Observing Bhutan Space Week annually continues to spark curiosity and inspire young minds to explore the frontiers of space science. This year, the 7th Bhutan Space Week was observed in Phuentshogling, featuring more activities, reaching more students and providing greater opportunities for learners across the country to engage with space science and technology.
Bhutan Space Week was initiated in 2020 as a national platform to promote space science and nurture technical talent among Bhutanese youth.
While it was all about one National Space Challenge in the past years, more programmes and challenges were included this year.
Prasant Pradhan, an engineer from GovTech Agency said, “This time, we have different activities and challenges like space do-it-yourself. We are trying to encourage even primary students to take up and learn about space. For college students, we have mission idea contest.”
He said key objectives of Bhutan Space Week are to strengthen student competencies in science, technology, and engineering, promote hands-on learning, encourage innovation, enhance national awareness of space science applications and career pathways.
It is also to inspire sustained interest in STEM education across schools and colleges in the country.
With early exposure to space science, students said it boosts their confidence and aspirations to pursue space science.
Kuenlay Tshering Dolkar, a student from The Royal Academy, Paro said, “I have always been interested in space and astronomy. And after coming here, there were many programmes related to it and it taught me a lot of things. I have also developed more interest in STEM careers, astronomy, and technology.”
Sonam Yangden, a student from Phuentshogling Rigsar Higher Secondary School, Phuentshogling said, “We learned a lot and gained lots of knowledge about space, technology and rockets. Moreover, I realized how important and effective is hands on learning. You learn a lot when you actually do it yourself.”
Sonam Norbu, a student from Drukgyel Central School, Paro said, “I will definitely pursue something related to space and technology because not only will I get to explore space, but also serve our people. Moreover, His Majesty said that it is important, so I want to fulfill His Majesty’s vision.”
Yangsel Tshering Lepcha, Student, Phuentshogling Higher Secondary School, Phuentshogling said, “We did the DIY Programmes. It was very exciting and wonderful. We did a lot of activities like making a satellite and learning about it. It is very useful as we learned new things. Moreover, we did it in groups, so it also teaches us teamwork.”
Yougesh Gurung, a student from Phuentshogling Rigsar Higher Secondary School, Phuentshogling said, “It was all about space. I have never learned anything about rockets and knew nothing about them. For me, the rocket thing was only in movies. So, when I got the opportunity to learn about it, I am really happy. Now I want to pursue and learn more about space.”
GovTech Agency officials said over the year, Bhutan Space Week has evolved from a student-focused challenge into a broader national initiative.
Different activities like National Space Challenge, Space Do-It-Yourself or DIY activities, Mission Idea Contest, space symposium, star gazing and exhibitions were carried out.
Over 200 students including teachers from schools across the country took part in the space week that concluded yesterday.
As Bhutan looks toward strengthening its science and technology capabilities, initiatives like Bhutan Space Week are planting the seeds for a new generation of innovators.
Kinley Dem
