Kolkata's private school to launch its own nano-satellite

As part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', a private school in Kolkata will launch its own nano-satellite to train its students in space science.

The South Point High School, a part of the MP Birla Group, is all set to launch its own nano-satellite to train its students in space science. The school will name the satellite PriyamvadaSat in the memory of Priyamvada Birla, the former Chairperson of the business group.

Indian Technology Congress Association (ITCA) and South Point High School have signed an agreement to launch the nanosatellite which will be monitored by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The project is a part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' to commemorate the 75 years of India's Independence.

Krishna Damani, the Vice-Chairman of the school's managing committee said, "Students of Classes 11 and 12 will be associated with the project, which is expected to take off after nine months. South Point is among two schools in the country, and the only one in eastern India to take up such a project," as reported by NDTV.

"It 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 in the ever-expanding space arena and allied sectors," he added.

Agreement Details

It includes the design, development, integration, qualification, testing and launching of PriyamvadaSat to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). As per the plan, the functional satellite will be sent to LEO and a classroom model similar to it will be built on the campus.

"Our children will be trained and be part of the designing and fabrication process of the satellite, which will be launched by ISRO from Sriharikota. A ground station-cum-space lab will be set up on the school campus for students to monitor PriyamvadaSat as well as to harvest the data sent by it," he further added.

Read more:

• Kolkata schools call off classes on Thursday due to political programme
• Odisha government plans to upgrade high schools to check dropout rate