BITS Pilani Dubai Campus launches 5 Pico Satellites under the leadership of Moon Man of India

BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (BPDC), one of the UAE’s leading technology and engineering universities has recently launched and tested 5 Pico Satellites using Drone Satellite Launch Vehicle (DSLV) at Sanad Academy, Dubai.

This was conducted under the guidance of Moon Man of India, Padma Shri Awardee and former Director of ISRO’s Satellite Centre- Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, in collaboration with UAE-based Edutech4Space, a pioneer in the field of space technology education. Marking a significant step towards Project MAHASAT.

Pico Satellites started transmitting real-time data of temperature, humidity, pressure, air quality, UV intensity, and orientation. The data were projected on a large smart board for the visitors to have a feel of a real mission control centre.

Dr Annadurai said, “A very concrete academic plan has been devised wherein students of BPDC will be trained to make significant contributions in the field of Space technology of UAE and India. The university will also have its own Ground Station in the near future which will enable students to communicate with their satellites, collect data, analyse it, and create predictions on weather, pollution levels, disaster management etc.”

Dignitaries such as the Chief Guest, Dr Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, Dr. Srinivasan Madapusi, Director of BPDC were present. Along with the faculty members and students of the university.

Speaking at the launch Dr Madapusi said, “Pico Satellites are the future of space exploration, their low cost and relatively quick turnaround time make them invaluable from an education perspective….This is an excellent training ground for developing interdisciplinary skills…Through this hands-on experience in development and management that are critical for training, BPDC is giving next-generation scientists a chance to learn valuable skills.”

30 undergraduate students from BPDC studying in streams such as Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology etc came together to launch the Pico Satellites within 6 weeks of the announcement of Project MAHASAT.

Shrisudha Viswanathan, Founder & CEO of Edutech4Space, said, “With this success, we are now geared to move for Phase 2 which is, ground station installation at BPDC before we finally build the Engineering model and flight model of cubesat.”

Samarth Kalpesh Kumar Brahmbhatt, 2nd Year Electronics student of BPDC said, “Creating the processor of this satellite was my favourite part and made me feel like I am a space scientist.”