In a proud moment for Kalaburagi and the entire nation, S.R.N. Mehta CBSE School has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by winning first prize in the 8th Grade Large Group category of the prestigious 2025 NASA-NSS Space Settlement Design Contest.
A Vision Beyond Earth
The school’s award-winning project, titled “IRA”, was conceptualized and developed by a dedicated team of 11 talented students. Their idea? A self-sustaining, future-ready space colony designed to support human life beyond Earth. With innovation at its core, the project reflected a deep understanding of science, technology, and sustainability in space environments.
Out of nearly 4,900 entries from 25 countries, IRA stood out — a testament to the students’ exceptional creativity, research skills, and futuristic vision.
An Esteemed Global Platform
The NASA-NSS Space Settlement Design Contest is organized by the NASA Ames Research Center and the National Space Society (NSS). It’s one of the world’s most respected platforms encouraging school students to explore possibilities for human habitation in space. The competition pushes young minds to go beyond textbooks and imagine a future in the stars.
Representing India on the World Stage
As part of their prize, the SRN Mehta team was invited to present their project at the International Space Development Conference (ISDC) 2025 in Orlando, Florida. There, the students showcased their work before an esteemed audience of over 250 experts, including astronauts, scientists, and space engineers — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that recognized their brilliance on a global scale.
A Moment of Inspiration
This remarkable achievement not only places SRN Mehta CBSE School in the international spotlight but also highlights the immense potential of young Indian students in the fields of science, technology, and space exploration.
Their success sends out a powerful message: with dedication, guidance, and imagination, students can truly reach for the stars — and beyond.
