In the realm of the India International Science Festival 2023 (IISF 2023) unfolding in Faridabad, a myriad of captivating occurrences has transpired. These encompass a celestial hackathon, an exposition orchestrated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Vigyanika-Science Literature festival, and the construction of diminutive satellites by youthful participants. On the second day of the festival, which unfolded on January 18, 2024, prodigious minds from diverse Indian states collaboratively assembled picosatellites—satellites boasting a mass less than one kilogram—through the meticulous arrangement of distinct components.
These picosatellites were endowed with commercially available sensors designed to gauge an array of parameters, including wind speed, humidity, temperature, pressure, and latitude. Following their assembly, these diminutive satellites were propelled into the firmament by paragliders. Each picosatellite, gracefully borne aloft by two paragliders, soared to an altitude ranging from 100 to 150 meters.
Upon completing a singular orbit, the paragliders adeptly guided the picosatellites back to terra firma. Subsequently, these celestial emissaries undertook real-time measurements of the aforementioned parameters. The veracity of the data procured by these picosatellites is slated for subsequent scrutiny.
Unveiling the import of such endeavors, Manish Purohit, a former luminary of ISRO involved in the Mangalyaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 missions, articulated, “These pursuits serve as a conduit, bridging gaps and affording students the requisite exposure. Moreover, they act as a catalyst, galvanizing the curiosity-laden minds of our youth.”
S Somanath, the Chairman of ISRO, graced the festival on its second day. He bore witness to the ascent of the picosatellites and engaged with the budding scientists, instilling in them a fervor to explore the boundless prospects within the realm of space technologies.
Elaborating on ISRO’s evolution in 2024, wherein it flung wide its doors to startups, metamorphosing into an entity fostering values, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the agency’s chief averred, “We are no longer shrouded in secrecy; instead, our aspiration is to yield meaningful contributions to society.”
Furthermore, he beheld the diverse applications birthed during a 30-hour space hackathon, elucidating that these initiatives stand as pivotal keystones for societal advancement and the edifice of a nation.