A Padma Shri awardee and one of India's most celebrated rocket scientists, Vasudevan Gnana Gandhi is widely regarded as the pioneer of India's indigenous cryogenic rocket programme. During his remarkable career at ISRO, he led the development of the cryogenic upper stage for the GSLV, advanced the VIKAS engine programme, and played a pivotal role in establishing India's self-reliance in rocket propulsion. He currently serves as Senior Vice President – Propulsion at Skyroot Aerospace, where he continues to shape the future of India's space technology ecosystem.

Prof. Dipankar Banerjee is the Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and one of India's leading solar physicists. Formerly Director of ARIES, Nainital, he served as the Co-Chair of the Science Working Group for ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission, India's first dedicated solar observatory. His pioneering research on the Sun and space weather continues to advance India's leadership in solar science and space exploration.

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Prof. Aniket Sule is a scientist at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research – Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR-HBCSE) and one of India's foremost astronomy educators. As the Chair of the International Astronomy Olympiad, he has mentored and guided some of the brightest young astronomy students from across the globe. His work in astronomy education and scientific outreach has inspired thousands of learners to pursue science with curiosity and confidence.

Prof. Sarita Vig is a distinguished astrophysicist and Professor at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram. A former President of the Astronomical Society of India, her internationally recognised research focuses on star formation, infrared astronomy, and the interstellar medium. Alongside her research, she is passionate about nurturing young scientists and strengthening astronomy education across India.

Prof. Umesh R. Kadhane is a Professor at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and Principal Investigator of the Astro-Molecular Physics (AMP) Laboratory. After completing his Ph.D. at TIFR, Mumbai, he conducted research in Denmark and France before joining IIT Madras and later IIST. He has led the development of advanced space instrumentation, serves as the Deputy Project Director for ISRO's High Thrust Electric Propulsion System, and mentors the next generation of scientists through his research and passion for science education.

Prof. Manojendu Choudhury is an astrophysicist and Professor at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, with a research background from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). His work spans high-energy astrophysics, black holes, neutron stars, and X-ray astronomy, while his passion for science communication has inspired countless students to explore the universe through inquiry and critical thinking. He is dedicated to making complex scientific concepts engaging, accessible, and meaningful for young learners.