Nepali Rocket: Dream for Space Flight Expo Concludes

An exhibition entitled "Nepali Rocket: Dream for Space Flight" was held at the Dillibazar-based CBM School of Science concluded Sunday.

A prototype of the rocket, a collaborative innovation undertaken under the 'Shree' project by the Astral Space Research Nepal (ASRN) and the CBM School of Science, was exhibited in the six-day event that welcomed visitors from various diverse groups including politicians to artists and student, according to Principal of CBM College of Science, Suman Neupane.

It may be noted that the rocket developed under the 'Shree' Project has been selected for the Spaceport America Cup 2023 to be held in Southern New Mexico on June 19-24. A 15-member team comprising young engineers and space researchers will be representing Nepal in the event. Twenty-four countries from six continents have been selected for the Cup and the squad is the sole team to be qualified for participation in the event.

Principal Neupane said during their visits to the exhibition, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala, CPN (UML) leader Yogesh Bhattarai, Rastria Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal Chair Rajendra Lingden, and others pledged to assist the Project from individual and official levels to make Nepal's dream for space flight a reality.

The team urged the Home Minister who made his presence at the event Sunday to facilitate visa procedures of members of the team selected for the international event. In response, the Home Minister said he would do his best via an official channel so that team members could get visas on time.

The exhibition which was held from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm every day saw a footfall of more than 2,000.

ASRN Chairperson Shisir GC said, "We have proved our competency to be part of the Spaceport Cup and the achievement is of Nepal and the entire Nepalis." He also shared that over nine million rupees have been already spent on the Project and they are facing economic issues to undertake the journey ahead.

The organizers have launched #10 rupees campaign to raise funds for the Project. They hope if 500 thousand Nepali donate Rs 10 for the Project, Rs five million would be collected for its sustainability at least for some time.