Bhutan Space Week 2026 Highlights Space Science and Innovation in Honour of His Majesty’s Birthday.

Bhutan Space Week 2026, ongoing from 17 to 23 February at the College of Science and Technology (CST), Phuentsholing, marked a special occasion today, 21 February, coinciding with the 46th Birth Anniversary of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo. The programme highlighted Bhutan’s commitment to space science, innovation, and education.

The day began with a Marchang Ceremony, Zhabten recitation, and offering of butter lamps in honour of His Majesty. Addresses were delivered by the Chief Guest, H.E. D. N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Shri M. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary of the Indian Space Research Organisation, and Prof. Kuruvilla Joseph, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology.

In his address, Lyonpo H.E. D. N. Dhungyel highlighted Bhutan’s space milestones, including Bhutan-1 and the Bhutan–India joint satellite, and reaffirmed the Royal Vision of empowering youth and advancing space science, with the goal of launching an in-house remote sensing satellite by 2027.

Activities during the day included presentations on Bhutan’s Space Programme, a student Space DIY Prototypes Exhibition, and the National Space Challenge, a two-stage water rocket competition. The programme concluded with certificate and prize distribution, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among students, faculty, and experts.

Bhutan Space Week continues to serve as a platform for promoting space science education, innovation, and international collaboration in Bhutan.