Kottayam (Kerala): Engineering students of Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology in Kerala's Idukki district are set to launch an indigenously developed technology demonstrator rocket on Wednesday, marking a rare academic initiative in student-led space research.

The rocket, named Basilian-01, has been designed, fabricated and tested entirely by undergraduate students of the institution at Peermade. College authorities said the project was guided by Dr Oommen Tharakan, a former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist who currently serves as Dean of Research and Development at the college.

Students from multiple disciplines, including Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Civil Engineering, worked together on the mission. The project involved development of key subsystems such as propulsion, guidance and control, structural and avionics systems, and payload deployment.

According to officials, the rocket's launch will enable scientific studies on atmospheric aerosols to assess spice cultivation effectiveness and analyse temperature patterns in the Kuttikkanam region. A dedicated ground station developed by students will handle mission control and data acquisition.

The initiative is being described as a significant milestone in academic research and innovation. College authorities said it is the first instance in Kerala where an educational institution has undertaken rocket development as part of its academic programme with full student participation.

Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering and Technology functions under the management of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.