At the International Children’s Center “Artek,” the fourth session—titled “Solar Winds of the Universe”—hosted the 10th season of the All-Russian Competition for Young Engineers and Researchers “Sputnik” with international participation. The event brought together 48 finalists from 31 Russian regions and two representatives from the Republic of Kazakhstan, who immersed themselves in an intensive educational program combining theory with hands-on engineering practice.
On April 18, the young innovators successfully launched 11 pneumohydraulic rockets they had designed and built entirely on their own. After assembling their models, completing rigorous safety briefings, and finalizing launch sequences, the teams carried out a flawless series of liftoffs—each rocket soaring 20 to 30 meters into the sky.
“Rocket launches have become an integral part of the ‘Sputnik’ competition’s educational curriculum and a cornerstone of engineering training for school students,” said Sergey Goryainov, Head of the All-Russian Competition “Sputnik” and Director of Student Recruitment and Support at Samara University.
“This format delivers real results: participants don’t just learn theory—they experience the full engineering cycle, from grasping fundamental physics principles to executing a live launch. For some of today’s finalists, this moment could very well mark the beginning of a lifelong passion for science and the first step toward a career in aerospace.”
Artyom Timoshenko, a fourth-year student at Samara University’s Institute of Aerospace Engineering and instructor for the “Sputnik” program’s fourth stage, added:
“The kids did an outstanding job—better than we even expected! Both students and teachers were thrilled with the outcome. Most importantly, the participants gained invaluable hands-on experience and unforgettable emotions. These launches aren’t just demonstrations; they’re practical lessons that vividly illustrate the principles of reactive motion. The students build, test, troubleshoot, and finally launch their own rockets. Their eyes light up as they see immediate results—the thrill of flight makes physics tangible and proves that space is closer than it seems. For future engineers and designers, this kind of experience at Artek is priceless.”
Now past the halfway point of the session, the traditional rocket launch remains one of the highlight events of the anniversary educational program. Organizers and instructors note an exceptionally high level of engagement this season: participants demonstrated deep focus during theoretical sessions and meticulous precision throughout every pre-launch phase.
In this milestone 10th season, the successful liftoff of all 11 rockets served as powerful proof of the finalists’ growing expertise—showcasing not only accurate calculations and technical skill but also seamless teamwork and exceptional preparation. Every launch was a testament to what young minds can achieve when curiosity meets opportunity.
