Russian House marks Sputnik-1 anniversary with space festival in Dhaka

DHAKA, Oct 4: Russian House in Dhaka, in cooperation with the Bangladesh Astronomical Association, hosted a space festival on Sunday to mark the 69th anniversary of Sputnik-1, the world’s first artificial satellite.

The event, titled SPUTNIKFEST 2026, brought together students from schools and colleges in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, along with teachers, astronomy enthusiasts and other guests interested in space science and exploration.

Sputnik-1 was launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, marking a major milestone in the history of space exploration.

The programme featured a photography exhibition highlighting Sputnik-1 and developments in modern space exploration, a science quiz competition for school and college students, a seminar on Russian space activities, a certificate distribution ceremony and a sky observation camp.

The seminar featured Dr Mohammad Jellur Rahman, professor of physics at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET); Dr Rehena Nasrin, professor of mathematics at BUET; Moshurul Amin, chairman of the Bangladesh Astronomical Association; and Alexandra Khlevnoy, director of Russian House in Dhaka.

The speakers delivered lectures on physics and astronomy, encouraging young participants to develop greater interest in science, space research and exploration.

Khlevnoy also briefed the students on fully funded Russian government scholarship opportunities for higher education in Russia, including programmes in aerospace engineering, physics, astronomy and other advanced technological fields.

The festival concluded with a sky observation session, allowing participants to observe celestial objects through telescopes.

The organisers said the programme was aimed at encouraging young people to engage with astronomy and science while providing them with opportunities to learn about space exploration and pursue higher education in science and technology.