Indian Institute of Technology – Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur) is likely to launch its nano satellite 'Jugnu' from Sriharikota at the end of September. The announcement was made by an official of the institute today i.e. on August 29, 2011 (Monday).
IIT- K Registrar Sanjeev Kashalkar said that ISRO scientists have given the green signal to the engineering model, while the flight model is being assembled in Bangalore. He mentioned that more than 62 students and faculty members of the institute worked hard to built 'Jugnu' that weighs 3 kg. The satellite will help in gathering information regarding flood, drought and disaster management. He also added that its control room and ground station both will be located at IIT-K.
He informed that the delay in the project was due to the fact that it took some time for the faculty members and students, as it was an indigenously built satellite. He also added that Jugnu is likely to be launched by the end of next September, if everything goes as per their plans.
Furthermore, he said that even though Rs two crore was sanctioned for developing the satellite, the cost was brought down to a lesser amount as the institute came up with indigenous technique. Besides, the satellite which will be in the space for about a year will be launched with the help of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Sources have informed that in order develop the micro satellite both ISRO and IIT-K had signed a MoU in 2008. The data received from 'Jugnu' will be studied with the help of a tracking system installed at IIT-K. Also, the received pictures and information from it will be used for research purpose.
