For the first time in its history of nano-satellite launching, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) used the indigenously built separation mechanism (ejection system) designed by IIT-Kanpur to release “Jugnu” into space on October 12, 2011. Until now, ISRO had been importing this technology from Canada.
Jugnu is the ambitious space project of students of IIT Kanpur. A team of students has come ahead to work under the guidance of faculty of IIT Kanpur and ISRO scientists to launch India’s first Nano Satellite. Jugnu is India’s first indigenously designed nano-satellite to be successfully placed into its orbit. It was launched by ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C18). The Import cost per nano-satellite launch is around Rs 50 lakh.
These low weights, cost effective Nano-Satellite have significant role to play in the cost reduction, experimentation, reduction in the development and testing time for the new technologies and will significantly change the satellite development activity in the future.
Jugnu Team
The development of the Jugnu started in the year 2008 with a team of 3 students. With time, the team has grown to the size of more than 50 students ranging from 1st year undergraduates to final year postgraduates and 14 professors from different disciplines to complete this challenging mission.
Jugnu Website
It is amazing what your team is capable to do for the satellite communication system. Go ahead in ingenuity and performance to use it for developping countries in the world: agriculture and forest and land protection. Happy new years 2012 to the Students Team.