In a significant boost for India’s technological ambitions, Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, emphasized the critical need for increased research activities across colleges and universities. He highlighted this during a recent event where KL Deemed to be University students proudly launched three innovative satellites they designed.
The Union Minister specifically applauded the K.L. Deemed to be University’s CAN SAT satellite, noting its selection as the sole student-designed satellite from Andhra Pradesh for the upcoming ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ competitions, set to take place in Uttar Pradesh on October 27. Mr. Srinivasa Varma also mentioned ISRO’s commitment to funding various universities, aiming to foster the development of indigenous technologies.
The three groundbreaking satellites launched by the university include:
- **CAN SAT:** This is the only student satellite from Andhra Pradesh to be shortlisted for final experiments by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), ISRO, and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI).
- **KL SAT2:** An enhanced and more advanced iteration of KL SAT 1, designed for sophisticated scientific research, real-time communication, and environmental monitoring.
- **KL ZAC:** Remarkably, the lightest student-built satellite among the trio.
Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma and Assembly Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, alongside the dedicated students, at the launch of the 3iNVOTE satellites at KL Deemed to be University in Vaddeswaram, Guntur.
Assembly Deputy Speaker of Andhra Pradesh, K. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, also addressed the students, encouraging them to pursue impactful research that will contribute significantly to national development.
The research team behind the project revealed fascinating details about the KLSAT 2. It successfully ascended to an altitude of approximately 12 km, breaking through Earth’s gravity, and continued its journey for about 60 km, meticulously collecting data on atmospheric changes and the ozone layer. After an hour and a half in the air, it safely returned to the launch pad. Designer K.CH. Srikavya confirmed that all experiments were conducted with due permissions from Gannavaram and Chennai Air Traffic Control.
Key university officials present at the landmark occasion included Vice-Chairman Koneru Nikhil Karthikeyan, Vice-Chancellor G. Parthasaradhi Varma, Pro Vice-Chancellors A.V.S. Prasad, N. Venkat Ram, and K. Rajasekhara Rao, Registrar K. Subbarao, Dean of Research and Development B.T.P. Madhav, and various deans, directors, and department heads.