Central University of Jammu hosts J&K’s first advanced amateur rocketry workshop, culminating in the mega launch of 30 rockets

JAMMU: The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS) Student Branch at Central University of Jammu have successfully executed Jammu & Kashmir’s first-ever Advanced Amateur Rocketry Workshop. The historic two-day event, held on April 26 and 27, culminated today in a spectacular live launch of  30 high-powered rockets from the main University Ground. Organized in partnership with Rocketeers, an official ISRO Registered Space Tutor, the workshop brought aerospace engineering out of the textbooks and onto the launchpad.

Under an innovative "Open-Design" framework, 150 student engineers were empowered to conceptualize, simulate and build their own unique aerospace vehicles. The rigorous training included aerodynamics, avionics and a master class in solid composite propellant casting. The landmark event was held under the esteemed patronage of the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, whose vision for advanced technical education has been instrumental in bringing such cutting-edge initiatives to the campus.

The program was spearheaded by Faculty Coordinators Prof. Rakesh Kumar Jha (Head of the Department, ECE) and Dr. Misbah Shafi (Assistant Professor, DoECE) "By providing our students with the opportunity to design, build, and launch their own rockets, we are bridging the critical gap between theoretical physics and real-world engineering," said Prof. Rakesh Kumar Jha, HoD, ECE. "This initiative prepares our engineering cohorts to actively contribute to India's rapidly expanding space and defence sectors."

The entire operation was heavily driven by student leadership, coordinated by Bannur Preetham Reddy, Chair of the IEEE AESS Student Branch, alongside support from Balkrishn  Mandal. Working alongside Rocketeers experts, the student teams utilized industry-standard software like Open Rocket to verify their designs before physical fabrication and flight testing. As the 30 rockets take to the skies over Jammu today, the event marks a massive milestone for the university, cementing the Central University of Jammu as a rising hub for aerospace innovation and student-led technical excellence in Northern India.