[🇧🇩] Space Program in Bangladesh

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UIU Mars Rover selected for URC 2025

The United International University Mars Rover team has been selected in the University Rover Challenge 2025, organized by The Mars Society, which is the most prestigious robotics competition for undergraduate students.

www.newagebd.net

UIU Mars Rover selected for URC 2025
Staff Correspondent 25 March, 2025, 18:46

The United International University Mars Rover team members pose for a group photo on the UIU campus in Dhaka recently. | Press release

The United International University Mars Rover team has been selected in the University Rover Challenge 2025, organized by The Mars Society, which is the most prestigious robotics competition for undergraduate students.

With a remarkable score of 92.53 out of 100 in the System Acceptance Review, the UIU Mars Rover team had secured its place among the world’s best rover teams, said a press release on Monday.

This year’s competition was fiercely competitive, with 114 teams initially competing and 76 teams submitting SAR packages—but the UIU Mars Rover team was selected for the world final round at the Mars Desert Research Station, Utah, USA on May 28-31.

The team was directly supervised by Md Abid Hossain, lecturer from the department of CSE, UIU.

The team will represent UIU and Bangladesh in the final round of the URC 2025 with their advanced technology Mars Rover System. With the patronisation of UIU vice-chancellor Professor Md Abul Kashem Mia and inspiration from well-wishers, the team is motivated to demonstrate their best efforts in the desert of Southern Utah.​

 

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NASA-Bangladesh Agreement

 

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Bangladesh signs Artemis Accords with NASA for non-military space exploration

Bangladesh and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) signed the Artemis Accords on Tuesday, marking a significant step in non-military space exploration. Representatives from the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) and NASA signed the accords on behalf of th

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh signs Artemis Accords with NASA for non-military space exploration
FE Online Desk
Published :
Apr 08, 2025 16:34
Updated :
Apr 08, 2025 16:34

Bangladesh and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) signed the Artemis Accords on Tuesday, marking a significant step in non-military space exploration.

Representatives from the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) and NASA signed the accords on behalf of their respective organizations, reports UNB.

The signing ceremony took place on the second day of the four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka.

Bangladesh Investment and Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Charge D’affaires of the US Embassy Dhaka Tracey Ann Jacobson were, among others, present.

The purpose of Artemis Accords are a practical set of non-binding principles, guidelines, and best practices grounded in the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty), and other existing instruments such as the Registration Convention and Agreement on the Rescue and Return of Astronauts, to ensure safe, transparent, and sustainable civil space exploration.

With a view to promoting space science and technology, Bangladesh established the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization, SPARRSO in 1980. Since then, Bangladesh follows the international rules and norms on the peaceful use of space.

In signing the Artemis Accords, countries have committed to follow these principles, the implementation of which is designed to promote safe, sustainable, and transparent activities in space.

The accords were established in 2020 by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and several other countries.

As of January 21, 2025, 53 countries have signed the accords, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, India, United Arab Emirates, Australia and Several European, Latin American countries. By signing the Accords Bangladesh will be a part of a prestigious international space alliance.

Bangladesh will be benefited in terms of technology transfer, economic cooperation, scientific collaboration through the accords.

It will open the window to cooperate and collaborate between SPARRSO and NASA, and will enhance the current capacity of SPARRSO to accelerate the space mission.

By this collaboration with NASA and other space agencies it will allow Bangladesh to gain access to cutting-edge space technology, satellite systems, and scientific research.

This could also help to enhance Bangladesh’s own satellite Program and future space initiatives.

Bangladesh can accelerate the development of its space research institutions, such as SPARRSO.

It could get technical assistance to develop its own Earth observation and climate monitoring satellites, which are crucial for managing disasters like- floods and cyclones.

Bangladeshi universities and scientists would get opportunities to collaborate with top global institutions on space research and innovation.

Students could benefit from NASA training programs, scholarships, and exchange programs.

Artemis Accords serve as a blueprint for the future of space exploration, aiming to create a peaceful, cooperative, and legally sound foundation for human presence beyond Earth.

Signing of this Accord will benefit the nation and national space programme.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh joins global space research

It is indeed an occasion to celebrate as Bangladesh has become the 54th nation to commit to safe and responsible exploration of space for the greater good of humanity through inking the 'Artemis Accords' with 'National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)' of the USA on the sidelines

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh joins global space research
Published :
Apr 11, 2025 22:44
Updated :
Apr 11, 2025 22:44

It is indeed an occasion to celebrate as Bangladesh has become the 54th nation to commit to safe and responsible exploration of space for the greater good of humanity through inking the 'Artemis Accords' with 'National Aeronautics and Space

Administration (NASA)' of the USA on the sidelines of the investment summit on April 8 in Dhaka. While signing the deal, the official representing Bangladesh did not fail to mention that the country had been following the international norms for peaceful use of space since long. After becoming part of the prestigious international space alliances, Bangladesh can now truly claim its due share of the wealth of space research and its products through collaborative ventures as well as technology transfer.

Notably, the Artemis Accords established by the NASA in 2020 are a set of non-binding agreements aimed at promoting peaceful, cooperative, and transparent exploration of outer space, particularly focusing on activities related to the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. Now, the question may arise if Bangladesh can afford the luxury of rubbing shoulders with nations far advanced in science, especially space technology. Moreover, if Bangladesh, as a member of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and still struggling with its limited resources and a large population to feed, meets the basic requirements to enter the high-tech arena of space exploration! Interestingly, Janet Petro, acting administrator of the NASA, in her virtual message to the signing ceremony of the Artemis Accords, has herself answered the question on our behalf as to why Bangladesh should join space programme forthwith. It would be worthwhile to quote here in her own words in what high esteem she holds the youths of Bangladesh when it comes to their potential as worthy partners from Bangladesh in space exploration with other advanced nations. In fact, she was rather effusive when she said, "The young minds of Bangladesh have shown the world their passion for space exploration", as, "In four of the last six years, Bangladeshi innovators have been global champions in NASA's space apps challenge… I have no doubt we will continue to see extraordinary scientists, engineers and even future astronauts emerge from Bangladesh."

Clearly, it is again the Bangladeshi youths who wrested their country free from the clutches of autocracy through July revolution are also playing a leading role in space science. So, from the older generation's perspective, Bangladesh may still look unprepared to join the space age if not the race. Driven by such globally acclaimed potential and talent of the country's young space scientists, Bangladesh can even benefit from the latest advancements in space technology both in terms of research and its products.

In this connection, it may be recalled how Bangladesh first stepped into the arena of space science through establishing the 'Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARSO)' in 1990. Though the country is still far behind many other nations including our neighbouring India, it would be sobering to remember that all space research had a modest beginning through sending rockets in near space to study changes in the atmospheric conditions as part of the meteorological research. From that point of view, Bangladesh might still be in its infancy in space research. But once the young scientists of the new generation get the opportunity to engage themselves in space research at home in collaboration with their international partners, the day is not far off when Bangladeshi scientists including even local astronauts would be taking part in international space programmes.​

 

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তুর্কি অ্যারোস্পেসের সিইও’র সঙ্গে পররাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টার বৈঠক

তুর্কি অ্যারোস্পেসের সভাপতি ও প্রধান নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা মেহমেত ডেমিরোগ্লুর সঙ্গে বৈঠক করেছেন পররাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টা মো. তৌহিদ হোসেন। শনিবার (১২ এপ্রিল) তুরস্কে অনুষ্ঠিত 'আন্টালিয়া কূটনৈতিক ফোরামের' ফাঁকে এই বৈঠকটি অনুষ্ঠিত হয়। বৈঠকে তথ্য ও সম্প্রচার উপদেষ্টা মো. মাহফুজ আলমও উপস্থিত ছিলেন। পররাষ্ট্র ম

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

তুর্কি অ্যারোস্পেসের সিইও’র সঙ্গে পররাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টার বৈঠক
এফই অনলাইন ডেস্ক
Published :
Apr 12, 2025 21:27
Updated :
Apr 12, 2025 21:27

তুর্কি অ্যারোস্পেসের সভাপতি ও প্রধান নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা মেহমেত ডেমিরোগ্লুর সঙ্গে বৈঠক করেছেন পররাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টা মো. তৌহিদ হোসেন। শনিবার (১২ এপ্রিল) তুরস্কে অনুষ্ঠিত 'আন্টালিয়া কূটনৈতিক ফোরামের' ফাঁকে এই বৈঠকটি অনুষ্ঠিত হয়।

বৈঠকে তথ্য ও সম্প্রচার উপদেষ্টা মো. মাহফুজ আলমও উপস্থিত ছিলেন।

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রণালয়ের তথ্য অনুযায়ী, বৈঠকে পররাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টা তুর্কি অ্যারোস্পেসের সভাপতিকে জানান যে, বাংলাদেশের মহাকাশ প্রযুক্তি ক্ষেত্রে একটি নির্ভরযোগ্য অংশীদারের প্রয়োজন রয়েছে। তিনি আরও বলেন, বাংলাদেশ ও তুরস্ক যদি একে অপরের সঙ্গে সহযোগিতা করে, তবে তা উভয়ের জন্যই লাভজনক হবে। উভয় পক্ষ বাংলাদেশে বিনিয়োগ আকৃষ্ট করতে এবং মানবসম্পদ উন্নয়নের জন্য প্রয়োজনীয় প্রযুক্তি হস্তান্তরের বিষয়ে একমত হয়েছে।

পররাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টার আমন্ত্রণে, মহাকাশ প্রযুক্তির ক্ষেত্রে বিদ্যমান সুযোগ ও ভবিষ্যৎ সহযোগিতা অনুসন্ধানের জন্য সিইওর নেতৃত্বে একটি উচ্চপর্যায়ের প্রতিনিধিদল বাংলাদেশ সফর করতে সম্মত হয়েছে।​

 

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Move over SpaceX. Bangladesh has its own rockets now

Bangladeshi aerospace company DhumketuX has officially unveiled Bidrohi, a domestically built commercial sub-orbital space rocket made in Bangladesh, on 29 April.

www.thedailystar.net

Move over SpaceX. Bangladesh has its own rockets now

Nahiyan Al Rahman ‘Oli’, founder and CEO of DhumketuX with Birdrohi space rocket. Image: DhumketuX.

Bangladeshi aerospace company DhumketuX has officially unveiled Bidrohi, a domestically built commercial sub-orbital space rocket made in Bangladesh, on 29 April.

Named after the celebrated poem Bidrohi by national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the rocket has been positioned by its developers as a symbol of Bangladesh's growing ambition in science and technology. According to DhumketuX, the rocket is intended to reach sub-orbital space and is designed to carry payloads ranging from 35 to 50 kilograms. It stands 6.1 metres tall and uses a two-stage propulsion system which features a solid-fuel first stage and a liquid-fuel second stage.

Nahiyan Al Rahman 'Oli', founder and CEO of DhumketuX said, "We are coordinating with the government for a launch pad of our rocket. The purpose of this rocket launch is commercial. We are going to launch 5 nano satellites (student-designed CubeSat satellites) with it. We are also exploring advertising partnerships involving brand placement aboard the rocket."

About the launch plans with this particular rocket, Nahiyan said, "Bidrohi is a suborbital rocket. It will fly 200 kilometres with 50 kg payload and 281 kilometres with 35 kg payload. Once deployed, the rocket is expected to remain in space for a number of days before returning to Earth via parachute, landing in the Indian Ocean."

Nahiyan also added that DhumketuX is planning to showcase the rocket in 8 different locations across the country starting from Mymensingh.

In addition to its commercial objectives, the Bidrohi mission includes scientific research components. The rocket is expected to carry advanced sensors for atmospheric and climate studies. DhumketuX has also indicated that the mission will feature a symbolic tribute to national heritage, including engravings of 200 million Bangladeshi names on the rocket's upper stage, five national symbols, and a 'secret payload' whose details remain undisclosed.​

 

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A suborbital rocket named "Bidrohi" is designed and manufactured by some ex-students of an engineering college has drawn attention of many in Bangladesh. The video is below:

 

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Dhumketu X, Bangladesh's first private Space agency, is working on making rockets, satellites and drones for Bangladesh. Dumketu X successfully sent a rocket named Puti Mach 01 into space in 2023. Recently they are working on several rocket prototypes namely Dhumketu 06, Dhumketu 07 and 52-৫২। This company has 50 bright engineers who are working on making rocket engine.

 

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The CEO of Dhumketu X has said that he needs funding and policy support from the government to move forward with his company. According to him there is no dearth of talents in the country but there is a serious lacking in policy and financial support from the government.

 

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How to see the meteor shower from Bangladesh between Aug 12-13

The Perseid meteor shower peaks on 12–13 August, offering spectacular views across Bangladesh. Best spots include Cox’s Bazar, Saint Martin’s Island, Bandarban, and Sylhet. Minimize light pollution, adjust your eyes, and enjoy brighter meteors despite moonlight interference.

www.thedailystar.net

How to see the meteor shower from Bangladesh between Aug 12-13

Photo: Collected / Austin Human / Unsplash

Every August, the night sky has a way of humbling us. The Perseid meteor shower returns, reminding us that above the haze of our everyday lives, there's a theatre of cosmic dust and light. This year, on the nights of 12 and 13 August, Bangladesh will have a clear ticket to this celestial display — if you know where and how to look.

Why We See It

As Earth orbits the Sun, the debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet forms the Perseids meteors. The small microscopic particles burn up in Earth's atmosphere at incredible speed, which in turn creates meteor showers.

Photo: Collected / Juskteez Vu / Unsplash

Best Spots in Bangladesh

Light pollution is your biggest enemy here. While you can catch glimpses from any open field in the outskirts of Dhaka, your best chance lies in the quieter, darker corners of the country.

Cox's Bazar: Go to the quiet hilly side of the city and enjoy the show with the ocean on the horizon.

Saint Martin's Island: Far from the mainland glare, with the bonus of ocean air.

Ruma or Thanchi, Bandarban: Higher altitude, less artificial light, and breath-taking horizons.

Lawachara National Park, Sylhet: Dense Forest surroundings to block stray light sources. If travelling isn't an option, find the darkest open field you can — village edges or riverbanks are ideal.

Do's and Don'ts for Viewing

Do: Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the dark — skip your phone during this time. It helps if you bring a mat or reclining chair so you won't have to strain your neck to look up.

Don't: Use bright torches unless absolutely necessary; even brief flashes ruin your ability to adjust to low light. Expect a constant downpour of meteors — patience is part of the show. It is ill-advised to shout out every sighting — share quietly so others don't miss their moment.

Photo: Collected / Tengyart / Unsplash

Why This Year Is Still Worth It

Yes, there's a catch: the Moon will be nearly full, washing out many faint meteors. But brighter ones, including the occasional fireball, will still slice through. If anything, spotting them amid the moonlight feels like earning them.

When Clouds Crash the Party

Bangladesh's August skies are almost always going through overcast spells. If the night turns cloudy, don't waste the trip. You can turn it into a campout, tell stories, or stargaze during any clear breaks. The best memories are created during unplanned moments.​