Ritesh Verma

Overview

Ritesh Verma’s Rocket Project (2024–2025) is a pioneering student-led aerospace endeavor initiated and executed by Indian student and inventor Ritesh Verma. The project gained recognition after a successful science exhibition that led to funding of ₹40,000. The project aimed to simulate a realistic lunar mission with a custom-built solid-fuel rocket, a deployable rover, and integrated telemetry systems—all designed and engineered by Verma himself.

Background

At just 18 years old, Ritesh Verma presented a small-scale satellite and rocket system capable of wireless image transmission using a networked tower at a local science exhibition. The project’s sophistication and ambition drew attention from faculty and judges, earning it both acclaim and funding to develop an advanced iteration.

Development Phases

Initial Concept and Prototype: The initial phase featured a compact rocket system equipped with a basic satellite module capable of image transmission. Despite its simplicity, the design showcased key principles in rocketry, communication systems, and onboard electronics.

Advanced Project – Chandrayaan-Inspired Mission: With additional funding and time, Verma designed a more advanced model inspired by ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3. The updated project included a custom-designed solid fuel rocket, a rover with autonomous capabilities, a lunar lander-style deployment module, working solar panels, a fully integrated flight computer, and thrust vector control using onboard sensors and actuators.

Rocket Specifications

• Total Mass: 4.5 kg
• Thrust: Estimated at 34 kg
• Propellant: Solid mixture of potassium nitrate, dextrose, glycerine, and magnesium powder
• Apogee Altitude: ~500 meters
• Average Speed: 11–12 m/s
• Descent System: Parachute-based recovery system

The fuel mixture was carefully calculated to optimize the burn rate, efficiency, and thrust curve for a stable, high-apogee flight.

Technical Innovations

• Flight Computer and Telemetry: Ritesh designed a custom flight computer capable of thrust vector calculations, real-time sensor integration, data logging and transmission, and stability control via embedded software (C++).
• Lander and Rover System: The module mimicked real-world lander designs, capable of opening a hatch to release the rover. The rover featured self-deploying solar panels, mechanisms to exit the lander module autonomously, roaming capability in a defined perimeter, and live image transmission using wireless protocols.
• Manufacturing: All rocket components were 3D-printed or custom-machined. The rocket body included aerodynamic fins and a strong yet lightweight shell to handle the combustion pressure and maintain stability. The project relied heavily on in-house prototyping, with Ritesh personally handling design, simulation, assembly, and testing.

Educational and Scientific Value

This project holds significance in both educational and engineering contexts, offering a hands-on example of interdisciplinary engineering (mechanical, electrical, software), low-budget innovation in space simulation, and student-level aerospace research. It serves as a working model of integrated rocketry and robotics.

Legacy and Future Goals

Ritesh Verma’s project has inspired peers and educators alike, serving as a model of self-motivated research and scientific exploration at the undergraduate level. His aspirations include entering the field of aerospace engineering, starting a space-tech division within his company, Team Emogi, and developing more sophisticated models, including multi-stage rockets and AI-driven rovers.

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