Budding Scientist from Ashoka Group of Schools wins at European Space Agency’s Moon Camp Challenge
Grade 10 student of Ashoka Universal School, Ashoka Marg Shaeel Hasepatil recently won laurels for Nashik and the nation by winning the third prize in EUROPEAN Space Agency’s (ESA) Moon Camp Challenge 2021-22. As many as 5649 students from 53 countries worldwide participated in the competition.
The Moon Camp Challenge is an international; Astronomical Moon Settlement Competition organized by ESA and the largest aeronautics and space company Airbus Foundation in partnership with American software giant Autodesk.
Shaeel represented India in the Explorer Category of the challenge and won the third position for his project ‘Kalpana’. India’s representation in this competition was through 44 teams in the non-ESA member category.
“Ashoka’s purpose in giving advanced platforms to young minds is so that the upcoming generations in India can skyrocket and do the unimaginable. Shaeel has done just that and we are extremely proud of him and his mentors at Ashoka Astronomical Observatory for guiding him. I have always believed that to be educated means to have a deeper understanding of self and of the world. I envision every Ashokaite to be a contributor and an achiever at the global platform,” said Chairman of Ashoka Group of Schools, Ashok Katariaji.
“I am very happy that I could even participate in this international competition. It was tough but very rewarding. Winning the competition is the cherry on the top,” said Shaeel on the occasion.
Space is perhaps the biggest mystery and source of fascination for most of humanity. In a one-of-its-kind provision in Nashik, Ashoka helps its students experience and understand ‘space’ unlike before through its Ashoka Astronomical Observatory. The observatory is an endeavor to ignite a passion for space science and astronomy through a year-long course comprising a range of DIY activities, interactive sessions, and sky-watching.
Shaeel has been a member of Ashoka Astronomical Observatory for the past three years. This is where he seeded his passion for astronomy and got answers to his curiosities about space and what lies beyond. He credits his win to his mentors, Mr. Dilip Thakur and Mrs. Archana Yeole, at Ashoka Astronomical Observatory, who handheld him through his journey.
Eminent personalities from the fields of astronomy and space science, such as Er. Apurva Jakhadi (NASA Space Educator), Dr. Girish Pimpale (Renown Astronomer), and Er. Jayant Joshi (Rt. Scientist Engineer ISRO) are advisory members of Ashoka Astronomical Observatory.
The competition required Shaeel to use his creativity and astronomical knowledge to create models to explain how life can be sustained on the Moon. He made these models using the Tinker Cad software taught to him in the Ashoka Astronomical Observatory. Shaeel also showcased exemplary leadership and mentored his 5th-grade teammate, teaching him how to use the software and apply it effectively to bring their ideas to life.
ESA also felicitated the Ashokite at a winner’s webinar, where he interacted with like-minded students from across the globe. A highlight of that webinar was his interaction with ESA’s Senior Astronaut, Sir Frank De Winne.
Shaeel has won many state-level and national laurels in the past. This is his first feat at an international level.
Chairman of Ashoka Group of Schools, Ashok Katariaji, graced the event along with the advisory members of Ashoka Astronomical Observatory. Shaeel was felicitated by Katariaji while the guests of honour, Mrs. Apurva Jakhadi and Dr. Girish Pimpale were felicitated by Secretary of Ashoka Education Foundation, Mr. Shrikant Shukla and Managing Trustee, Mrs. Astha Kataria respectively.
About Ashoka Astronomical Observatory
Ashoka Astronomical Observatory enables leading age observation by offering astronomy-based educational programs, a modern observatory, and access to state-of-the-art instruments and technology to the students. The inclusion of educational concepts based on astronomy and space sciences concerning the school curriculum through activities, sessions, tutorials, and modules has been made possible under Ashoka Astronomical Observatory.
The observatory was inaugurated in April, 2015 under the guidance of NASA space educator Apurva Jakhadi in Nashik at Ashoka Group of Schools, Ashoka Marg.