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Talk - Unfolding Space Energy: Accessible Frameworks For Secondary Astronomy

Ratnani Guneet

Department of Physics, K.J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Mumbai

Ratnani Guneet

To explore the universe, we must first capture its light! How do we get secondary students to care about the physics of space exploration? We let them build it! This talk shares a hands on lesson that turns solar panels into a launchpad for STEAM. We simulate the harsh reality of space by testing IR/UV degradation on PV cells, use the inverse-square law to plan outer-planet missions, and fold Miura origami to see how massive arrays fit inside tight rocket fairings. By breaking down the engineering behind systems like iROSA, students move from passive reading to active problem-solving. This practical approach fits right into the heart of IAU OAE 2026, proving that complex space engineering can be taught in brilliantly simple ways.