Kolkata school to launch its own nanosatellite in 2023
It seems we have a new competitor for ISRO in satellite launching. It's called South Point High School, and it is from Kolkata. The school, part of the MP Birla Group, has decided to launch its own nanosatellite in 2023 to train its students in space science. The satellite will be named PriyamvadaSat in memory of the late Priyamvada Birla, the group's former chairperson.
Why does this story matter?
The scientific temper of a society depends a lot on the importance given to science education in school. Therefore, the decision of the South Point school to send its own satellite is bound to make more students curious about astronomy. This model, if applied throughout the country, will play a major role in developing future scientists that take our country forward.
Students of Class 11, 12 will be part of project
South Point High School's satellite mission is part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' to commemorate India's 75 years of independence. The school has already signed an agreement with the Indian Technology Congress Association (ITCA) for the launch. ISRO will monitor the project and launch it from Sriharikota after nine months. Students of Class 11 and 12 will be part of the project.
The school will have a ground station-cum-space lab
The agreement signed by South Point with ITCA includes the design, development, integration, testing, and launching of the satellite to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). While the functional satellite will be sent to LEO, a classroom model will be built on the campus. The school will also have a ground station-cum-space lab for students to monitor the PriyamvadaSat and harvest the data sent by it.
Group of students and faculty will receive training from ITCA
The project "will ensure a greater emphasis on science-based education and experience-based learning to foster an innovation culture and give exposure to the future generation of students," said Krishna Damani, the Vice-Chairman of the school's managing committee. The students will be part of the designing and fabrication process of the satellite. A group of students and members of faculty will receive training from ITCA.
