10th Space Summer School opens at IST to inspire future space scientists

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): The 10th Space Summer School (SSS-2026) kicked off at the Institute of Space Technology (IST) today, bringing together more than 70 students from over 30 schools across Pakistan for a week-long programme aimed at promoting space science, technology and innovation among young learners.

Organized by the Space Education Research Lab (SERL) under the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA), the programme is designed for students from Grades 6 to 12 and seeks to cultivate scientific curiosity, critical thinking and practical STEM skills through expert lectures, laboratory sessions, interactive demonstrations and hands-on engineering activities.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chairman of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) and Programme Director of the Space Summer School, Dr. Najam Abbas Naqvi, emphasized the importance of introducing space science and emerging technologies at the school level. He said empowering young learners through quality STEM education is essential for developing the scientific talent needed to drive Pakistan’s future space ambitions and technological progress.

He said initiatives such as the Space Summer School not only inspire curiosity but also equip students with the knowledge, skills and innovative mindset required to address national and global challenges through space science and technology.

The academic programme is structured around five thematic pathways—Astronomy and Astrophysics, Earth and Atmosphere, Aviation, Rocketry, and Satellite Technology—offering participants a comprehensive introduction to modern space sciences and their practical applications.

During the five-day programme, students will attend lectures on the creation of the Universe and the Solar System, telescopy and astronomical observations, solar observation, astronomical instruments, radio astronomy, Earth observation from space, solar physics, satellite imagery, climate science, principles of flight, helicopter aerodynamics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), RC aircraft design and flight, life in space, planetary habitability, principles of rocketry, satellite technology, satellite navigation, AI-driven urban aerial mobility and AI-based satellite tasking.

The programme also includes a wide range of practical learning activities, including solar observation, RC aircraft design and flight, Aqua Rocket design, development and launch, CanSat design, development and launch, and a screening of Jahan Aur Bhi Hain, Pakistan’s first space-themed telefilm.

Participants will also visit the IST Astronomical Observatory and the Propulsion Engineering, Research and Launch Laboratory (PEARL) to gain firsthand exposure to advanced space research and engineering facilities.

Since its launch in 2017, the Space Summer School has grown into one of Pakistan’s leading space education initiatives. Over the past decade, it has conducted 59 programme days, engaged more than 2,750 students from over 546 schools and colleges, delivered 173 interactive teaching hours and 117 learning hours, organized 94 space-based STEM activities comprising 195 hands-on activity hours, and brought together more than 228 national and international experts.

The initiative also contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), by promoting STEM education, technological innovation, environmental awareness and collaboration among academia, industry, government organizations and international experts.