India International Science Festival 2023: At the India International Science Festival 2023 (IISF 2023) being held in Faridabad, several interesting events have taken place, including a space hackathon, an exhibition by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Vigyanika-Science Literature festival, and children building small satellites, among others. On January 18, 2024, the festival’s second day, children from different states across India built picosatellites — satellites with a mass less than one kilogram — by assembling different components.
The picosatellites were equipped with sensors available in the market. These sensors could measure parameters such as wind speed, humidity, temperature, pressure and latitude. After being assembled, the picosatellites were flown into the sky by paragliders. Each picosatellite was flown into the sky by two paragliders up to a height of about 100 to 150 metres.
After making one orbit, the paragliders brought the picosatellites down to the ground. The picosatellites measured the aforementioned parameters in real-time. Whether the data collected by the picosatellites is accurate or not will be analysed later.
Explaining the significance of such activities, former ISRO scientist Manish Purohit, who was involved in the Mangalyaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 missions, and was also present at the event, said “Such activities bridge the gap. They provide the required exposure to students. Also, these activities will motivate the inquisitive young minds of students.”
S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO, was present at the festival on the second day of the event. He witnessed the launch of picosatellites, and engaged with different students, encouraging them to explore the endless possibilities in space technologies.
Explaining how in 2024, ISRO opened its doors to startups, transforming into an organisation that fosters values, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the space agency’s chief said, “We are no longer a secret entity. Instead, we aim to create meaningful contributions to society.”
He also witnessed various applications developed during a 30-hour space hackathon, and explained that these initiatives are important for societal progress and nation-building.