Building Nepal’s Space Ecosystem Since 2018
Building Nepal’s Capability
in Space Research, Applications and Policy
NESRA advances space research, applications, education, policy and international cooperation to strengthen Nepal’s emerging space ecosystem.
Since 2018
Nepal’s space community, convened — the First National Space Meet, Kathmandu, 2018.
Who We Are
Building Nepal’s Space Sector From the Ground Up
The Nepalese Space Research Association (NESRA) is an independent, non-profit organisation founded in 2018. Nepal does not yet have a standalone national space agency or a comprehensive national space-policy framework. Relevant capabilities nevertheless exist across NAST, universities, government institutions, private companies and civil society. NESRA works to connect and strengthen this emerging ecosystem through outreach, education and capacity building, research and space applications, policy and ecosystem development, and international cooperation—anchored in a documented track record dating to Nepal’s first National Space Meet in 2018.
Why Nepal
A Unique Geography for a New Space Economy
Nepal’s geography, environmental challenges and emerging technical talent create unique opportunities for space research, applications and international collaboration.
01
Extreme Environments
The Himalayas provide unique high-altitude environments with potential relevance to extreme-environment and analogue research.
02
High-Altitude Science
Nepal’s geography creates opportunities to explore high-altitude astronomy and scientific research infrastructure.
03
Space Applications
Earth observation and geospatial technologies can support disaster resilience, climate monitoring, agriculture and sustainable development.
04
Global Collaboration
NESRA connects Nepalese talent and strategic opportunities with international research, industry and space-sector networks.
Strategic Areas
Our Strategic Areas
NESRA’s four strategic areas are at different stages of maturity — education and talent development is our strongest documented track record; research and policy work is newer and growing.
Space Research & Development
Original research connecting space science to Nepal’s geography, including NESRA’s 2021 policy roadmap presented at the International Astronautical Congress.
Space Policy & Ecosystem Development
Building stakeholder dialogue and evidence into the foundations of Nepal’s emerging space sector.
International Partnerships
Connecting Nepal’s space community abroad — from SGAC-organised events to a 2025 MoU with the Space Industry Association – India.
Space Education & Talent
NESRA’s strongest track record — National Space Meet, SpaceGeneration[Nepal], and technical workshops since 2018.
Documented Legacy
Our Journey
NESRA’s history is built on convening Nepal’s space community and engaging international partners — documented milestones, not aspirations.
- 2018 — Founded NESRA and held the First National Space Meet Nepal, in support of the UN Programme on Space Applications, with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).
- 2019 — National Space Meet of Nepal and the first SpaceGeneration[Nepal] event ran across two full days, including a technical presentation on the NepaliSat-1/BIRDS-3 satellite project by researchers from the Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan, and Guinness World Record holder Captain Um Hong Gil as a featured speaker.
- 2020 — Delivered a hands-on Space Mission Design Workshop with Open Cosmos (UK) at Kathmandu University.
- 2021 — Presented original research, “Roadmap to Promote Nepal’s Contribution to the Space Industry,” at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, Dubai.
- 2022 — Presented at the International Astronautical Congress, Paris — NESRA’s second consecutive year of IAC engagement.
- 2025 — Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Space Industry Association – India (SIA-India).
International Engagement
Documented International Engagement
NESRA distinguishes between formal agreements, historical collaboration, and broader international engagement — each is presented here for what it is.
MoU Signed — 2025
Space Industry Association – India
In July 2025, NESRA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SIA-India, supporting cooperation on innovation, policy dialogue, and partnerships across South Asia’s space sector.
Historical Collaboration — 2019
Space Generation Advisory Council
NESRA co-hosted the first SpaceGeneration[Nepal] event with SGAC in 2019, alongside National Space Meet of Nepal.
International Engagement — 2021 & 2022
International Astronautical Congress
NESRA presented original research at the IAC in Dubai (2021) and returned to present again in Paris (2022).
Featured Work
Featured Initiatives
Strategic Priority — In Development
Everest Aerospace Summit 2026
Nepal’s first major international aerospace and space summit, currently in development.
From Our History — 2018 & 2019
National Space Meet of Nepal
NESRA’s flagship convening event, held in 2018 and 2019, bringing together Nepal’s space community, students, and international speakers.
In Development
Himalayan Space Analog Research
Strategic concept under early development — full programme details to follow.
Insights
Research & Publications
2021 · International Astronautical Congress, Dubai
Roadmap to Promote Nepal’s Contribution to the Space Industry
Anamol Mittal, Prabin Dhakal, Simran Dhoju, Rashbin Lamichhane, Ankit Khanal, Prabin Bhattarai, Vijan Bhandari, Subigyamani Bhandari — paper IAC-21,D5,1,3,x66800, presented at the 72nd IAC, Dubai.
Build the Future of Space in Nepal With Us
NESRA works with space agencies, governments, universities, companies, researchers, and development partners who share a stake in Nepal’s space ecosystem.