-ever school-level satellite design and development challenge in India, organized under the aegis of India Space Week in association with Wegyanik. This pioneering initiative aims to spark curiosity and innovation in young minds, providing students from Grades 6 to 12 a unique platform to experience the world of space technology through practical, hands-on learning.

As part of the competition, student teams guided by a faculty mentor will design and build a CanSat, a miniature satellite the shape of a soft drink can. These CanSats will be released from a drone at a height of 200 meters and are expected to collect real-time atmospheric data and transmit it to a ground station during their descent.

The ASC 2025 challenges students to design, build, and demonstrate CanSats that can:

• Measure and transmit temperature, pressure, and altitude data in real time.
• Communicate with the Ground Control Station via LoRa technology.
• Descend safely and be recoverable in working condition after landing.

In addition to the mandatory mission requirements, student teams are encouraged to incorporate innovative features, such as:

• Controlled parachute deployment.
• Camera payloads for imaging during descent.
• Advanced sensors (e.g., air quality, UV, vibration, or gas detection).
• Experimental payloads reflecting students’ creativity and original ideas.

The ASC 2025 is not just a competition, but a movement to inspire India’s future scientists and engineers. It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing practical learning, problem-solving, and early exposure to emerging technologies like space science and satellite engineering.

Objectives of the Challenge:

• To provide a standardised national platform for school students to explore the field of satellite design and atmospheric data collection.
• To develop a deeper understanding of space science, satellite engineering, and their real-world applications among the student community.
• To enhance students’ skills in communication, collaboration, inquiry, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills that will support their academic and professional growth.
• To encourage early engagement with aerospace technologies and foster innovation in alignment with India’s expanding space sector.
• To promote mentorship-driven learning and co-development of ideas between students, educators, and technical experts.

Outcomes for the Student Community:

• Identify, formulate, and solve engineering challenges by applying principles of science, mathematics, and technology.
• Apply design thinking and engineering processes to develop satellite models that meet specified functional and structural requirements.
• Communicate technical concepts and project outcomes effectively through written reports, presentations, and team discussions.
• Collaborate within a team setting, demonstrate inclusive leadership, set goals, plan tasks, and work collectively to meet competition milestones.
• Conduct basic experiments, analyze sensor data, interpret results, and use engineering judgment to draw meaningful conclusions.
• Gain exposure to real-world problem-solving in the context of space applications, preparing students for future academic and career pathways in STEM fields.