A team of 17 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) students from Kanakia International School, Chembur, Mumbai, has been chosen to participate in NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) 2024. In April 2024, a total of 72 teams from around the world will gather at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for this three-day competition.
All the 17 students in the team from Kanakia are in grade 11, are gearing up for this seven-month journey under the mentorship of their advisor, Anuj Shah, these students are preparing to compete on the global stage in the field of space exploration. The team members are Aarya Nakka, Uchit Turakhia, Divit Chauhan, Durva Popat, Mrunmayee Gore, Smera Balan, Rushan Shah, Ved Khemani, Naman Shah, Guru Jain, Prisha Shah, Seher Khan, Pratham Mehta, Aadhya Shetty, Ziya Sanghavi, Yashas Chattree, Ayush Soni, along with their mentor, Anuj Shah, Program Manager – STREAM, Kanakia International School (IB), Chembur, Mumbai.
The HERC competition is known for its focus on innovation, teamwork, and pushing the boundaries of human space exploration. This experience will provide both education and inspiration as the team immerses themselves in the environment of the Marshall Space Flight Center, collaborating with fellow space enthusiasts and professionals. The school community and well-wishers eagerly await the results of this journey, knowing that these young students are poised to leave a lasting mark on the field of human space exploration.
Anuj Shah, Program Manager- STREAM, Kanakia International School, (IB) said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to participate in NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students. This opportunity not only enhances their technical skills but also teaches them the value of teamwork and innovation. We are excited to represent our school and country on the global stage of space exploration.”
Shuchi Shukla, Principal, Kanakia International School (IB), Chembur, said: “At Kanakia International School, we place great importance on fostering curiosity and exploration among our students. We’re immensely proud of our students who have been selected for the HERC challenge. This experience will not only be a significant milestone in their academic journey but also a source of inspiration for their peers. We eagerly await their success, knowing that they are on the path to making remarkable contributions to the field of space exploration.“
