Multi-city STEM initiative gives school students hands-on experience in designing and building rockets, CubeSats and rovers
La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, India has concluded its multi-city STEM initiative, ‘My First Aerospace Program’, in Pune, after engaging 150 school students aged 13–16 across Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurugram and Pune.
Conducted in collaboration with SSERD (Society for Space Education Research and Development), the programme gives students hands-on exposure to aerospace engineering, taking them from fundamental STEM concepts to designing, testing, building and launching DIY rockets, CubeSats and rovers.
Supported by skill volunteers from Dassault Systèmes, the programme combines classroom learning, practical activities and virtual validation using 3D technology. The approach helps students develop problem-solving, creativity and collaborative engineering skills while gaining an early understanding of education and career opportunities in the space sector.
Sudarshan Mogasale, Chairman of Board of Directors, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, India, said, “Nurturing early curiosity in science and engineering is essential to sustaining India’s progress in the space sector. By connecting early school learning with university initiatives like ConnectNext-Industry Readiness for Space and CubeSat Design & Development, we are empowering students and educators across disciplines to actively contribute to the nation’s space ambitions.”
Nikhita Chadde, Co-founder and Trustee, SSERD, said, “At SSERD, we believe India’s future in space will be built in classrooms today. ‘My First Aerospace Program’ proves that when we give a 13-year-old the tools to build a rocket or a CubeSat, we are not just teaching STEM, we are igniting a career and giving them a powerful motive to excel in academics, while building skills and creating talent pipeline for NewSpace India.”
The initiative forms part of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, India’s broader education ecosystem, which also includes higher-education programmes focused on industry readiness, CanSat and model rocketry, and CubeSat design using virtual twin technology.
