At IIT-K,mammoth excitement precedes launch of a tiny satellite

Prof N S Vyas,who has led the team since the inception of the project,told The Indian Express over phone that Jugnu will be riding piggy back on a satellite called Megha Tropiques aboard ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C-18.

“Jugnu has been designed in such a way that it does not require a dedicated launch. It can be carried in the belly of a bigger satellite,” added Vyas.

Nano satellites have been launched elsewhere in the world,but according to Vyas,Jugnu’s launch is the “most complex one”. “We have integrated facilities comparable to bigger satellites on a very small platform,” said Vyas. The ejection mechanism of the satellite has also been developed by the IIT-K team. The team behind Jugnu,comprising over 50 students and nearly a dozen faculty members,has also set up a ground station on the campus to monitor Jugnu’s movement after it is launched successfully in its orbit.

Built at nearly half the sanctioned amount of Rs 2.5 crore,the 3.5 kg satellite is equipped with high definition cameras,state-of-the-art imaging system,a Global Positioning System and other high-end sensors.

The satellite is capable of sending images two to three times a day and can be used for even monitoring flood. While most of the nano satellites last for about six months in the orbit,Jugnu has been designed to last for around one year. “It is a very good piece of indigenous engineering,” claimed Vyas.

Jugnu’s launch was earlier planned to coincide with the institute’s golden jubilee year — 2009-2010. It was later postponed to June this year and the launch date was again shifted to October 12 after several successful tests. The excitement therefore is palpable. An official of the institute said the entire campus is “nearly empty”. “It seems that all of them have gone to Bengaluru to witness the launch,” the official added.

Vyas,who was on his way to ISRO centre said,“Not all,but quite a few of us are here. It is indeed exciting. Of course,there is a bit of nervousness because ultimately the launch should be a successful one.”