A group of students at IIT Kanpur have developed a nanosatellite that provides real-time data on
drought, flood, vegetation and forestation.
"This satellite will have specific function of sending imagery on ground conditions. We will set up a tracking station in our institute where we will get the real-time data on drought, flood, vegetation and forestation," IIT Kanpur Director Prof S G Dhande said.
The nanosatellite costed Rs 2.5 crore to develop and will be handed over to ISRO, which is expected to launch it by the end of the year. Santanu Agrawal, an M Phil student headed the successful team of whizkids and named the satellite 'Jugnu'. There will not be any need of a dedicated launch for the satellite as it weighs less than 8KG. Jugnu will simply piggyback on a bigger satellite that launches. Larger satellites weigh in tonnes and have much more complicated electronic components.
"There will be no dedicated launch of this satellite. These kinds of satellites are launched from the belly of large satellites," Dhande said.
In case you're wondering where the nanotechnology comes in, the Jugnu is termed a nanosatellite for its miniscule size and affordable price. A few years ago ISRO began accepting satellites from other countries and colleges and the IIT Kanpur students took it upon themselves to build a satellite. "We took it as a challenge. We thought why should not we develop a satellite and give it to ISRO. Then 20 students got inspired by the idea and started its designing and fabrication," Dhande said.
Nanosatellites are relatively unpopular with Space Agencies across the globe as they primarily focus on larger, much more complicated satellites. Jugnu will orbit close to the earth. IIT Kanpur will showcase the Jugnu when the university celebrates its Golden Jubilee this month.
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